Random Photo's.... (^^)

Hello Everyone, 

I do not share much of my other activities here but since this is not just a blog for Kyokushin, I would like to start by sharing some random picture's from 2010. 

The small bowl above is called "Makkori" a traditional Korean sake. Sweeter version of Japanese one so by the time you feel tipsy, usually you are already drunk. This was a home made one at my Japanese uncle's restaurants.  

This is my aunty- my mother's sister. She is amazing really for her age. Can you believe she is in her 80's? 

As naughty as any preteen can be, our son is being prepared for the buzz. 

More to come.... soon... 

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2011....!

"Most people live their lives on the surface of their being, exposed to the touch of external influences. And when they meet some unpleasant being behaving just like the way they behave, they become extremely upset.

You must always step back into yourself. This means that you must learn to go deep within.

The problem here arises out of their being not used to stepped back.

Why, allow yourself to be influenced by superficial forces of the external world?

Even if you are in hurry of doing something, step back for a while. You will be surprised at how much sooner or easier you can accomplish your work with greater success.

Even if someone is angry at you, do not get caught up in his or her vibrations. Simply step back, and his or her vibrations, finding no feedback or support, will dissolve.

Always keep your peace within.

Resist all temptations to lose it.

Learn to go deep within before you speak.

Teach yourself to step back before you make a decision.

All that which belongs to this material world is useless and temporary so there is nothing really worth getting upset about.

That which is lasting, eternal and infinite is indeed worth having, worth striving for, worth attaining.

Divine Light,

Divine Love,

Divine Life,

are worth attaining as Supreme Peace, Ananda and mastery over egoistical dimension.

Practice inner peace, so that when you call on the Divine Force and as you await for the answer, you will know exactly what to do.

Be the inspiration.... find Divinity in all beings.

If you cannot see the divinity in them, free them from you. "

Excerpts from "Words of my Perfect Teacher". 

Some Pictures to Share.

Hello everyone... ^^ I hope you are having a wonderful holiday. Just sharing some photo's... 

One of the bars we had the event held for my book signing. 

This was the "ceiling" of the alley we had to walk through to get the cafe bar. It was just so beautiful. 

This is one of the up and coming artist. The gallery owner also happen to host Sosai's calligraphy writings here before. 

Visitors.

Lovely people visited me from Hungary.... Arpad,  the man next to me is such a lovely, endearing person. All of them are great people and they all love Sosai's Kyokushin so much.

Meeting with variety of people from all over the world is one of the perks working for Kyokushin... it really reinforces Sosai's greatness.

Have a lovely Christmas Holiday....(^^)/
This is one of the trees in Tobu Department Store near Honbu. This one is made from used pet-bottles.

This one is made from colored papers... is it not amazing.?! Eco X'mas.... (^0~)

Keeping Criticism in Check.

I was asked about criticism in general and how I handle them.

I am no expert on it, but I certainly have gotten a lot of critique and I can honestly say, it has been a good catalyst to strengthen weaknesses. People generally will not tell you your shortcomings to your face. So whenever criticisms are dished out,  I see and take it as an opportunity to better the situation. However, you must determine first if the criticism is from a gossipy place or from a genuine concern.

When our Kyokushin journey started I had very little "immunity" to critique in general. Unfounded gossips really corroded my heart. But over time I learned there is a place for criticism and good can emerge from it.  I now say, "Don't come to me with your problems if you can't offer a solution".

Many bicker at each other but generally they offer nothing for which they are complaining about. Many has come to us with the same bad blood in them, which helps no one. So the first exercise I offer them to do is to think about the"why's" before they start speaking. "Why do I want to complain?" "Why am I speaking about this Branch chief?", "Why should I be the one to run a national tournament?". When you inquiry why you do things, and what motivates you to do them, it cuts the desire of "wanting" to do in half. Because the magic is knowing every intention and every motivation should come from a place of comfort, not fear.

The next step is, "Don't say it if you can't say it to their face".  You gotta tell it like it is. We can have tact and diplomacy but honesty is the only way to really go forward. It can be brutal, there is nothing frilly about it, but that is just how it goes.  I try to keep it short and simple and I say as a note for improvement. Nothing more, nothing less.

When one is on the receiving end of the critique, it can be hard to hear. But mentally train to see what is really is. First thing I ask myself is, does this person's opinion even matter? If it does, I will listen with the intent for a good change.