Wednesday, July 13, 2011
I am often asked about the growth of the Yushikan, both as a dojo and as a burgeoning organization. In a modern martial arts world obsessed with expansion and “student counts,” my perspective is somewhat different.
The Yushikan is a closed dojo. It is not a place where someone can simply walk in off the street, sign a contract, and begin. This isn’t about being over-selective or elitist; it is about ensuring that every person on the mat is genuinely serious about the Art and possesses a spirit of sincerity and respect.
The Backyard Sanctuary
I have owned several commercial dojos over the years, and some were very successful. However, I have reached a point where I will likely never open a commercial storefront again.
My current dojo is located on my own property. I have traded the distractions and overhead of a commercial setting for a quiet, “backyard” dojo complete with a pond and garden. In this environment, I am free from the pressure of “handing out belts” just to keep students paying tuition.
We train in Okinawan empty-hand and weapon arts with a singular focus: the development of the practitioner’s body, mind, and spirit. We operate in a non-competitive environment where each member works to improve themselves while simultaneously helping their fellow students improve.
The Natural Sieve
My training methodology—utilizing junbi undo (preparatory exercises), hojo undo (strength training), kihon, kata, kakie, and conditioning—acts as a natural sieve.
In the last year, I admitted five new students. None lasted more than a month. I do not abuse my students or work them to the point of exhaustion, but I do expect them to work. We do thousands of repetitions. We focus on the fundamentals. Perhaps they get bored because they aren’t learning “flashy” kicks or Hollywood acrobatics—I don’t know. What I do know is that traditional karate is not for everyone, and I am comfortable with that.
A Different Kind of Organization
Regarding the Yushikan growing into a larger organization, I believe that growth must be organic and led by the yudansha (black belts). I encourage my senior students who move away to begin programs in low-risk environments—local YMCAs, Boys and Girls Clubs, churches, or even city parks. This allow them to teach without the financial burden of overhead, focusing entirely on the quality of their instruction.
We also occasionally have black belts from other styles seek us out. While many apply, I have only accepted a few into our inner circle.
The Goal: Excellence, Not Mass
So, do I want the Yushikan to grow? Yes—but I want quality growth.
What is the value of a large organization if the technique is poor? I would much rather have one excellent student than a hundred mediocre ones. My approach may not be the fastest way to build a “karate empire,” because I do not promote often and we train over and over on the same core principles. However, for those who stay, the result is a karate that is deep, functional, and true to the Okinawan source.
Growth, for us, is not measured by the number of students on the roster, but by the strength of the character on the mat.
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