Sensei's talk

Looking back on the talk that Sensei gave on the 9^th of January 2008

James Richtsmeier

Looking back on the talk that Sensei gave on the 9^th of January 2008. I still feel that those that did not attend missed an incredibly valuable experience. It is not often that an instructor, who has the amount of experience that our Sensei has, gives personal insight on how one can become a better martial artist. Sensei basically took a large portion of the class to explain some of the important experiences that changed his martial arts career for the better and what we could do to become better students of karate.

Paul West was kind enough to say a few words with regard to Sensei’s credibility as a karate teacher. He stated that Frank Kushner had been studying under Heidi Ochai and was an instructor when he was a white belt. He stated that Sensei knew as much or was as good as his teacher was when he decided to open his own school. He made a point to express to all of us to value how lucky we are as students to study under Grand Master Frank Kushner.

Sensei opened his talk with regard to improvement at the advanced level. He stressed not to force improvement. Improvement will come naturally but only after attentive relaxation, a great deal of diligence, constant repetition and attention to form. Essentially the key idea was, don’t think, just do it. He explained that he happened upon this realization by accident and has helped him to continuously improve ever since.

Sensei also gave two examples where he was forced to defend himself and showed the merits of how courtesy can help you to make effective choices, when faced with a difficult situation. He showed the importance of how self defense is not only physical but also psychological as well. The outcome of both situations proved to be great learning experiences that he shared with us.

He stated that karate has lasting merits; karate will help you through the toughest times in your life. The death of his mother was a very difficult time for him and he explained how karate helped him stay connected to all of the ethical beliefs that his mother held dear, and this helped him move forward with his life and accept her death. Karate helps him to keep a little bit of her with him everyday.

Sensei gave an explanation of a training session that he set for himself, which included hundreds of push ups, stance work and a great deal of time allotted for meditation. He wanted to make sure that we knew that he puts as much thought and time into his own training as he does to that of his students. We should all learn from his example.

I should have videotaped what he said so that other people who missed it could see it.(Arrg!) As a witness to these events, I can only express the fact that what he revealed to us was very moving, personal and very important for the development of all his students. If Sensei makes time to give another one of these talks make sure that you make time to attend regardless of your rank. He does it for all of us and we should show our respect and value for what he teaches us and be present when he has his next talk.