January 11th, 2015

From Sensei Neff, Yon-Dan

Ueshiro Wingspan Karate Club of Brooklyn

Ueshiro Midtown Karate Dojo

Onegai shimasu Hanshi, Kyoshi, Sensei, Sempai, and fellow Deshi,

One of my favorite quotes of the “Red Book” can be found on page 36. It reads:

“If your hand goes forth, withhold your temper; if your temper goes forth withhold, your hand.” KARATE PRECEPT

While I’m still working on this precept, I would take it a step further. “If your tongue goes forth, withhold your temper, if your temper goes forth, withhold your tongue.” It is very common for people to disagree. How you disagree makes all the difference in the world. Karate is first and foremost a defensive art. However, one must not be defensive when dealing with people they disagree with. A defensive attitude at work, in politics or with a family member is often seen as offensive or offensive. Try to see others' point of view before expressing your own point of view. Wait for the right time and place to offer your point of view off the deck. It will be better expressed and hopefully received the way you would like.

On the deck just say “Arigato!” and implement the your Sensei's or Sempai’s correction.

Domo arigato gozaimasu,

Sensei Neff, Yon-Dan

Ueshiro Wingspan Karate Club of Brooklyn

Ueshiro Midtown Karate Dojo