January 16, 2010
On Friday, January 15th, nine people tested at the dojo. There was a strong showing of support from other members. Barry Blumenfeld, Mario Chavez, and Lisa Steiner tested for 5th kyu. Annie Hsu, Jenny Coletti, Sarah Kaylor, and Micah Jacob tested for 4th kyu (it was a surprise test for Micah!). Noah Landes tested for 3rd kyu and Tom Worsnopp for 2nd kyu. All of the testers showed good spirit and worked hard to prepare. Congratulations to all of you!
על משמעות המילה "מוקוסו״ והדוג׳ו שלנו – סנסיי ריוגן סבוקה וג׳יימס יאגאשי לאחרונה, תלמיד שאל אותי שאלה נהדרת: מה ההתייחסות הנכונה כשיושבים בסייזה )ישיבה יפנית מסורתית( לפני שנשמע הפעמון להתחלת השיעור?
On the meaning of 黙想 (mokuso) and our Dōjō Recently, a student asked me a wonderful question: what is the right attitude when sitting in seiza before the bell is rung before the start of class? Mokuso
One of the elders used to say: In the beginning when we got together we used to talk about something that was good for our souls, and we went up and up, and ascended even to heaven. But now we get to