1 September 2004

I hope you have made faster progress in your training than I have made in writing my first Newsletter. However, as you all know:

"Life gets in the Way."

I have been extremely busy training and studying. I have started to study for certification as a personal trainer with the NASM. It is a wonderful course filled with modern views on all of our ancient Martial Art and Yoga principles of power, flexibility and movement. I know it will be an excellent addition to my training repertoire.

At the beginning of June, I went to Ireland for the first time to attend the Irish TaiKai. The Taikai training was great; but, what set this TaiKai apart from all the others was Ireland itself with its ancient Celtic Spiritual traditions. We visited several ancient spiritual sites. However, the high point of the trip, and indeed one of my life’s great moments, was a private personal vision given to me at Loughcrew. I know it has already changed me and will continue to do so. I give my heartfelt thanks to Martin and Brian for making this possible.

Also in June, Sensei Rob Stevens invited me down to Baltimore to conduct a seminar at his Dojo. While there, I tested him for Ninpo Shodan and was very happy to see him give a very strong test. Very soon, he will ask Soke to become a DojoCho.

At the end of July, I attended the Colorado Taikai. As usual, Renshi Randy had a great time up his sleeve for all of us. We acted as each other's uke and we both tested for Takagi Yoshin Ryu Shodan. My thanks to my good friend, Randy.

My good friend and Dojocho of the Suiten Dojo , Mike Mackin, and his wonderful wife, Jeanette, moved to Coeur D’Alene, Idaho. It is truly God's country and I am sure he would be happy to train with anyone of us who happen to be close to him.

My best wishes to my 2 new students, TW and Ryan. I am happy to say they are practicing and I see weekly improvements in both of them.

TRAINING TIP:

What is "Normal Breathing?"

Normal breathing is any breathing pattern, which does not require conscious alteration. The goal in Martial Arts and Yoga training is too breathe normally and have our inhalations and exhalations synchronized with our movements so that our breathing facilitates and enhances our actions.

This is accomplished by practicing long enough so that you can change your normal breathing pattern to an abnormal pattern which will eventually become normal. Om Shanti! Shanti! Shanti!

go back to top