31st August 2008   Life was meant to be Busy

Busy, Busy, Busy, that has been our lot over the last few weeks.

2008 seems to be racing by at a great rate of knots.  Gradings have come and gone and now we have only 8 weeks until our annual camp (The Warrior Way) and our National Titles.  This year’s camp will be very special with the release of Shihan Tim’s first book and the return of several students to Zen Chi Ryu.  2008 Warrior Camp Attendees - Representing the Enabling Arts Dojo Gladstone and Zen Chi Ryu Queensland are:

Sensei Harold’s visit was a great success and we worked hard with Harold to complete our base training of Tensho Kata and to polish our Jo Kata.  It is always a pleasure to train with the long time members of our style and hear of their experiences with our Founder.  We enjoyed the evening and were happy to hear that Sensei Harold was impressed with the Adult Class in their performance of the Jo Kata.  We know the kids enjoyed their session, even though it was a little crowded on the mat with everyone in together.  Well done to everyone and we look forward to Sensei’s next visit.

“First, I didn’t go into life wanting to be a leader. This may sound counterproductive. As I gained experience, I learned that I must have an attitude of trying to do the best job at the task at hand instead of constantly wanting to be promoted or aspiring to be a leader. I found that leadership challenges will eventually come. Some uninformed parents have the most problem with this idea. They feel that their little Johnny would make a natural leader. Most parents have not been around great leaders and would not know a good leader if they were smacked by one.

I suggest that students start by jotting down the good and bad points of leaders they respect and detest and use them as lessons or guidelines in their leadership challenges. Mark down arrogance, excessive pride, laziness as key bad or counterproductive points to be avoided. Leave your ego behind on this journey and ratchet up the personal controlled aggressiveness. You can be aggressive and still be polite. You can be well mannered and not piss off or be a threat to those above, below or on your level.”

Sempai Tomas igniting his Bo Work

Energise your life with scary goals ......

Peter

Renshi Peter Reilly
Zen Chi Ryu

"This is the law: The purpose of fighting is to win. There is no possible victory in defence. The sword is more important than the shield and skill is more important than either. The final weapon is the brain. All else is supplemental." - John Steinbeck, "The Law"

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10th August 2008   Excellent Grading

I love a grading and I love getting the dojo ready for the big event.  It's a chance to give it a clean and organise a few items that we've been putting off.

The grading weekend went well. We had 30 kids on the mat on Saturday morning and a good number of supporting adults (7) to help with the 6 adults/teens who graded. We set up a grading panel for the kids and each of them received a feedback/scoring sheet after the grading.

We utilised a traditional Zen Chi Ryu grading format, working thoroughly through every item on the list for each belt level. I enjoy running a test like this as it gives all of us who teach a chance to see where each student is. There were some terrific performances on the day. In particular I thought our two new brown belts - Jessica & Lauren Todd did a marvellous job. It reminds us all that having a break and missing a grading or two serves us well and gives us more time to polish our basic techniques.

A big ZCR Thank You to those who helped with marking: Sempai's Kate, Jess, Nathan, Joshua & Mark San. The kids will enjoy reading your positive comments and focusing on the items you picked out for their improvement.

The adult grading was up to our usual high standard. Our new white belts did very well and worked hard all the way to their final round of sparring. Some of our teenagers need a little work on their Kata, so I have appointed Sempai Andrew with the task of working with them. I'm sure Sempai Tomas will lend him a hand. Deb San was as strong as always. Her Kata was solid and her kicks have improved significantly. Deb always grades with great heart and toughness. I'm sure she will be working hard to prepare for the Warrior Way.

Sempai Andrew is our newest full brown belt and his grading was very strong. I was especially impressed with his Kata, incredibly deep, balanced stances and Kihons. There was never any doubting his fitness, so it was very pleasing to see his Kata performances in-between the last rounds of sparring.  After his trip to Sydney Andrew was looking forward to us all testing his skill set.  I'm sure he left everyone with positive impressions.

Of course he left me nursing a couple of injuries, including a bit of a scare with my right knee.  However, 4 days on, it seems to be settling and should be OK.  Nothing like a little R.I.C.E. and patience to get an old body recuperating quickly. The thought of knee surgery has sparked me into action and my own preparation for the 2008 Warrior Camp.  Fitness, upper body strength, flexibility and ab work are high on my agenda at the moment.

Photos of our Dojo ready for the grading.

The Friday night kids practicing for tomorrows grading

A full mat for the grading

With only 10 weeks until the 2008 Warrior Camp, it's time to step up your fitness work.  It will be an extraordinary camp this year with the release of Shihan Tim's book and students from Kempo Jutsu attending our National Titles.

What's Left on our 2008 Calendar of Events - A Black Belt Year!

•  22nd August - Visit by Harold Sensei - Chief Instructor Kempo Jutsu
•  6th October - Ropes Course Team Building
•  24th, 25th, 26th & 27th October - Warrior Way - Sydney (ZCR National Titles)
•  29th & 30th November - Grading and Break up – final class.
   

Sensei Harold's visit is looming with only 15 days to go.  It will be great to continue with the Jo Kata and Tensho work Sensei taught last visit.  The ZCR version of Tensho is intriguing and vastly differs from other styles.  I'm sure Sensei Harold will also continue to share the rich history of Zen Chi & Kempo Jutsu with us.  We are privileged to have such a wide range of experienced teachers to call on for visits and seminars.

Having finished the "Bone Man of Kokoda" - the fascinating true story of Kokichi Nishimura, which was a terrific read.  I have since started "Meditations on Violence: A Comparison of Martial Arts Training & Real World Violence" By Sgt. Rory Miller.  I have been a fan of Rory Miller ever since I stumbled across a podcast with an interview given by him 2 years ago.  I'm amazed at how much of his thinking and experience line up to the teachings of Shihan Tom, John & Tim. In this text, veteran correction officer Sergeant Rory Miller distils what he has learned from jail house brawls, tactical operations and ambushes to explore the differences between martial arts and the subject martial arts was designed to deal with: Violence. Miller explores the complexity of violence, critical thinking, and the mind of the predator. He offers martial arts training guidance and resources, discusses how to overcome personal fears, and how to deal with the aftermath of violent encounters.

I have posted a few new videos to our YouTube site.  I like the new one of the dojo.

Train with purpose & live with integrity ......

Peter

Renshi Peter Reilly
Zen Chi Ryu

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29th July 2008   Lots of Activity

If each journey may begins with a single step, then I've got sore feet.  In the last 10 days I have been from what seems like one end of Australia to the other.  I had a terrific trip to Gove in the Northern Territory for a work project, then a quick dash to Sydney to meet up with our entrants in the Kyokushin National Titles.  Missing luggage, late planes, a Sydney Motel that seemed well short of what it promised on their website, were all apart of the adventure.

Last week we also trained in at one of the local marina parks as the roof tiles in our dojo were being replaced.  Everyone loves getting outdoors and experimenting with their techniques, Kata and sparring.  Of course we also added some great games to the mix to make the most of the sunshine and green lush grass.  It's terrific to see whole families turn up and make the most of the time outdoors as some trained. With just one more week until the grading all the kids look sharp and ready.

We had a ball in Sydney at the 2008 Kyokushin National Titles with both of our guys finishing a creditable 3rd in their divisions.  They were only small divisions (16-17 years - Colts), but they were fought hard.  I was very proud of their efforts and enjoyed watching them grow and learn from the experience.

I have written a bit of a report from the trip for those who are interested .......

Kyokushin National Titles – Sydney 2008 - A coach’s perspective

Monday - Slept in, breakfast at the local café and then we headed for home.  We flew into Rockhampton around 3pm and Kate picked us up.  4 boxes of donuts were rationed out and we headed our own ways to relay our versions of the adventure.  All in all it was a fun and eventful weekend away.  We all learnt heaps and will tackle more Kyokushin tournaments in the near future.  We had interesting discussions with Hanshi John Taylor and other Kyokushin instructors/officials and will be ready to inject ourselves based on their advice.

Sempai Tomas & the 30 or 20 Second Challenge

Will we go again .... absolutely!  We will be back with a larger contingent next year.  We were made feel very welcome by Hanshi Taylor and his female assistant who had a soft spot for Andrew.  Both events were extremely well run and have given us a few great ideas for a tournament back home.

I will post a few fight videos to our YouTube site later in the week.

It's great to be back home with Kate, Jess  & Josh.

Warm up well before training this week as it is freeeeezing ... brrrrrrrrrrrrr.

Peter

Renshi Peter Reilly
Zen Chi Ryu

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16th July 2008   Tasmanian Fever Over - Time to Settle

As I look at this site it has been almost a month since my last journal entry.  It has been a very busy month with work, karate and travel.  Our dojo is growing nicely and we have a healthy crop of new excited white belts.  Work has had me travelling a fair bit with a range of interesting corporate seminars to present and a number of new consulting projects.

Kate & I renewed our wedding vows and spent a week in beautiful Tasmania.  What an amazing place!  We will be going back to see the areas we missed.  Port Arthur historical site was an excellent contrast to our Uluru experience and gave us a rounded view of the early days of our country.  We ended up spending a solid day at Port Arthur which ended with the Ghost Tour and sleeping at an onsite motel.

Tasmania is one of the most pristine and beautiful places I have ever seen.  We fell in love with the Freycinet Peninsula, where we spent a terrific night in a wilderness lodge.  Hobart was magnificent and had a terrific artistic environment  called Salamanca Place.  We stayed at the old IXL Jam factory which has been restored to a 5 star hotel right on Constitution Dock.  Our room was the old Financial Controller's office, so Kate felt right at home.

Here are a few of our winter in Tasmania photos.  Oh yes it was cold -5 on top of Mt. Wellington where we saw the first snow of the season.

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I'm currently reading a book called the "Bone Man of Kokoda".  It is the fascinating true story of Kokichi Nishimura

With only 2 1/2weeks to go until we hit Sydney for the National Kyokushin Titles our training needs to have one last lift in intensity.  Both of our fighters will do very well, I'm sure!  Sempai Tomas and Andrew will learn a lot from this trip and I'm sure it won't be their last.  It will be great to catch up with the other Zen Chi Ryu competitors, Instructors and Shihans.  It has been fascinating to watch both of these young men cope with the rigors of a heavy training workload and the old school methods we have employed to add variety into their preparation.  I'm sure that after we return they will want to burn some of my logs, bamboo and rope.

Jess moved out last week into a flat of her own with her long time boyfriend; Fiance and ZCR student Nathan.  As a parent it is great to see your kids making their way in the world, but I know I'm going to miss her greatly.  Jess & Nathan's dojo is going very well with a healthy bunch of new white belts to keep them busy.  I'm impressed with Nathan's innovative approaches to teaching and researching his class material.  He has introduced a great range of new games and activities.

Last week I received 2 mysterious parcels containing four Hakama in my post box.  It was addressed to ZCR Students so I have distributed them to needy senior students for their weapons and Kendo studies.  To the donator, who is anonymous, a big thank you!  Perhaps you have moved on from your need of these strange items or perhaps it was an offering.  It does not matter, as I am thankful for your gift and so are the recipients of these Hakama.  They will be put to good use.

Pay it forward .........

Peter

Renshi Peter Reilly
Zen Chi Ryu

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14th May 2008   The Uluru Pilgrimage

Yes it did get a little sore after many hours of hard riding, but the sheepskin seat cover did a remarkable job.  I can only recommend that you take the time to visit Uluru and spend some time in the outback.  I now have a greater appreciation for the fact that we live in a huge country full of wonderfully diverse towns and people.

This trip was important to me as I planned to try and say a few words (perhaps a prayer) in what I considered to be a very special place.  I needed to thank my two fathers,  one who had given me life and one who had shown me how to live it.  I felt the need to put in a good word for both of them and ask the powers that be, to be patient and we needed them to hang around for while longer.  I could not think of a better place than Uluru as it formed part of the traditional rights of passage ceremony for men, and is regarded as the spiritual heart of Australia, if not the Earth.

I have put down few of my notes from my travel diary for friends and students.  They are a bit disjointed, but I hope you enjoy the photos and will take the time to visit the great rock for yourself.

Day 1 - 6.00am start - Autumn Sun just rising

Same roads travelled as last trip until Longreach - 40 kms out of Emerald a truck overtook a line of cars and nearly took me out.  Lots of fog on the road after Stanwell.  Breakfast at Duaringa.  Lots of highwaymen (Grey Nomads) on the road - campers and caravans.  Started to encounter some big road trains.  Good run to Alpha then Barcaldine for a late and rushed lunch.  Reached Longreach and headed into new territory.  Excitement Levels ++++.  Winton run provided the 'full sun in the face' experience, very difficult last 150kms - felt tired.   I will never have cataract problems with my eyes, as the sun cleared any build up just like a laser surgeon.

At a roadside rest stop between Emerald and Alpha I found 3 brand new magazines on the rest stop table.  I selected 2 to read that night and thanked the traveller who had left them.  I planned to return the anonymous favour somewhere up the road.

Good first days travel.  Bike's running well and I'm enjoying the challenge of new territory, places and people.

5.30pm arrived in Winton.  Rum (medicinal purpose only), Steak, Hot Shower and Good Sleep!

Day 2 - 7.00am start

Late sunrise.  Cool but not too cold.  Unreal countryside, open and bathed in early morning light.  The sun at my back was lovely and warm.  Heading for my brekky stop at Kyuna - another 180kms.  Lots of fallen brothers and sisters on the roadside.  Eagles soar above ready to feast.  Even bigger road trains (4 trailers over 80ms long).  Mt. Isa was very busy so I pushed on to have Lunch at Camooweal.  Met up and had a rum with the Mt. Isa HOG Group.  Used spare 5 litres of fuel 40kms out from Barkly Homestead. 

Between Mt. Isa and Camooweal I found a nice little rest area.  I took out the 2 magazines I had picked up two days earlier and left them on the rest stop table with a $50 note inserted for the next traveller.  I also left a small note wishing them safe travels.  I found a chance to return the favour and put a positive into another traveller' day.

Pulled into Barkly Homestead around 6.00pm Northern Territory time.  Great food, company, rum and another solid sleep.

Day 3 - 7.30am start Qld time or 7.00 am NT time.

Great morning run from Barkly Homestead to the 3 Ways for breakfast.  41 mile bore.  Push bike riders - unreal, one heading West, one heading East.  More roads that pierce the horizon - on and on and on.  Met a Harley bike group who were on a three week run from Cairns to Darwin.  One guy from Gladstone. 

Oh dear, bike won't start.  Maybe fuel injection or flooding.  Booked a room at the 3 ways and hope it goes soon.  After 3 frustrating hours I stopped having my pity party and asked a group of locals for a lift.  Parked the bike at the owner's (Ben) garage and organised a truck to pick it up tomorrow.  Got a lift to Tennant Creek to hire a car (thanks Libby Baldock, you are a champion).  Great drive from Tennant Creek approximately 650kms of open country.  Found some nice historical sites along the way. 

Finally arrived at Alice Springs around 6.00pm to meet up with Kate.  We had a great meal and a fun night together.  Kate has organised a backup plan and we will both fly to Uluru in the morning.

Hope the Bike's OK!  I think I've forgiven her.

Day 4 - Alice Springs

Nice breakfast around the resort pool restaurant before checking out.  Organised to return the rental car early as Kate had organised flights to Ayres Rock and return for both of us.  Checked in at the local Harley Dealer "Desert Edge" to let the guy know of the Blue Dragon's arrival..... She will be in safe hands (thanks Chris you're a legend mate).  Bumped into Geoff Morrisey from QAL.  He and his family are 3 months into an around OZ trip.  Said I had motivated him at a time management workshop he had attended earlier, to get out and experience life more.  Thanks for the compliment Geoff .... live the dream mate!

Spent the next four hours roaming around Alice Springs doing a little shopping.  Flew to Uluru - great aerial views of the countryside.  Upon check in our room was upgraded to deluxe spa suite (good Kama).  Bum in Spa - AHHHH!  Dinner in the desert watching the rock at sundown.  The stargazing was an unbelievable experience.

Day 5 - woke at Uluru before dawn.

We flew back to Alice Springs after getting up and watching the dawn light dance over the rock.  Checked back into our Motel at Alice, then hit the shops again.  Kate & I did a small didgeridoo workshop - KT did very well, I held another pity party due to my lack of musical ability. 

Got the Bike back - all good!  Turned out to be a loose wire lead to the fuse box.  I had the rear end worked on a week before the trip to change out the rear tyre guard and tyre so maybe it was not quite seated properly.  The vibration of a 2000km trip so far worked her loose and left me with an interesting challenge and subsequent experience.  We took her for a quick spin around Alice then headed out for a nice dinner.  Took in a great didgeridoo show before hitting the sack.

Another nice day with Kate and it's great to have the Blue Dragon Back on the road.

Day 6 - 6.30am start Northern Territory time

The run home or should I try for the original goal.  Kate headed to the airport to start a long day of flights to get home.  It was agreed that I too would head for home and leave the HD ride around Uluru for another day.  However when I reached the Stuart highway I was drawn to head south and continue the run to Uluru.  With 480km to run for the rock it would be another huge day to make the return trip back to Alice Springs.  I set my sights on reaching the rock by midday and I rationed 1 hour of sightseeing before heading back, so I could be off the roads before sunset.

I had a terrific ride to Yulara which is the resort township next to Uluru.  It was not without incident.  I nearly hit a huge wedge tailed Eagle as it took of from the carcass of a dead kangaroo on the side of the road.  I had encountered heaps of them up to this point, but this one was enormous and slow and deliberate in its aerial ascent.  My bike and I were no obstacle or match for her beauty and strength.  She passed over my stooped back with only inches to spare.  Yep slow motion and sensory overload.

This picture and moment was Conceived in December of 2007.  I Believed in this moment when I saw a documentary about Uluru and did a test ride to Longreach on the last day of 2007.  To Achieve this moment was always going to happen.  It may have taken a little more hard work and determination than first expected but I can tell you, that with a tear in my eye I rode around Uluru on my Harley and felt incredibly humbled by the experience.

I did what I needed to do at Uluru on this second, but closer visit.  I tried to take a number of photos to capture the beauty of this natural formation for Kate as she loves to paint and I thought that they may inspire her.  By 1.10pm I was heading back to Alice springs with a real feeling of accomplishment and great sense of energy and excitement.  It was a long run back and I had to fess up and let Kate know that I was going to be another day late in getting home.  She knows me well so it was not a huge shock to her that I had made another run for the rock.

Made it back to Alice by 6.00pm, just on sunset.  Buggered but very happy.

Day 7 - 8.00am start Northern Territory time

Well it was really time to head for home.  Safety was the key today as I rode from Alice Springs to Barkly Homestead.  An easy day today so I took my time and stopped at some interesting places.  Barrow Creek - great interior decoration.  The Devil's Marbles - unbelievable place, had a long walk around here.  Lots of energy felt there.  Then back to the 3 Ways service station to thank Ben for his help with my bike.  I parked in the exact spot and tempted fate.  Would the beast start or would I be stuck again.  She let out a burble and a snort and then a big rumble and she fired up in defiance and apology.  We continued to head for home.....

At the 41 mile bore I stopped for a leg stretch and meet Cecil & Beryl - two bushies who were on their second lap around OZ towing their caravan.  We had a great chat and shared stories of our adventure.  They had both spent all of their working life on the land in cattle properties and had a fascination for the beauty of the bush and the outback.

Hit Barkly Homestead around 5.00pm, Dinner, Rum and a good hot shower.  Slept well.

Day 8 - 6.30am Northern Territory time

Rode from Barkly Homestead to Winton.  Terrific sunrise and quite cold.  Dawn sunlight in eyes as I'm heading East.  Nearly ran over a wild cat.  He stood his ground on the road as he approached some road kill.  Tough little pussy would have had no problems giving me a swipe on the way past. Stopped at the border crossing to get a few photos and break out the Blue's Jersey.  Had brekky at Camooweal and met a few riders heading to the Ulysses AGM in Townsville.  Lunch at the Curry (Cloncurry) then rushed for Winton.  Scary last 80kms as sun set and skippys came out. 

Arrive in the dark at 6.00pm Qld time.  Went to the wrong Motel which caused some grief.  Not what I needed on the last night, but yet another interesting learning experience as I had to deal with an irate hotel owner.

Day 9 - The run for home. 7.30 am start

The last day was as enjoyable as the first.  I didn't muck around on the last day.  No time for too many breaks, just fuel and a quick drink before pressing on.  It's a solid 11hr ride from Winton to Gladstone at reasonable speed.  I came across lots of bikes heading for Townsville for the Ulysses AGM.  Had a late lunch at Emerald before pushing out the last stretch for home.

Arrived in Gladstone around 7pm.  Now that's what I call a Bike Run.  Thanks to all of those who helped me out on the way and to those at home who kept our dojo pumping along.

I took a few shots along the way.  I hope you see the beauty within them.

Sunrise outside of Winton Qld	Nice bike tooooo		The road ahead of Winton Qld	Walkabout Creek Hotel. Crocodile Dundee Country.
Good to get off and rest the legs. Too early for a beer!	Burke & Wills Memorial outside of Cloncurry Qld	Must have been hard going for these adventurers.	The Mt. Isa HOG Group outside of the pub at Camooweal QLD	Leaving Barkly Homestead NT
	41 Mile bore in the NT .... miles from nowhere	Can you see him in the distance?	Here he comes ....	It's David from Scotland in the middle of nowhere on his bike. We are 70km from the 3 Ways in the NT and he has ridden from Perth WA. Amazing effort
The 3 Ways in the NT. Bike failed to start 30 mins after this photo.	The hire car to get me from Tennant Creek to Alice Springs	Old bore and well	Very old Homestead
Old grave yard in the middle of Alice Springs	Panoramic views of Alice from a hill top.	The Gap	More of Alice
	Flying over Uluru
Magnificent	Dinner in the desert under the stars watching the sun set over Uluru with Kate		She changes colour right before your eyes. Then she turns black.
Moving in for Dinner	A very international group	Sails in the Desert Resort	Courtyard in the resort
	Back on the bike and test riding to the south of Alice Springs
			The Gap
Riding on the north side of Alice Springs		Sunrise on the way back to Uluru on the Blue Dragon	The Olgas in the distance	At last the Blue Dragon meets the Heart of OZ
	Had to keep taking shots ....			Finally touchdown a chance to be with a magnificent piece of nature
Some chose to climb. I did not out of respect for the traditional owners.	I love this view. The photo does not do it justice, but the colours and shodows here were extreme.	The back side of Uluru
			Lots of energy here
and here.....	A very sacred area of Uluru		Heading back from Uluru and looking at the Olgas. Hard to resist heading to them.	Great interior design work at the Barrow Creek Pub/Service Station
		The Devils Marbles ... on the way back to Alice Springs
			Lots of energy at this place. Not sure that it was all positive.	Smaller Marbles approx 250m to the east
Looking back on the area of the Devils Marbles	The 3 Ways Service Station. I returned to thank the owners. Had to park in the same spot I broke down on the way through.	Barkly Homestead		Another water bore
She got thirsty at a few very isolated points on the map.	The NT Border	The Queensland border ..... heading for home. Just a few thousand Km's to go....	Wide loads around Mt. Isa
Sunset outside of Winton QLD	Need to get off the road before the Kangaroos wake up.

Ride Hard and Live Responsibly .........

Peter

Renshi Peter Reilly
Zen Chi Ryu

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14th May 2008   Special Days

A wedding is always a special day!  A big congratulations to Darryl San and Cheree on their commitment to each other.  I was a great day and we were pleased to be able to provide a sword guard of honour for the bride.

I'm off to Ayres Rock (Uluru) tomorrow for an eight day bike trip on the Harley.  It will be almost an 8000km trip and as we say it's the journey not the destination that most important.  Kate & I will be bringing in the dawn at Uluru on Tuesday morning as she will be flying into Alice Springs to meet up with me.  No doubt I will put in a few special words with the powers that be for all of my family, friends and students.

Some say the Uluru is the spiritual heart of the Earth.  It has been on my list to visit and perhaps wake up a little more in its presence.

Ride Hard and mind how you go.........

Peter

Renshi Peter Reilly
Zen Chi Ryu

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27th April 2008   Confined Spaces

We have had a terrific few weeks leading up to our latest grading.  Our fighters have been training with lots of intensity and their fitness levels will be in no doubt.  The Titles have been postponed by two weeks so we have some extra preparation time.  Adjustments will be made to our training regimes and we will refocus on the new goal dates.

Our grading weekend was attended by Shihan Tim & Claire from Sydney.  Unfortunately Sensei Harold had to take a rain check due to injury, but we hope to catch up with him later in the year.  The weekend was a huge success, with lots learnt and many bodies tested to new limits.

Friday Night - Saw the adults and teens put through their paces by Shihan Tim.  We focused on working in confined spaces and sparred with plenty of contact.  We limited our movements to just one dojo mat and explored what would and wouldn't work in confined areas and being cramped for room by your attacker.

Saturday Morning - The kids put a solid 3 hours into their grading and polished a range of techniques with Shihans' Tim & Claire.  We saw some amazing leaps over piles of kick shields and had a ton of fun with the balloon training techniques.  Wrestling was also a highlight with the kids.  We also had a chance to grade one of our adult students who is pregnant.  We presented Kristy with her well earned Blue Belt and had one of our cutest white belt kids pass on her white belt for the baby.

Saturday Afternoon - Started with a knockout and gave our fighters in training something to contemplate.  The adult grading continued as we worked on our theme of confined spaces and owning your personal body space.  Lots of speed and contact as we explored a range of realistic techniques under the guidance of Shihan Tim.  The knife defence work was an eye opener for all.  No heroes here, we were all left with a real sense of what it takes and the limited options that might work.

Late on Saturday afternoon the senior students had a chance to work with Shihan Tim on the ZCR sword routines.  What appeared to be basic proved a test for all.  The striking, blocking, and cutting routines fit perfectly into our curriculum.

Saturday Evening - Was time to relax and enjoy a meal together.  I t was a good chance to discuss growth strategies for Zen Chi Ryu in Queensland and our dojo.  Plenty of solid ideas were tabled and over the next few weeks we will turn them into action.

Sunday Morning - Sand sparring, grappling and dominating your personal body space were the challenges put before all who backed up on Sunday.  I think we all ate our fair share of sand, received and delivered excellent knees and takedowns.  After playing in the sand for a couple of hours we moved to the grass to polish our side and back kicks.  We rattled a few trees with solid back heel kicks to help with targeting.

We learnt heaps this weekend and polished up a number of our senior Kata before a large session of Fudo Shin by Shihan Claire.  I was amazed at how well everyone picked up the basic movements of this kata.  It was one of Shihan Kyoshi Tom Slaven's favourites.  Here is a quote from Kyoshi Tom which was shared with me by Sensei Harold ... "FUDO SHIN, should be looked on as a Zen Chi koan, or riddle. "

Congratulations to all those who graded this weekend.  A special hats off to those who had to confront their fears and control their negative thoughts and emotions.  True growth always comes at a price.  We need to let go in order to gain.  You have just got to learn to love the journey.

Enjoy the photo montage of our weekends activities.

Take care and train as if you need to use your skills today.  Let go and live as though you would never need to use what we know.

Peter

Renshi Peter Reilly
Zen Chi Ryu

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14th April 2008   New ENERGY

What a great time of the year it is.  The weather is brilliant and everyone is focusing on making the most of their 2008 commitments.

This week has been a difficult time for a number of our students as we band together to defeat a common enemy.  I am reminded of a story about two wolves.  I hope the you get the message soon old friend!

"Two wolves"
  
One evening an old Cherokee  told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He  said, 'My son, the battle is between two 'wolves' inside us all.  

One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret,  greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies,  false pride, superiority, and ego.

The other is Good. It is  joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence,  empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.'

The  grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his  grandfather: 'Which wolf wins?'

The old Cherokee simply  replied, 'The one you feed.'  

Take care and stay focused on your personal journey as you seek to serve others.

Peter

Renshi Peter Reilly
Zen Chi Ryu

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7th April 2008   A long Few Weeks

Hello everyone.

It has been a hectic few weeks since my last posting here.  Much has happened in and out of the dojo.  I will cover off on a few points and share a few more in the next post.  Can you believe that it is April already?  This year is flying by and I need to get moving on a number of goals I have set personally and for our dojo.  Last month for me represented cleansing.  Kate & I have resigned from a number of key positions to allow us to focus more energy on the things that really matter in our lives.  Family, Health, Business and Our Dojo and Friends.  Come hell or high water we will finish our first book off this year and deal with a number of annoying issues that bring negativity into our world.

I have reached a point of real clarity with a number of people and organisations that I do not share any moral values with and therefore will be severing those relationships and putting negative history to the sword. 

It was nice to see an article in the local paper regarding our Dawn & Beach training sessions.  Everyone loved getting out of the dojo and training with nature as the backdrop.  We will be hitting the beach again for a session on our grading weekend, which is approaching fast.

It has been a solid period of fitness training for our fighters heading for Sydney in July.  Stairs, ropes, 50kg logs, runs, pool work, hours of pad work and lots of bunny hopping madness.  We will be stepping up the intensity of their sparring work and feeding their hunger for more challenges in the coming fortnight.  I have been hugely impressed with their commitment level.  It is a pleasure to be working with them.  We will achieve much in the lead up to Sydney and in Sydney they will be rewarded further for their hard work and devotion.

As our April grading draws near everyone has picked up the pace.  All of the kids are looking sharp and a few of them have really stepped up and challenged for the opportunity to grade.  Unfortunately we received the sad news that Sensei Baldry will not be able to join us this time due to an injury.  We wish him a speedy recovery and know he will be back to finish his work with us later in the year.  Shihan Tim & Clair will be flying into town on the Friday and have much planned for all of our students.  Personally I relish the opportunity to spend time with my teacher and hope to be working on a Katana Kata that Shihan Tim began to teach me at last years Warrior Way.

Shihan Clair - Performing Fudo Shin

The current plan for our grading weekend is full of fun and surprises.  I know Shihan Tim is keen to spend some time with everyone and especially pass on some of his extensive knowledge of full contact fighting to our Sydney bound students.  Shihan Clair is also keen to spend some time with all of us, but especially the Ladies of Zen as they continue to train and hone their self defence skills.  It is also a wonderful opportunity to polish our female version of Fudo Shin Kata with Clair.

Two weeks ago I had a chance to visit Melbourne to attend a session with Stephen Covey of “7 Habits” fame.  It was a chance to do a little mental gymnastics with a real master of thinking.  I have been an avid advocate of his theories for many years and gained much from completing the 7 Habits workshop over 8 years ago. 

Dr Stephen Covey is a hugely influential management guru, whose book The Seven Habits Of Highly Effective People, became a blueprint for personal development when it was published in 1990. The Seven Habits are said by some to be easy to understand but not as easy to apply. Don't let the challenge daunt you: The 'Seven Habits' are a remarkable set of inspirational and aspirational standards for anyone who seeks to live a full, purposeful and good life, and are applicable today more than ever, as the business world becomes more attuned to humanist concepts. Covey's values are full of integrity and humanity, and contrast strongly with the process-based ideologies that characterised management thinking in earlier times.

Stephen Covey's Seven Habits Of Highly Effective People

Habit 1 - Be Proactive

This is the ability to control one's environment, rather than have it control you, as is so often the case. Self determination, choice, and the power to decide response to stimulus, conditions and circumstances

Habit 2 - Begin With The End In Mind

Covey calls this the habit of personal leadership - leading oneself that is, towards what you consider your aims. By developing the habit of concentrating on relevant activities you will build a platform to avoid distractions and become more productive and successful.

Habit 3 - Put First Things First

Covey calls this the habit of personal management. This is about organising and implementing activities in line with the aims established in habit 2. Covey says that habit 2 is the first, or mental creation; habit 3 is the second, or physical creation.

Habit 4 - Think Win-Win

Covey calls this the habit of interpersonal leadership, necessary because achievements are largely dependent on co-operative efforts with others. He says that win-win is based on the assumption that there is plenty for everyone, and that success follows a co-operative approach more naturally than the confrontation of win-or-lose.

Habit 5 - Seek First To Understand And Then To Be Understood

One of the great maxims of the modern age. This is Covey's habit of communication, and it's extremely powerful. Covey helps to explain this in his simple analogy 'diagnose before you prescribe'. Simple and effective, and essential for developing and maintaining positive relationships in all aspects of life.

Habit 6 - Synergize

Covey says this is the habit of creative co-operation - the principle that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, which implicitly lays down the challenge to see the good and potential in the other person's contribution.

Habit 7 - Sharpen The Saw

This is the habit of self renewal, says Covey, and it necessarily surrounds all the other habits, enabling and encouraging them to happen and grow. Covey interprets the self into four parts: the spiritual, mental, physical and the social/emotional, which all need feeding and developing.

Stephen Covey's Seven Habits are a simple set of rules for life - inter-related and synergistic, and yet each one powerful and worthy of adopting and following in its own right. For many people, reading Covey's work, or listening to him speak, literally changes their lives. This is powerful stuff indeed and highly recommended.

More can be about the 8th Habit found here & here for a summary of the 7 Habits.

Take care and stay focused on your personal journey as you seek to serve others.

Peter

Renshi Peter Reilly
Zen Chi Ryu

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10th March 2008   Martial Artists Greet the Dawn

It's hard to believe it is March already.   2008 is gathering pace and if we're not careful it will leave us behind wondering what we achieved.  It is a good time to refocus on those goals you set for the year and to look and what lies in front of you.  It's time to reframe barriers to look and feel like challenges and opportunities. 

To my Sempai's .... here are a few thoughts on enacting your role as a senior.  It's all about leadership in and out of the dojo!  I truly believe that we reap what we sow.  If we give of ourselves to others in a positive caring and challenging way, the universe will find a way to reward us ten fold.  Time, energy and patience are what we need to find for all of those we train and work with.

Our Latest Outdoor Training Sessions

As the sun rose over the spectacular Gladstone Harbour and its rays kissed the eastern face of Auckland Hill, the Gladstone Zen Chi Ryu Martial Arts Senior Class were there to greet the dawning of another fabulous day.  In true Martial Arts spirit, to experience the elements first hand is to live life to the fullest.  As the dew dried underfoot and the birds began their morning chatter, Zen Chi Ryu students, under the guidance of Renshi Peter Reilly, undertook a range of activities to strengthen both the mind and the body.  To meditate and immerse yourself in nature as the sun peaks over the horizon provides focus and perspective to an otherwise busy life.

Students were then put through a light warm-up to prepare for an intense aerobic session of stair work.  What better setting could you have whilst fitness training?.  Following the gruelling stair program, students were asked to dig deep and were divided into two teams to compete in a Tug of War Challenge.  This activity was designed to foster team work and team spirit.  As usual, winning was not the most important outcome, it was the lesson of sticking together in the face of adversity.

The Senior Class then assembled at Spinnaker Park Beach for a well earned breakfast in preparation for the Zen Chi Ryu Kids to arrive for their Beach Session.  A number of these session have been conducted in 2006 and 2007, with the kids really enjoying the challenge of training outdoors and on uneven surfaces.

The kids were put through their paces with a team game to warm up followed by a practice session on throws and break falls in the sand.  They also did a session on Kata (forms) in the sand and explored the relationship between uneven surfaces and footwork.  Their class was finished with a session in the water, teaching the importance of knee raising in effective and powerful kicks.  It was great to see the number of parents enjoying the outdoor venue for the kids class and the strategies they put in place to transport very wet children home on completion of the class.  Everyone enjoyed the sessions immensely, particularly the new students.

Zen Chi Ryu Gladstone will be entering two senior students in the 2008 Australian Kyokushin Championships which will be held in Sydney on the 12th & 13th July.  Entries will be in the Open non-contact Karate Championships and the Knockdown Championships with both students expected to be very competitive in their age/weight divisions.  Training has already commenced for these students, with the ‘Dawn on Auckland Hill’ session kicking off their journey to Sydney.

Shave for a Cure

Zen Chi Ryu Gladstone now has two kids classes – Friday evenings and Saturday mornings.   The Friday evening class is conducted by Dai Sempai Jess Reilly and Sempai Nathan Marshall and as part of their commitment to the Gladstone Community, they will be holding a closed ‘Shave for a Cure’ event next Friday evening at the Dojo with Nathan losing his locks and the kids given the opportunity to colour their hair to help raise funds for the Leukaemia Foundation.  Proceeds from all Zen Chi Ryu classes for a period of two weeks will be donated to their cause.  We wish them well in their endeavours.

Have a great week and keep training hard.   Remember Fear is the true opiate of combat.

To our fighters .... you will develop a love for bamboo!

Peter

Renshi Peter Reilly
Zen Chi Ryu

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25th February 2008   What makes a good training session?

As the second month of 2008 steam rolls by I have been focusing on getting a number of us back on track with a range of hard sessions.  In my mind a good training program should have a couple of sessions per week that really do test your boundaries (i.e. are scary beforehand, distressing during, and make you very proud afterward!).

These sessions not only prepare your body for the challenges we face in martial arts training, they also teach you to go to the edge without panic.  If you work in the zone of discomfort you are working in the zone of development.  As we gain further experience in taking ourselves to new limits we learn to read our bodies reactions to intense training, and how to moderate ourselves if required, to prevent injury.

In my sessions I picture positive moments to help me through barriers.  I often use a mental image of the scene pictured below  ..... it was one of the best moments of 2008, driven by pure intent and determination.  Nothing was going to stop his hand from reaching its goal.

Courage and steely determination - Sempai Nigel Clements
with one of the best palm heel strikes ever seen.

Over the last fortnight one of my Sempai's has been learning heaps about injury management and has a few lessons to go as his calf assumes the role of teacher ..... I know he will be stronger for the experience!  So look out come the 2008 Warrior Way in Sydney.   Injuries are as much a part of the journey as grading for rank.  They can frustrate beyond belief and test ones resolve in ways that cannot be replicated in any dojo related task.  Much can be learnt about our resolve as we manage the frustrating process of a slow recovery.

The 2008 Warrior camp will be held on Friday 24th  October (Check in at 4pm) to Sunday 26th October (Check out 4pm).  The Venue will be the Sydney Academy of Sports Narrabeen (Wakehurst Parkway). 

You will have a hard training weekend full of challenges.  The price is $170.00 this includes bed and all meals.  Under 16years $140.00 this includes bed and all meals.  Grading and training cost $30.00 per head if you are staying.  For those that are coming and going the cost is $50.00per head.  For those travelling interstate we will set up the Hombu Dojo for you to stay Sunday night.  We will also run a video night with a range of historic ZCR fight videos.

Gladstone has been gripped with panic relating to a terrible murder last week of a young local woman.  As a father of a teenage daughter, I can't imagine what the family must be going through.  My heart goes out to them.  It is a shocking reminder of how precarious personal safety can be for young women travelling alone at night.  I advise all of my students to train in pairs or small groups when walking/running or completing the local fitness trail, especially on dusk.  There is an increasing need for self defence awareness for a large part of our community.  We will try to meet some of that need over the coming months and offer some free classes without obligation. 

Here are a few Do's & DON'TS (my 2 cents worth) - "Be Prepared"

•  Don't be drunk and alone at night
•  Don't be sober and alone at night
•  Always know your surroundings
•  Don't nightclub till 4am then look for a taxi
•  Never assume it's safe to walk home alone at night
•  Don't accept any drinks from anyone unless you have watched it being opened or prepared
•  "Be Prepared" - know basic street based self defence applications
•  Know how to turn everyday items into weapons
•  Carry a kubatan on your keys
•  Carry a small but powerful torch in your handbag
•  Understand that your environment is ever-changing, so re-evaluate it often
•  Know how to approach and check your vehicle in a dark car park with safety
•  Know how to attack primary targets (eyes, throat, ears, testicles) with aggression & resolve
•  Learn how to scream/shout and project your voice assertively
•  Discard ignorance and embrace the need to learn a range of skills that may need to be deployed in a panic situation without warning

Of course it's all common sense!  So why do people get themselves in positions, that in hindsight you wouldn't go near with a ten foot pole.  Alcohol, ego and ignorance seem to play a large part.  There are real life predators out there.  They don't just exist in the la la land of TV and movies.  So wake up and share the message of "Be Prepared" and hope you never find the need to deploy the lesson.

Air Force Test

This will drive you nuts!! But, have fun anyway!

The object of the game is to move the red block around without getting hit by the blue blocks or touching the black walls.  If you can go longer than 18 seconds you are phenomenal. It's been said that the US Air Force uses this for fighter pilots. They are expected to go for at least 2 minutes.

Give it a try but be careful...it is addictive!!   Click Here to take the TEST

Well it's off to Mackay this week to run a series of Management workshops.  I hope Mackay is recovering after the terrible floods from last week.

2008 ---- No Fear ---- That's the goal set by my Shihan.

Peter

Renshi Peter Reilly
Zen Chi Ryu

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18th February 2008   New Family members, New Friends and New Ink

February has been an extremely busy month for the Enabling Arts Dojo and for the Reilly household.  We knew it was going to be a huge month, so we have planned, organised and prepared to make the most of it.  This week was spent in Cairns working with several leadership groups from Ergon Energy.  I had a great trip and met some fantastic characters.

The wet weather has not affected anyone's desire to train hard over the last couple of weeks.  With a range of new kids on the mats, everyone has been working hard to make new families feel welcome and at ease with the challenges of starting to learn Martial Arts.  The adults have had a range of solid classes to get the wheels back on track after the Christmas break.

On Friday evening a number of us worked with the Katana. I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to practice with this unique weapon with friends. We developed a small flow drill to practice a range of strikes as well as drawing and re-sheathing processes. I think it looks pretty cool and certainly suits the purpose as a learning tool. After a solid 90min most were feeling the strain and arm strength required to wield this weapon with power and precision.

The kids had another solid class this week, working their way through a fun warm up then progressing to partner sparring. It was great to watch the new kids grapple with the concept of sparring. The senior kids are a great help when introducing the newies to sparring. Most kids take time to get a level of comfort with sparring and light contact. Confidence develops after a few sessions and the range of techniques employed improve.
 

Last week the adults were put through a gruelling class in the heat.  It was a real return to the old Kempo style and proved a huge challenge for all.  This week the adults worked through a range of basic techniques (punches & karate strikes) with a view to exploring them to make sure we can explain and practice them correctly when working with others. We then moved to some sobering work on knife defence techniques. Everyone, I hope realised the danger of facing a live blade in a self defence situation, as we were all cut, stabbed and slashed multiple times.

The only place where the knife fighting fantasy exists
is in the martial arts. There is no such thing in the
modern civilized world. In legal terms it is attempted murder,
assault with a deadly weapon or homicide. To the streetfighter
it is assassination, not a "fight" at all. To the criminal it is a tool
for robbery Everyone else considers it abhorrent macho stupidity. .... Marc MacYoung

Worlds Greatest Shave - A Message from Sempai Nathan Marshal

Nathan has posted a message on our Yahoo discussion site and I thought I would give it a little more exposure here.  We will support Nathan's cause by donating all class fees for 2 weeks and sponsoring his quest with other forms of assistance.  If you would like to be apart of this please drop Nathan an email.....

Hi all.

This past Monday, one of the young kitchen-hands at work found out his mother had been diagnosed with Leukaemia. This was heart-breaking for him and got me thinking that it could happen to anyone.

Therefore I am participating in the Worlds Greatest Shave on March 13-15 and would like to get as many people (friends and family) involved as possible.

I have started up a group on the website called the Gladstone-Ites for anyone interested in getting their hair shaved or coloured.

Anyone who would like to join please email me on stormfan_13@bigpond.com and i will add you to the group. I am aiming for the group to raise $1000 to go towards the Leukaemia Foundation.

More info about when and where the shave/colouring will take place will be provided closer to the date.

Please get behind this worthy cause.

Thank-you
Sempai Nathan
 

We have great news about our next grading on the weekend of April 19 & 20.  We will have a number of guests flying in from Sydney.  Shihan Tim, Shihan Clair and Harold Baldry Sensei will add to our knowledge base and motivation with a range of excellent sessions being planned.  It will be a weekend for the strong and those keen to learn ..... sounds like every Zen Chi Ryu student I know.  I'm excited about finishing off a few senior Kata sessions with Sensei Harold and working on the Katana with Shihan Tim.  The ladies of Zen are looking forward to continuing their session with Shihan Clair and exploring Fudo Shin applications.

Till next time ---- Train with pride and respect for your partners and yourself.

Peter

Renshi Peter Reilly
Zen Chi Ryu

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10th February 2008   New Students and a New Class

I love to see so many new students joining our Dojo and taking to the mat for the first time.  It is such a buzz and an honour to be entrusted with their first martial Arts experience.  New Gi's and Obis tied wrong by mum and dad.  Little sisters and brothers watching and smiling.  Determined looks and stances..... their journey begins.

The Neoteric Generation Dojo kicked off last Friday with Sempai Jessica and Sempai Nathan instructing a group of excited Zen Chi Kids.  What a thrill it was to watch both of these fine martial artists weave their way through their first full lesson plan.  Other who have trained and trained with Jess & Nathan will also be watching and wishing them well.  So let's explore their dojo name - "The Neoteric Generation Dojo".

ne·o·ter·ic  / Pronunciation[nee-uh-ter-ik]

–adjective: modern; new; recent.
–noun: a new or modern writer, thinker, etc.

[Origin: 1590–1600; < LL neōtericus new, modern < Gk neōterikós young, youthful, equiv. to neter(os) younger (comp. of néos new) + -ikos -ic]

I was very happy to approve this name and enjoyed the process both instructors went through to decide on something that was meaningful to their style and journey.

Dai Sempai Jessica & Sempai Nathan's First ZCR Kids Class

One month lost to the sands of time .... keep training towards your goals, this year will fly by.

Peter

Renshi Peter Reilly
San Dan - Zen Chi Ryu

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27th January 2008   Back on the mats for Australia Day

How wonderful it is to be back on the mats and in the Dojo.  The Christmas/New Year break is always terrific and a good chance to rest injuries.  However, it always feels great to see everyone again.  The kids are excited about our new incentive program "Kate's Karate Cash" and everyone has started the new year off with vigour.  We welcomed back a few students who have returned to training after an extended break.  Chantal has moved back to Gladstone and it is great to have her energy back in our dojo.  It is also great to see Renee again as she burnt up the mat with her Kata performance.  She seems to have forgotten very little.  Welcome back to everyone!

We have picked up the pace on our Modern Arnis work and have introduced the concepts to the Zen Kids class.  They love the idea of being entrusted with weapons training and love the free sparring with foam sticks.  Starting this Friday Sempai Nathan &  Dai Sempai Jessica will be commencing a new Zen Kids class for those who want a little extra training and to accommodate our growing waiting list.  Their first Class commences on Friday 1st Feb from 5pm to 6pm.  I'm very proud of them both and I'm sure we will see the birth of two excellent instructors.  Man they make a great team.

On Saturday Sempai Brad Hall won the Gladstone Australia Day Senior Sports person award for 2008 & Dai Sempai Jessica finished as a finalist in the Junior Sports person award.  The night was well attended by fellow students and families to show our support.

Congratulations to Brad and Jessica, who both had enormous years in 2007.  You are both excellent role models for everyone who trains in Zen Chi Ryu.

Brads 2007 sporting Achievements included;

•  2007 National Zen Chi Ryu Karate Champion - Power Breaking

•  2007 National Zen Chi Ryu Karate Champion - Full Contact Sparring

•  Winner of the 2007 Open B Grade Championship Gross

•  Winner of the 2007 BITS Open A Grade Championship Net

Early in the new year we took the time to have a semi formal meal with the Senior Adult Sempai's and partners..  We all made the effort to dress somewhat traditionally and try a range of traditional Asian dishes and drinks.  A great night was had by all even though the sake was a bit of a struggle.   As part of the evening Kate was presented with a 300 year old blade (signed; Hizen kuni ju Hirotsugu), which she must have restored for a Kata presentation at her Sho Dan Ho grading.

Well it's head long into an extremely busy February for Kate and I.  So my journal entries may become a little rarer as we push through a huge workload and forge a solid foundation for 2008.

Review, adjust and recommit to your 2008 goals.

Peter

Renshi Peter Reilly
San Dan - Zen Chi Ryu

P.S.  "Australians who make us proud"

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4th January 2008  The Highwayman

It a long ride but well worth the effort.

Day 1 -Gladstone to Barcaldine (700km)
Day 2 - Barcaldine to Longreach and return to Gladstone for new years eve with the family (920km)

Music for the entire trip was supplied by my father-in-law and long time Sensei, Ken Nicho - The Highwaymen.  Perfect tunes and lyrics for a trip to the west.   It's a great album by a true supergroup.  After 20 hrs of repeated listening, I think I got all messages ...... thanks Ken it was just what the Doctor ordered.

I fly a starship across the Universe divide.
And when I reach the other side,
I'll find a place to rest my spirit if I can.
Perhaps I may become a highwayman again.
Or I may simply be a single drop of rain;
But I will remain.
And I'll be back again,!!
 

The views were magnificent and people very friendly.  What's the point of owning the worlds best touring road bike if you're not going to put some miles up on it (I'm a modest owner...hey!).  I highly recommend a visit to the Stockman's Hall of Fame in Longreach.  It truly puts you in touch with what made the outback great.  The workers heritage centre in Barcaldine is also well worth the effort.  It is looking a little tired, but with a new Labor government in the seat of power I'm sure it will get a spruce up.

Well time to burn some of those Christmas and New Years Eve calories off, and time to stop whinging about the shoulder and hit the weights.

We are having a formal Karate dinner tonight with the Senior Adult Sempai's and partners.  It will be great to see everyone dressed traditionally and enjoying the finest Asian cuisine and Sake.

Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu (Wishing you all a happy and successful 2008).

Peter

Renshi Peter Reilly
San Dan - Zen Chi Ryu

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30th December 2007  Another Glorious Year

The big fellow in the red suit has been and gone.  He left plenty of joy for my family and students.  In an odd Christmas moment our new stick fighting armour got a great run after Christmas breakfast.  Sempai Kate gave me a touch up and then moved onto her 18 year old Nephew Duncan.  We were both left a little bruised with her Christmas wishes.  I wonder what our neighbours made of it all.

The Christmas break has allowed us to catch up on a few jobs at the dojo.  We have sorted out a better system of storage for our sparring equipment and kids games gear.  We have also added to our photo gallery, adding some of the best shots from 2007 to the wall.

As the new year is upon us we have set a draft set of event dates for our dojo.

Our 2008 Calendar of Events - A Black Belt Year!

•  19th January - Resume classes

•  8th March - Dawn on Auckland Hill for the adults, Kids at Spinnaker Park

•  19th & 20th April - Grading 1 and Mt Larcom climb – Shihan Clare Baker Attending

•  31st May - Awoonga Dam training session

•  2nd & 3rd August - Grading 2

•  6th October - Ropes Course Team Building

•  24th, 25th, 26th & 27th October - Warrior Way - Sydney
  (To be confirmed by Shihan Tim)

•  29th & 30th November - Grading 3 and Break up – final class.
   

2008 will be another bumper year for us.  We have many activities planned for the kids class such as video and pizza nights, and Kata and self defence, and sparring competitions.

The adults have a number of unique training sessions and seminars planned.  We hope to see Shihan Clair Baker in April to work with all the women of Zen on self defence and Kata.  Clair is the highest ranked female practitioner of Zen, and our girls are keen to learn from her.  We will also stage a submission wrestling tournament and invite a number of local clubs to participate.

We will also be working hard to get a big contingent to travel to Sydney for the 2008 Warrior Way in October.  We may even take some of the kids and teenagers for the trip of a lifetime.

This week also marked a very sad event with the assassination of a great female warrior who fought for peace and democracy in her much loved country of Pakistan.   Benazir Bhutto was killed in a gun and bomb attack as she left a rally ahead of an election due on January 8. The identity of the attacker was not immediately clear, but Islamist militants have been blamed for a previous assassination bid.   A deeply polarizing figure, Ms. Bhutto spent 30 years navigating the turbulent and often violent world of Pakistani politics, becoming in 1988 the first woman to lead a modern Muslim country.   The manner of her death is a reminder of the common dangers that our world faces from cowardly acts of terrorism and of the need to find the common ground of peace. Typically of the small minded Australian press, our headline stories focused on the safety of an upcoming Australian cricket team tour of Pakistan.  What a bloody insult to our intelligence and women in general. May she rest in peace and may her country find peace.

With new years eve just around the corner, I'm planning a bike trip to Longreach.  I haven't been there for many years and I'm keen to see the upgrades to the Stockman's Hall of Fame, while giving the Harley a good run.  The freedom of the open road has been calling out loudly over the last few weeks and I'm keen for the weather to clear .  Freedom is held within, but a good bike run helps set it alight.  Kate has signed the leave pass, so it's off to Longreach in the morning.

Longreach

Keep training and prepare for bigger things in 2008 Chinese Year of the Rat.

Peter

Renshi Peter Reilly
San Dan - Zen Chi Ryu

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Hot Links

 Peter ABC Radio Interview
(mp3 4mb - 8th Feb 2007)
Black Belt Strategies for Leadership

Articles By Sensei Peter

 Zen Chi Ryu Web Site

 ZCR Yahoo Discussion Site

Volume 1 Past Reflections Found Here
22nd Feb to 15th Jun 2007

Volume 2 Past Reflections Found Here
21st June to 20th Dec 2007

Volume 3 Past Reflections Found Here
30th Dec 2007 to 31st Aug 2008

Volume 4 Past Reflections Found Here
28th Sept 2008 to 1st Jan 2009

This is what I know to be true......"Data becomes information.  Information becomes knowledge.  When knowledge is applied and changes observable behaviour we have created learning.  When learning is leveraged to create change, we have experience.  When experience is shared we grow. This in my humble opinion, is wisdom." -P.J. Reilly

An education isn’t how much you have committed to memory, or even how much you know. It’s being able to differentiate between what you do know and what you don’t. It’s knowing where to go to find out what you need to know; and it’s knowing how to use the information you get - William Feather.

You take the blue pill - the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill - you stay in Wonderland and I show you how deep the rabbit-hole goes. ...The Matrix.

"It's a little like wrestling a gorilla. You don't quit when you're tired-you quit when the gorilla is tired.”   Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn't work hard.

“The purpose of today’s training….is to defeat yesterday’s understanding.”
The famed swordsman Miyamoto Musashi
(1584 – 1645)

It requires wisdom to understand wisdom:   The music is nothing if the audience is deaf.
Walter Lippman