Sweat and Tears

Today's tournament was surely something to remember for a long time. I have never felt so much emotion and I have never seen so many people cry, it truly was a great day for everyone. Win or lose, it didn't matter. All that mattered was the amount of effort and support everyone gave. There was so much of these two things, it really made the event such a special one.

Congratulations to Miku-chan and Naoka-chan for receiving their black belts today. Both of them really fought so well and deserved it.

Congratulations to all the other kids and adults who won their events. There was so much team effort and friendship building today it really proved that these kind of events are not just about winning. It's about bonding and it's about support for each other efforts and goals.

Thank you to Shidax president Ken Shida and Shidax staff for providing the location and supporting the event . Also thank you to all the helpers and judges for making sure everything went smoothly. And last but not least thank you to Yamaguchi-sensei for organising and producing yet again another wonderful  tournament.

Wayne.

Rain or shine

It was great to see all the kids class at the Azabu Juban dojo on Friday and Saturday. Though it was raining heavily all day on Saturday so many students came to practice and probably for a good reason.

Coming next weekend (Nov 27th) is the next Mugen Kai Karate Tournament in Shidax Hall. This time it will be team competition and these types of tournaments are always the most enjoyable as there is always lots of laughter and great moments.

Always emotional

It was amazing to be at the Azabu Juban/Hiroo kids grading test today.  Grading tests are always  emotional and thrilling to see. No one is trying to be better than anyone else but themselves. It truly is a self test, to know just how much you can achieve if you have the motivation, the spirit and the support from everyone around you. Those who were there will understand what I am saying. I will leave the photos I took to describe all that is needed.

Wayne.

All photos -> http://www.flickr.com/photos/59151236@N03/sets/72157628110748024/

Azabu-Juban/Hiroo Kids Grading

This coming Saturday will be the next Azabu Juban/Hiroo Kids Grading test. As always, we will see a lot of effort and support from all students and parents. It's great to have something to work for and it seems to get most out of the kids. Once they decide they want something so badly they will try so hard to get it. Not sure why but I think kids can be more determined than adults. As parents you probably know what I am referring to. Kids will put so much effort into getting what they want, and they will do almost anything to get it. We as adults can learn from this trait, as often we give up too soon or not even try when faced with challenges.

Anyway, I hope to see you all there this Saturday at the Azabu Juban Dojo to cheer on for the kids.

Location: Azabu Juban Dojo
Date:       November 12th
Time:      16:00 - 18:00

New Kids on the Block

There were many kids today at the Azabu Juban branch for practice. Today, it was Taka-Sensei teaching the class with Mai-sensei assisting.  It was so good to see so all of them trying hard and helping each other out. I notice there are so many new kids members and especially brother and sister teams. Such a wonderful thing to see a many family members and that just shows how much influence Mugen Kai has on that aspect. As with any family, we support each other as much as we can no matter how much sacrifice it takes. We put family members first at all costs. With Mugen Kai it is so similar, we always focus on putting our colleagues first, helping them improve and provide motivation. Support and care is everything and that is why I love the most about being apart of this community.

I will definitely take more 'brother & sister' pictures from now on. For today's class, I managed to get a nice photo of Jason and his younger sister, Nicole as the feature photo. They both are really enjoying themselves at practice and I am sure there is a lot of talk at home regarding Karate since their mom also has recently become a member!

Wayne.

[Other random photos]

4th Mugen Karate Exhibition - The trying aspect

I have to say from all the Mugen Karate exhibitions that I have been to, this one has to be the most exciting and thrilling one so far. There were so many wonderful performances from all ages and levels. I am sure it made all parents and friends very proud and I am sure it would be something to talked about for a long time ahead.

There were a lot of great moment during this day, but for me, the one that moved me the most was the pure trying aspect. People not being able to break planks of wood the first time, then seeing them trying and trying over and over again with all the loud support from everyone was the most touching thing. It really shows how strong the community is in helping and supporting each other. No matter where you come from, how old you are, or even how unskilled you think you are, the strongest aspect of it all is the support and friendship you get from this small yet caring community.

I want to say thank you as always to Yamaguchi-sensei for organizing a memorable day for all of us. Thank you to Shidax for sponsoring the whole event and also thank you all the helpers to made it just that much more special.

Wayne