Last night’s workout was more on the theme of hip action and rotation, very much like we did on Wednesday in Mapleton. I got to help correct for a chunk of the first class. It was kind’ve fun to help the new white belt girl do her first round kicks, she has trouble with her left and right but she’s trying hard.
The second class revolved around variations on the first six movements in Unsu. We broke into groups and did the block and attacks to four sides (called The Four Winds drill in Macomb). Then we varied it with cat stance and front front kicks followed with reverse punch. It was a good drill, but the fourth person always seemed to get the worst of it. One of my favorites moments was Rush-san wheeling around and barely thudding Conover-san then proceeding to lunge at him as if to catch a basketball flying from his mouth. Conover was fine; Randy’s a very nice guy.
After class we had a large conversation about the state of the dojo. I think Sensei was made aware of some of the stuff that has been circulating. The thing with Olar was brought up. It was explained that rules like this have been in place for other dojos for decades, but we’ve never had much of a reason to enforce them. Most times when our black belts leave, they either stay gone or have the courtesy to call in when they’re coming back.
Also, McCabe-san’s test was brought up again. I don’t think anyone was surprised to hear that its Sensei’s responsibility to judge as he feels fit. I don’t think anyone bemoaned him that, it was just we never had that spelled out for us before. Also, the fact that this is the way it works in Saint Louis wasn’t a huge revealation either, but it was interesting to hear it said.
As previously mentioned, when the time for questions or comments came, I stated how upset I was with the lack of respect being shown for both Senseis. I was fired up and threatened to “bring the fight” to anyone that wanted to show that blatent disrespect in the dojo. Sensei said “oh, you will not” and he was right. I won’t. I lost my shit a little, but I needed to. Part of me was afraid in that moment that they perceived the fact that we let Olar start a class with us that we accepted and condoned his lack of respect and bad attitude. I wanted to express that I, for one, did not.
I defended both Sensei Brewer and Hartman when I chatted with Olar. I was told they appreciated that, however they didn’t need me to do that because his opinion does not matter to them. They’re right. His opinion doesn’t matter and it no longer matters to me.
I just hope I didn’t make too big of an ass out of myself.
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