New Senior Notebook

I have made some small changes to the Senior Lists. Essentially, the changes are consolidations. For example, where two different techniques were being taught with the same name, such as seoi nage, I have consolidated them under one technique and will teach the other version as a variation instead of a separate technique.

This leads me to make some suggestions about note-taking. A student's notebook should be an evolving reference. As a student learns techniques, he or she should take brief notes during class that are later transcribed into more detailed notes as soon as it is convenient to do so. As time marches on, and the student practices and teaches those techniques to others, the notes will not need to be so detailed and can be revised to include just key reminder phrases. I have found that putting my notes on my computer allows me to revise them easily, and provides an excellent backup for lost notebooks.

Very nice link, Frank!

Frank Niles sent me an E-mail with the following video linked.  Very nice techniques applied with a lot of gusto.  You should recognize all the techniques if your Blue belt or above.

Amy, myself, and both of our kids recently returned from California, where we participated in Ohana 2010.  It was a blast.  I particularly enjoyed Professor Chubb's Shoshin Ryu Jujitsu Clinic.  I also had the great pleasure to participate in Professor Jon Jacques's Hanbo Clinic, some Shinnin, Oku, and various other clinics.

Newsletter

The latest Shoshin Ryu Newsletter is available. Just click on the link.

Of note, my good friend, Professor Jon Jacques, has announced his retirement from the board of Shoshin Ryu Yudanshakai. I have known Jon for about 35 years. He is a man I respect deeply, and has been inspirational in my time as a student of Danzan Ryu. His sense of fraternity, and loyalty are legendary. I look forward to personally thanking Jon for his service when I see him again next month.

Luau Baby!

Shoshin Ryu Maine will be hosting its first Annual Summer Party on July 18th, at Sensei Rich's house. The theme is Hawaiian this year. We will start at 2 PM and go 'til roughly 8 PM, unless compelled by the Hawaiian Party gods to proceed later.
We will be having a fun work out, swimming in the pool, a Hawaiian style Bar-B-Q, and some games for the yonen (children) afterwards.
Bring whatever you want to drink, and one large Hawaiian-themed dish to share. I will be roasting pork and chicken on the spit. For the adults, we have a blender...

Parents and siblings are welcome. Each person should bring a gi (if a student), bathing suit, towel, camp or folding chair, and a change of clothes (Hawaiian style, if you have it--colorful, if you don't).

RSVP by email, please, using the link on the right. I will send directions to my home when I get the e-mail.

Also, it would be helpful if people who are planning to attend would comment in the comment section about what they are planning to bring as a dish to share. Things we need for sure:

1) Chips and salsa
2) Garden salad
3) Fruit salad (think pineapple, people!)
4) Hot wings
5) Rice dish
6) Pasta salad
Otherwise, be creative!

This party will replace our usual Sunday workout that weekend.

Victims of our own success

Last Thursday, we had 13 junior students in class. I love working with the kids. They require a lot of attention, however, and so we will be making a change to the schedule. Everyone will start at 6 PM as usual. The youngest kids, though, will be excused at 6:45. The oldest kids (including the adult kids) will have my undivided attention until 7:30. This has the effect of extending class by 30 minutes for any senior students who care to participate.

The Sunday schedule will stay the same. Our next scheduled Sunday falls on Easter, so there will be no class.

Part II of the video series on "Perfecting the Shoulder Throws" is attached. His throws are picture perfect. Notice that even though Sensei Katanishi bumps uke backward, the kuzushi is all toward uke's front. Simply awesome.

Sunday Workout

We had an excellent workout this morning. We worked Seoi goshi pretty hard on and off through the morning. In Kodokan Judo, this throw is called morote seoi nage. I found an excellent training video, featuring Hiroshi Katanishi (7th Dan), from which I borrowed heavily for the training session this morning. You will notice the video is in french. Key points that might not be readily apparent include the importance of staying on balance when doing the entry and exit drills. I will include sequel videos to this over the next couple weeks. The home work is to do ten sets of entries to each side per day, for at least five days of the week.

Also, I have added a link to the order form for our new T-shirts and Sweat shirts. Print it out, fill it out, and give it to me with a check.

Lastly, if you have not renewed your Shoshin Ryu Yudanshakai membership for 2010 yet, please do so now. Remember, membership is mandatory for this class. There is a link to the SRY website on the right. Renewing is easy. They do accept Paypal. If there is a problem with membership, please let me know.