Lessons in Change

This is a lesson in change. I believe Ghandi led a life that wanted to change things in this world for the better. The distinction here is that he didn't just sit at his computer exposing his thoughts and beliefs but got up and walked to the people with his message. I believe he understood that to bring about change in others you had to go out, meet with them, and provide your actions and thoughts and beliefs in a manner that would influence others into a desire to change from within.

I bring this example or lesson because recently I have reached a limit. Isshinryu is fractured. Isshinryu factions believe wholeheartedly in what they believe is the truth and facts of their style and way. Even tho the different factions are all different in their views and beliefs none of them take any type of responsibility to bring about change, either in themselves or in others.

We sit and whine about who is right, who has the most experience, who is this and who is that and he meant to teach this or that or this symbol is the true one or that is this or that but none of them actively go out to meet and teach to others as Ghandi did so that they will accept change within themselves.

Nowhere in history do you read or see or hear about persons who brought about great change from the comfort of their own homes and from within their mostly exclusive and restrictive "club."

One such club touts about how they promote this and that but in reality they don't do it outside their club. Occasionally a guest is allowed provided they "meet" specified standards to get the privilege to lurk in that club or group but no where do you see them going out to all the other factions to promote truth and accuracy of the style.

They say they tried and since no one will change, incidentally you have to change to their exact way or it is not acceptable; how convenient, so they whine and cry but actually are enabling their attitudes and beliefs.

It is important that change be for the good of all and not just the few. This type of change requires effort much like the practice of katate-do. Perseverance and practice, practice, practice. Diligent practice, practice, practice.

After all, if every time you run into a practice that is difficult and stubborn you don't just stop trying. In karate-do you persevere until you get it. If you quit then you do not practice karate-do. These clubs, if they truly believe that Tatsuo Sensei wanted us to learn customs and courtesies of Okninawans and practice the truth of the ken-po goku-i then to quit on those whose stubbornness should be just a "challenge" are not doing this but telling themselves that they are special and those folks are not worthy of their efforts.

Over the years I have gone out and talked, written, etc. about what I perceive as the truth and facts regarding our style Isshinryu. I have posted on web sites, blogs, and in newsletters and when the opportunity presents itself talked to different dojo about the style letting them decide for themselves to either accept or reject my views. I have been persistent for thirty-eight some odd years in my own way and hope I have influenced even just one person. In the last five years I have tried and continue to try and influence others so they may be open and accepting of ideas and thoughts that may or may not change they way the practice and act in life and in karate-do. I don't just sit and whine as to why no one will listen, no one will change, no one wants to follow the way intended by Tatsuo Sensei; I jut keep plugging away in the hopes things will change.

Change is good, I believe that is what Ghandi wanted in folks and for me on a very small scale I hope I influence change for someone somewhere in a very positive way. If you are restricting your efforts to your students and their students that is good but if you stop there and fail to try and influence/change the other factions outside your tribe then are you failing to follow the way?

Is this my ego talking?