Not in the Company of others...

So, with the Covid 19 iso going on Karateka are forced to train at home, if they want to train at all....
'Tis my hope that value will be found in training like this.
It's how it used to be, and no reason why it shouldn't be again.

My Dojo ....
Kaimoku ....open the eyes. 

For me, nothing has changed. My training for the past 9 years nearly, has been done in isolation, save the trips to my last Sensei during the course of each year.
So my training just simply carries on.

I realized at a Gasshuku last year that my Karate and Martial ability is what it is.
Due to my age, certain medical issues like tears I occasionally get, my physical ability is not going to improve now, but I can maintain what I have.

I also realized that I no longer needed, after training in martial arts for two and half decades, a Sensei. It's not that I think I know everything, far from it, as I feel I have only scratched the tip of the iceberg. It's just that I have plenty to work on that will last me for the next two decades and beyond; and if I don't know how to work on my Karate by now then what have I been doing all this time.

The Havamal is kind of a guide book to life....

I lost sight momentarily as to why I named my Dojo as I did and during the Gasshuku was reminded as to why I train in the first place; it certainly isn't to train in the company of others, my Karate is bigger and more personal than that. I'm not into the whole karate social thing either. I'm not into double standards and Senpai who are only after what they can get from you. Or indeed set you up to fail. Such as asking questions that THEY already know the answer to.

Within the pages of the Havalmal, there are warnings of being in the company of others, and what signs to look for when persons have an agenda.
Karate is rife with agenda, and Clubs, Associations and Dojo no matter how big or small always have that one person you should keep at a distance. Such is my experience (That word again).

Training today saw the Chiishi wielded, pots of weight lifted and a glimpse of my reflection in the wooden mirror
(Makiwara)... I like my Karate.

Happy training, I really do hope you find value in spending time Not in the company of others.
It is ok you know.