Elders vs the Juniors.

Recently, I found myself sitting across from men who are already taking on the early bird special.

They reminded me of those old gentlemen on yachts by the.... Where people do those kind of life very world apart from the life my father had lived. World apart from where most of us live!

I say it in a jocular way because the meeting itself was so terrible. I had to look to humor really.

One man in particular, is now living his life high on the position he and they, gave themselves after leaving one particular group. When they learned they meant very little to this "leader", it seems  they threw a tantrum and decided to give  themselves a illusionary importance with, guess what, making a new organization with the name Kyokushin in it. Their theory is, since they trained and worked under  Sosai for 49years (some number that is a lot)  they are entitled to do whatever they liked with my father' s intellectual properties.

Of course, we all do consider them as "somebody's" . I mean, they were part of my fathers history , no matter how small or big their placements were considered. My father had that special ability to make people feel special, which gets misinterpreted as they being special.

Now today I met with the younger generation. They are enthusiastic, forward-thinking and polite. However, they have very little patience for the "older people" who are titled Shihans now who lived the era with my very own parents, and have very little respect or admiration for those who caused "more break up to make money",   as they put it.

They too, have their badge of honor, champion their established tournament résumé and their black belt certificates they received from numerous groups all using some connection to Sosai.


I can't help but wonder. Which came first?

Did the seniors who could have made proper rule and made an example to the juniors, screw up? Or is just the younger one's feeling the connection to Sosai and therefore, can detect the seniors who misrepresent themselves? Are the younger generation more keen to seeing, what is real and what is a foe?

Going straight to the Source.

Never deal with underlings. They get in the way of natural process. And usually, they screw things up with their over zealous wish to be recognized as a person of importance.

This happens as they don't receive proper guidance.

They don't adopt a guru. And when one does not have a guru, arrogance and uncertainty takes over more strongly.

We all deal with this internally but what we do with the outward ones? Ones that comes from external factors.

As yoga we need to observe and trace it back to where it came from, yourself.

As business, protection of our boundaries is necessary. Do not let them ride on the coattail of your hard work. The bigger you become three dimensionally, more honest discrimination is necessary.

It is an ever balance-finding-act which requires strong discrimination. In the end everything is just between you and Atman.

-words of my perfect teacher

Not Worried.

During my recent trip, I was asked if I worried because "shihan" status people left Honbu since last year.

It never occurred to worry, primarily because they did not do much. Few of them were actually hindering and stalling the younger one's in an effort to keep them in line. Each of us have our own to tell so I can't speak for them but for me, I feel more aware of what is happening because now we are able to speak directly to the grassroots.

It is always easier to leave than to make things right. So quitting midway is kind of a loser mentality in my opinion. I hear stories now, after their departure, that their reasons differ to what was discussed to us. But that just comes to show they did not have what it takes anyway.


Sometimes, things do not work out for the best... And that is okay too. (^^)/

Inspiration of the Day.....!

"Life always gets better when I treat myself better." Robert Holden. With the hectic lifestyle we all tend to have it is so important to stop and bring all the awareness back to yourself . Just simple breathing helps me get thru the commotion! This quote always helps me understand what is easily overlooked. My father always took time to do calligraphy, some reading and journaling to wind down. It left an lasting impression on me to see how he conducted his day. And he was a very popular man(^^)!

In Ikebukuro.

Yesterday was very quiet but today was completely different story! There was streams of people already back for shopping and other amusement!

Picture taken at the East exit of Ikebukuro Station. In case some may not know, Ikebukuro is the station where Honbu is located. The address is West Ikebukuro (^^)/

Again at the my father's gravesite- A New Year visit!

Just showing some of the "Osechi" cooking. a traditional new year day cooking. The theme of the dishes are related to health, happiness and prosperity for the coming year and prepare to be eaten on the first day of January (^^)/ . It was Suzuki who did all the preparing... hehe... 

Happy 2012....!

How is your first day in 2012?

It is going to be an amazing year of bliss and servitude for me... I can feel it! It is so nice to do what you love- I feel so blessed to be doing the things I love!

I hope all of you will receive the result you wish for this year.... ! Be flexible and flow with the wind and adapt....be open to the new changes....!

And remember, eating the right food also makes the right mind....(^^). This is a tray of organic food- brown rice, sesame powder, pickles, miso soup, spinach, chick peas and potatoes, lotus root sautee and soy-mayo cucumber salad.... (^^)/

I hope to see you all again in 2012 Mas Oyama Memorial Cup....!

Last thought for 2011.

“The cause of all our troubles is self and separateness and this vanishes as soon as Love and the great knowledge of Unity become part of our natures.”  
-Dr Edward Bach  

End of 2011(o^^o)！

How is everyone's end of the year cleaning coming along?

We cleaned Honbu and the Shrine yesterday and today all of us went to Gokokuji Temple where mother and Sosai is resting(o^^o)

I really want to thank each of you and thank you so much for supporting us!

Here are some picture's from the temple....

We found this cute flag of...... Aruba? Let us know where this is from! Whoever this was, we really appreciate your visit to the Oyama grave. 

This is the MAIN TEMPLE where the Dalai Lama prayed in.... is it not amazing to think Sosai and mother is resting in the temple where HIS HOLINESS visits?! 

Flag of Japan. 

The entrance of the Gokokuji Temple- By the way this is the back of my son- I still can't believe the boy I referred to as my "pea" is growing so much~~~!

Dentist.

My father was meticulous about his teeth cleaning. Brushing, flossing and monthly check up was norm for him, even ducking between his busy schedule.

He always had time for breakfast and most dinners with family, morning Uchideshi chorei (朝、礼) literally translates to morning / courtesy
and always, always brushing his teeth thoroughly after each meal.

There is a ritual my yoga teacher made us all do call Mauna. It means cleansing for a short period of time, like not speaking. This particular one I practiced a lot was to "clear the mouth". Aside from the removing the food debris, gossiping really tarnishes your mind, starting from the mouth.

When yoga practice commences- all students have washed their hands, feet and their mouths. If possible bathing is preferred. But this shows the importance of cleansing certain areas more so than others.... (o^^o)


I was always amazed by how mindful and dedicated he was to even the
most seemingly ordinary things. I guess as the saying goes, cleanliness is godliness (o^^o).

What is Shoshin?

Helloo~

So I was asked what my thoughts are on the meaning of the word
Shoshin" is. The word itself, 初心 is literally translated to "Beginning" and "Heart".

I have heard people ramble on about humility and being humble etc... etc... but I always feel the heart of Shoshin, Beginner, is that spark you feel in your being. That little twinkle of curiosity and the knowing of not-knowing is what makes us feel like beginners. Of course this leads to being humble- understanding with our heart that we are just a beginner is humbling!

Sosai always had that beginners curiosity and zeal to learn and deepened whatever he set his  mind to. Which made him a student forever. And how glorious it that? To be a teacher as well as a student (^^)/.

My Beautiful Trip to Poland.... (^^)

I think flying disturbs my prana or something- I could not seem to function (barely) with my usual rhythm... I wanted to share my trip to Poland blog as soon as I got back! So here it is....

I was first blown away by how beautiful the city of Warsaw was. I think the landscape plus the night fall vision played some magic to my eyes- I started reminisce the movie "The Pianist"!!! So my mind was off to wonderland.

The hotel I stayed in had the best pillows!!!  I know that kind of sounds funny but I slept so well because the pillows were just heaven!

The next day, a lovely young lady M, we will call her- took me to a Museum. I was not aware of the national holiday but it was Independence Day. I was so moved by what I saw and learned.

Unfortunately I lost my camera few weeks ago- (tears) so I took some picture's on my phone but it was not as inspiring to take them... (sigh).

The food was lovely too! I was warned by the ever cautious hubby of mine, that I will have difficult time finding vegetarian food. I found salad bars and Perogi? Pierogi? sorry I can't spell right... but that was another heavenly experience! I had it every day of my stay there.... lol. They made some without the meat and replaced it with mushrooms and cottage cheese (I think) . It was delicious!

From a work perspective, I had a strained meeting. But every person I have met so far from Poland is so lovely. I felt at ease. Even students from another group seems so nice and humble and sweet. Ha!

I must thank Sensei Tadeusz and Sensei Richard (plus the lovely Jacob san and Beatrice....!) for traveling 8 hours or so by car for the meeting!!! This trip I had to be in Warsaw for the job I have- so I could not move as freely as I would have liked. But thanks to them, they did not show any sign of fatigue or exasperation and went straight to work! Amazing!




Anyway, back to my rambling. In Tokyo and being a vegetarian, I don't really see like this, fully shaped chicken- (is that the correct term?) . So I had to take picture's when it was served at our Mr. Tomasz Boruc residence....! wwww


*The pictures below are posted in random orders.

 My heart melted with this little girl.... (^^)//

 I was just admiring the rows of fruit juices at a deli......

 Usually I stay away from sugars but this was a yummy ice cream sundae......

 Lovely salad with pesto dressing at the mall...... it was a great shopping mall.....

                                             Mother Mary......

 The plaque outside the museum......

     This is the chicken I was talking about!!! Courtesy of the Boruc Family.... (^^)

 The Polish IKOK.... and they are such great people who loves my father's legacy. I am so appreciative of their love for Kyokushin. I am truly inspired by them. From the left: Maciek, Sensei Tomasz, Horaitu Sensei is the ECC from Romania, beautiful Beatrice and Mr. Czepczak who came to Japan this fall, Sensei Richard, Jacob and Sensei Tadeusz.

                          The ticket from the museum I visited on the Independence Day....

              Hand made Tiramisu by the lovely Mrs. Agnes Czepczak...... it was so nice. ^^/
     

I actually left my yoga mat (and equivalent for leaving your dogi for me) with one of the Dojo Operator's because I am already planning to return to Poland~~~!

Nic' s Book.

Hello Everyone~ !

So Nic Pettas, one of the last graduating Uchideshi of my father- finally published his book here in Japan.

The English version is coming out soon?

I think this is great way to continue parampara- the continuation of the teacher's presence through teachings or "words".

After Sosai's passing, there has been quite few stories of people fabricating taking part of the Uchideshi program, so this is a great way to set the history straight.

Don't find fault. Find a remedy.- Henry Ford.

"A man is as only as good as the partner he chooses. " - Anonymous.

Having the right mindset for the job requires certain ability of self-evaluation. I see a lot of times the deal between people do not go through because they are too focused on the fault, not the remedy.

Having the right mindset requires the ability to look at yourself. And to take responsibility.

There is no point in speaking to people who cannot actually take responsibility especially when it is not even their place to make choices for other's that are potentially affected by it.

Ironically, those are the one's who jumps in to have their voice heard!!!

What is Bliss?

"Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors where there were only walls." - Joseph Campbell

The bottom line is, every decision I make I always have to enjoy making it. Even the hard, uncomfortable one's. I think I would have had brain aneurysm by now had I not learned to enjoy even the most vicious, painful, eye-opening event coming my way. (No, I am not a masochist).

All the while I struggled to get by in my earlier years, my yoga teacher always reminded me that, "All decisions come from a place of love or a place of fear- and always make sure you choose love."

Be determined about this~~~~!

Memorial Cup Preparation!

Hi Everyone!

So the annual Memorial Cup is coming up in September and we are all busy preparing now.

Some thoughts I wanted to share is on cattiness from other kyokushin people. I use small letter for Kyokushin instead of capital K, because they weren't my father's student but just happened to fall in line to teach or open some classes by fluke accident of fate. (yikes)  The fight is never up-front and is always behind the back- so how do we do it? By bringing them out to the surface so they are held responsible as much as possible.

It's funny because people ask, wow don't you ever get tired? But the more opposition I encounter, the more feeling of servitude soar in my heart! I get more energy to prove that whatever hardships my parents went through is not to enable them, but actually to bring deserving recognition to those who actually do deserve them from their devotion to Sosai and Kyokushin.

I feel we are doing the right thing and there are numerous projects. Difficulties and setbacks are a norm, and I started to learn to expect problems. Every and any experience gives you resiliency. Take the positive and don't give up! Focusing has brought Honbu to great places and change attitudes that should be changed.

Back from ROMANIA===

Sorry I thought the picture was uploaded properly but it wasn'T!! 


So here it is~!

Originally I had really close up picture of 4 people but for some reason I cannot upload them~~!

Problems?

"It is not that I am smart- I just stay with problems longer." -Albert Einstein

I learned to love solving problems. It is one thing the past 17 years gave me- it is the ability to see problems as an inevitable. It is always, always around, always close by to remind us not to slack.

I wondered how Sosai did it during his time- running one of the greatest, if not the only, karate organization that went beyond borders and religion. I asked him one time, how did he do all this? And even while I asked the question, I wasn't even close to the degree of what he was doing! He said, "I spend 98% of my time thinking of good moves. Like in kumite too."

I think I only  do 45% for now, but it is increasing compare to where I started.... 17 years ago lol...

De-stressing.....

Hello ~ Sorry  guys for my MIA- missing in action..

I have been under tremendous stress.... actually under a tremendously awful schedule of work that is bringing on stress.... I am falling asleep in the bath tub instead of my bed from exhaustion! Thankfully I have not drowned in my tub.... though I can feel some maybe dreaming of that ....LOL...

Anyway, this article was sent from a friend- just sharing it with you all.

Hope you all enjoy it as much as I have and take something helpful for your life style!

"Everyone experiences stress at different times in their lives. Stress can bring on a host of issues such as anxiety, headaches, high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, skin conditions, asthma, arthritis, depression, and insomnia.

Although finding physical and emotional outlets for stress is crucial, diet can play a big role as well. During times of stress I notice different eating behaviors with my clients. There is the stressed personality that tends to overeat out of nervousness. They use food as a sense of comfort. Usually they don’t crave salads, vegetables, or something healthy. The “Feel Good” foods many times are high in sugar, fat, and carbohydrates. This is why it is not uncommon to see someone quickly gain 10 pounds when they are going through a difficult time. There is also the other extreme where a person feels too stressed to eat at all. This personality type may not have an appetite and gravitate more towards using stimulants like coffee and sugary drinks over eating normal servings of food. The high levels of stress can also rev up digestion and cause frequent bowel movements resulting in rapid weight loss.

When you are stressed, be aware of your blood sugar levels. It is important to eat several times throughout the day and not go hungry. Stress can also cause a surge in cortisol and adrenaline. Some of the best foods for regulating those stress hormones are fresh fish like tuna and salmon. Incorporate healthy fats such as olive oil, avocado, as well as pistachios, almonds, and walnuts. Make sure to include green leafy vegetables since they contain important minerals like iron and magnesium. B vitamins are important during stressful times and can be found in organic eggs, oatmeal, tofu, and tempeh.

Your immune system can also become weakened and increase your body's need for certain nutrients. Eating a healthy diet will help you stay energized, focused, and well rested during times of stress. If you are not mindful and eat junk food or frequently skip meals, you are more likely to perform poorly or get sick during stressful times.

Incorporating multivitamins and nutritional supplements can be helpful in replacing our nutrient stores that are depleted during stressful times. Vitamin C helps to boost the immune system and regulate cortisol levels. B vitamins are beneficial for nervousness and anxiety. Adaptogenic herbs such as rhodiola, ashwaganda, and ginseng help to regulate the body and bring it back to its normal function.

Keep up with regular exercise so your body has the opportunity to release all the unwanted energy. Showering before bed can be helpful too. It tends to wash off the stress from a long day to allow you to sleep better. Try to get in bed at a reasonable time so you give your body enough rest to recover. Most importantly, try not to give too much thought to your stress before sleeping. If there is nothing you can do about your situation, it’s best to do something that can be a good distraction like reading a book or meditating. If you wake up feeling refreshed, you may find that your stress will actually lessen the following day." Dr. Oz Garcia

"There is a tool we all have, one of such simplicity and purity, such minimalistic beauty that its power is often and easily overlooked. This tool doesn’t cost a thing, requires no complicated instruction, is available to everyone and can be accessed anytime and anywhere. It is, without a doubt, among the most effective antidotes to stress and a key component to wellbeing that we human beings possess. Let’s consider, for a moment, the power of breathing.

It sounds simplistic, doesn’t it? What’s so special about something we do every day, without thinking, completely automatically? Well, think for a minute about what it feels like when you don’t breathe. We forget to do that often—during a difficult exercise or physical exertion, during moments of stress or when we experience something scary, unpleasant or painful. It’s like our body pushes a giant pause button and everything grinds to a halt.

Not breathing properly equates to stopping or slowing down the flow of energy through our system. The body no longer receives the oxygen it needs to function properly, to eliminate toxins and mobilize the internal organs. The Chinese Daoist master Yu Wen once said ‘Energy being like water, stagnation leads to decay.’ In other words, if we stop the flow of energy and oxygen through our body, inevitably stagnation and illness ensue.

So what’s the best way to breathe to keep things moving, you ask? Let me just encourage you not to over-think this. It’s not complicated. It’s very simple, and that’s why people overlook it. I say just breathe. No fancy techniques, no right way to do it, no mistakes to make. Even the simplest mindful breathing helps get the energy flowing through your body again. If you want to explore the power of breathing further, investigate deep breathing techniques, which have been shown to help boost the immune system, reduce anxiety by recalibrating the oxygen/carbon dioxide ratio in your body, induce relaxation and reduce pain—all important elements in fighting chronic illness.

Be aware of the physical sensations when you’re, in fact, not breathing—the slight tightness in your head, the tension you’re holding in your body—recognize it, and then … make an effort to breathe, mindfully and continuously. It’s that easy and that essential. Breathing is a beautiful and pure way of bringing yourself back into the moment, to not only push the play button again, but to refocus your energy. Have you been breathing while you’ve been reading this? No? How about giving it a quick try? There, doesn’t that feel better in a simple and powerful way?" Oliver Bros.

Ukraine....

Just a quick yell to say THANKYOU to Mr. Ushakov in Ukraine for thinking of me.... (^^) This was one of the gifts from him during recent visit to the Ukraine.... 

Sorry it is side ways ^^; 

                                          It's a pearl mobile strap....! Very pretty.... !

As always, Suzuki Kancho really appreciated the enthusiasm and the professionalism of the Kyokushin practitioners there! Most had never traveled to Japan but they make a point of doing exactly in accordance to the Honbu way from long ago (thanks to Sosai's dedicated publishing of writings and tournament pamphlets....!) . Talent can get you only so far- there are many, many "talented" people but determination, dedication and just working hard the right way really is what seals it all together! Wow!

I am waiting anxiously for Suzuki to upload all the pictures~~~! Please check them out on Honbu website at mas-oyama.com.

Osu!

Om!

What is "stealing".

It not only pertains to material things~~~!



One with integrity (the yogi) literally embodies this "asteya" and as a result receives benefits from all sides wherever they go. Asteya has been included as a Yama in many yogic texts, foremost among them the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Though no definition is given an outcome upon its establishment is offered;
  
     "Asteyapratishthayamsarvaratnopasthanam" (PYS II.37)~ Patanjali Yoga Sutra

     When the yogi has established (in him/herself) the principle of non-theft, all treasures attend upon him/her.

Taking a thing not given by its owner or to which one is not entitled, is "steya" or stealing. To forsake such a thing and not to have even a desire to possess it is "Asteya", according to Swami HariharanandaAranya.

How much of this can we incorporate in Kyokushin? I think wholly!