Thank you sensei/ Dr Robinson for your feedback.. I dont know you, or dont remember you (im sorry).. since I have been driving, I have realized just how BIG Florida is.. Pensacola is closer to Texas than Florida.. We live in a BIG, beautiful country.. I am so so blessed to have this opportunity to realize it.. I am happy to be where I am, but as I have stated... FJI comes before me.. never I allow judo to suffer because of my situation.. (humble bow, sensei) --- On Sun, 7/12/09, Robin0305@... <Robin0305@...> wrote: From: Robin0305@... <Robin0305@...> Subject: Re: [Florida_Judo] Important FJI Promotions update To: flajudo@..., Florida_Judo@yahoogroups.com Cc: baldg5@..., wrightearl15@..., dustymars@... Date: Sunday, July 12, 2009, 3:34 PM Greetings:   Most of us "Volunteers" are in a similar situation insomuch as our primary duties in life are concerned. Although I have been closely involved with the administration of Judo programs and the such for close to 60 years, it is still not the most important concern in the overall scheme of things, but does run a close second.   That being said, I developed my own Judo rank promotion calendar of opportunity here in Pensacola that serves both the rather large membership (115 active) and the coaching staff. I am not suggesting that you do the same, but merely I am offering what I do to avoid delays or criticism from those who's hand prints do not touch the promotion system for the ASJJA or FJI.   Simply stated, I promote students on a semi-annual basis PERIOD!  I use the April - May and August - September time frames. It works very well, no complaints nor should there be when senior management takes charge.   As for criticism such as what you mentioned, perhaps you need to develop a tougher skin and ignore these personal invasions on your valuable accomplishments to the FJI. Just shrug them off and carry on. Like you said, no one else is complaining! We are all tested from time to time. It goes with the territory.   I suggest that you withdraw your resignation and continue to do the good job that you have been doing and let the "Nay Slayers" find something else to complain about and most assuredly, they will.    The subject of promotion has been and continues to be in the US and elsewhere a mill stone on the necks of coaches who emphasize performance rather than promotions. I have lost so called good friends over the issue of promotions because some have more or less insisted that they should be more than what they are in terms of Judo rank! That is too bad and unfortunately a loss of both sides.   Again, someone needs to take charge and set the record straight without losing the integrity that goes hand in hand with responsibility.   Your problems are not unique. Either fight or flee, but live with whatever final decision you make. You might consider developing a sub-committee to assist you in picking up the slack and helping with the admin, research, etc.   R/   Dr. H. G. Robby Robinson, Hachidan, LM-22, USJA FL041/USJF/USA Judo USJA Regional Director of Development, N. W. Florida  Senior Technical Advisor and Coach & Examiner Founder, Armed Services Judo & Jujitsu Academy, est 1985 Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida 32507 USA Mobile 850-390-0254 www.asjja.com   “Courage is the discovery that you may not win, and trying when you know you can lose."     In a message dated 7/11/2009 5:00:26 P.M. Central Daylight Time, flajudo@... writes: Hello all my judo friends.. As many of you already know, due to tough economic times, I am now driving am 18 wheeler 48 states.. I stay out 4 weeks, then come home 4 days.  The 1st priority of mine was to tend to FJI promotions business, then cut my grass, etc.. At the request of Lou Buttitta of Tampa Judo, who feels that I am not doing my volunteer job In a timely manner,  I have tendered my resignation to our president, Gerry Navarro.  I will be bringing all FJI records and pending applications to him at the Jr US Open on July 31.  I will referee that event.  Since I started driving, I have been asking all senseis who promote through FJI their feedback about my situation..  Until now, I have not heard any negatives.  I love judo and put FJI's needs above my own.  I never wanted FJI to suffer because of my issues, that is why I have resigned. Since FJI has no promotion secretary at this time, I cannot tell you where to send your applications.  I would however like to nominate Lou Buttitta to step up and take the position for FJI. Sincerely, Mike New National Referee Former FJI Promotions Secretary   Dr. H. G. Robby Robinson, Hachidan, LM-22, USJA FL041 USJA Regional Director of Development, N. W. Florida  Senior Technical Advisor and Coach & Examiner Founder, Armed Services Judo & Jujitsu Academy, est 1985 Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida 32507 USA Mobile 850-390-   Dr. H. G. Robby Robinson, Hachidan, LM-22, USJA FL041 USJA Regional Director of Development, N. W. Florida  Senior Technical Advisor and Coach & Examiner Founder, Armed Services Judo & Jujitsu Academy, est 1985 Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida 32507 USA Mobile 850-390- Looking for love this summer? Find it now on AOL Personals.