Sensei Dave asked me to address you all this month. I
would like to first thank everyone for their acceptance of myself within
your group. It warms my heart to see such a devoted, patient, dedicated
class. It is a rare thing to see in the days of the American McDojo.
I would also like to commend you all on your humility
as students. I am sure Sensei Dave has told you, when I came up, we used
quite a few more belts than you do. Even then, there were times when
wearing the same belt every class for months on end became a bit
redundant.
However, my message tonight is not simply to
compliment the class. You all deserve the accolades, but there is, in
truth, a method to my madness.
There is one thing I have noticed about the class
that I would love to see improved upon. You are all hungry for
knowledge, and willing to learn… but far too quiet. Commands, responses,
"Hai Sensei" and "No Sensei" should be said with confidence, with your
head held high.
The words you speak in class are Japanese, and should
be spoken like a clap of thunder. Do not be afraid to let the rest of
the class know you are alive. Do not be afraid to let yourself know you
are alive, either.. It goes back to the principles of the Kiah. A Kiah
is known as a Spirit Shout. It is to express one's energy and one's
focus. This is the same with opening and closing bows, as well as
calling out of exercise names, or kata.
Be loud, let your voice bounce off the walls and come back to hit you
in the chest. Be loud enough that the only voice you hear is your own,
even with the rest of the class saying the same thing all around you.
