Dear Students, Teachers and Parents,

I wanted to give you a quick reminder that the new schedule goes into
effect this week at the main school. Please call Dawn at 598-0398 if
you have any questions or pick up a new schedule at the dojo. The new
sparring classes start this Friday, if you are planning on attending
please bring your sparring gear.

Lesson of the Week – Giri



The concept of "Giri" contains elements from words like loyalty,
duty, responsibility and obligation. In America this is a hard
concept to explain because most of our citizens are brought up very
individualistic and not taught the concept of duty or obligation.

How does a person repay one's parents for bringing them in the world?
This precious gift that we call life, what is the true value? What
method of payment is considered adequate?

Well, these questions may seem silly, but in reality one does not
simply write a check for $10,000 when they turn 18 years of age and
call it even. If you recognize that you are born into this world with
a debt to pay, then we can begin to look at proper behaviors that are
congruent with the repayment of this debt. For example, bringing
honor and respect to the family name is one method. Anything we do
that brings honor to the family is seen as a credit and anything that
we do that dishonors the family does not go towards repayment of that
debt. We have certain responsibilities and obligations within the
family, such as taking care of siblings, respecting our parents, and
doing the right thing for the benefit of others that are all a part
of being a member of the family.

In the martial arts, the concept is very similar. Most people
understand that training in the martial arts is a life changing
experience, one that has a tremendous value. In fact, no matter how
much you try, you will never totally repay your teachers for what you
will learn from classical karate. Your school is an extended family.
Those sempai (higher ranking students that help you through the
learning process) are seen as older brothers and sisters, and take on
the duty of helping you along the path as their sempai did them. In
the dojo, the beginning of life is perceived as having begun when you
put on that while belt and began your training. The person that takes
you in and takes you to black belt is seen as a father and is given
the respect of that position. Although we may never completely repay
our debt to our teachers, or their teachers, it is our duty to try.
The method of repayment is by what we do and what we say.

In order to show respect to the art, we always show respect to those
above us and those below us. We strive to exemplify the traits of a
warrior by working hard, striving for excellence, and by being
compassionate. Whenever faced with a decision, we always ask
ourselves, "What is the right thing to do that will bring honor to
the school and my teacher?" We teach the art to others, because it
was taught to us. We bow to the dojo and to our classmates because it
shows that we understand respect and duty. Black belt excellence is
one element of giri, for yourself and for your
organization.

Respectfully,

Terry Bryan