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Voices of Kokondo-ka: |
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A
Collection of Answers to the Question “What do you get out of
Kokondo Training?”
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Sensei
Alex Hallock, Ph.D, Training in Kokondo since 1994 “It is hard for me to describe the sense of satisfaction, pride, humbleness, exhilaration, challenge, and joy I feel while training. However, what means the most to me is the knowledge that my dojo is my family, and their loyalty and help is never far away.” Sarah
Wylie, Training in Kokondo since 2003 (Brandeis) “Kokondo Karate and Jukido for me represent a harmonious marriage of the physical, spiritual, and mental being. I have always realized that in order to grow in any one area, attention must be paid to all. During the past three years in Kokondo I have faced many obstacles, but somehow it would seem my concentration, positive attitude, and patience always give me the advantage. I attribute these intangibles directly to my studies of Kokondo. When you add all of this with the camaraderie, it truly becomes something spectacular.” John
Serra, Training in
Kokondo since 2000 (CKJA: Big Sky Newington, Quinnipiac University) “Even though I've only
just begun, I feel that I have learned so much from Kokondo in such a
short amount of time. I have been told that we use Kokondo
every day, even if we don't have to defend ourselves. It has
raised my self-confidence, enhanced my awareness and introduced me to
a whole new group of friends. Aside from the amazing camaraderie
in every dojo I've trained in, just knowing I can go from one dojo to
the other and learn the same exact thing really makes Kokondo
special.” "We
talk about Kokondo being both a budo – a martial art that
helps you grow as a person – and a bugei – a martial art
that helps develop your ability to defend yourself. Kokondo has
helped me grow as a person by improving my self-confidence,
increasing my awareness and improving my ability to remain in
control when under extreme pressure. It has also taught me how to
defend myself, making me feel – and be – safe. Kokondo has
helped me develop all these things while having an enormous amount
of fun with wonderful people, many of who have become my closest
friends.” Sensei
Stephen Lisauskas, Training in Kokondo since 1991 (Brandeis; Chief
Instructor Boston Dojo) “Even though I am just a
beginner, I already feel safe and more confident that I can protect
myself and my three young children if we're ever faced with a
dangerous situation. This has lifted a huge weight from my
shoulders.” Rochelle
Murphy, Training in Kokondo since 2003 (CKJA-Big Sky Newington) “I am a physical therapist and I work in two large rehabilitation centers in Israel. Kokondo is one of the most intense and significant parts of my life that shaped my personality, my perception, and my approach to life. Kokondo makes me feel as an artist would who takes part in the creation of something that makes a difference in this world. I am proud to be an ambassador of Kokondo in Israel and certain that Kokondo and its philosophy will be widely spread in my country.” Eyal
Klein,
Training in Kokondo since 1992 (BKA) “I have had the pleasure of learning from several senseis during training. I enjoy the physical as well as the mental training and workout, and I am always glad when I can attend class – it is never a disappointment. The people are great, the art is great – and it is a lot of fun." Jeff
Sutton, Training since
2001 (Babson, South Shore) “When I was a kid growing
up, I had the benefit of knowing an excellent Kokondo-Ka in
the system. I looked up to Sensei George Rego very much.
My original thought when I was a child was to start Jukido to be like
George. I realized as I matured that I wanted to do Jukido
not just because George did, but because of what it turned him into.
As we grew up together, I saw how he became a great person with
confidence and with a super attitude. As I matured, as with any
person, life became more challenging. When Mr. Rego
moved to Palm Coast, FL, I lost not only my friend but my
role model. I soon forgot how great Kokondo made Mr. Rego
and began a slow decline in my attitude. I found myself with low
confidence and a bad mind-set in life. I wanted something more
to better myself. My original reason for training was to become
a better person in life in general. As I continue to train,
I find myself becoming a better person daily. A smaller reason --
but still a reason -- I train in Kokondo is because my life
long dream is to become a Police Officer. Knowing how to train
myself has a direct application. Kokondo is and will always be
the best thing I have done in life!” Sergio Pina, Training since
April, 2002 (CKJA-Big Sky Newington) “Kokondo offers the ability to balance, both the physical and the mental. Achieving this balance frees up resources to achieve and notice things you never would have dreamed yourself capable of. And just look at all the great people you get to learn this with.” Fiona
Plows, Ph.D.,
Training in Kokondo since 1999 (Stanford University Kokondo
Instructor) “Jukido and Kokondo are essential to my life as a Christian. The rigorous training, challenges, fun, excitement, benevolent teachers, effective self-defense techniques, martial principles like tai sabaki, chi sao , fudoshin, and zanshin— all help to sustain and strengthen my faith in one way or another. I lead a better, fuller life because of my martial arts training, and for that I am exceedingly thankful." David Auten, Training in
Kokondo since 1990 (CKJA-Big Sky Newington, Hombu) "Training with such an
exceptional group of people in effective & powerful self-defense,
both regionally and at the International Seminars, enhances my own
learning and adaptation to new situations, whether they are
self-defense related or not. The people that I train with are
remarkable in every sense - but most especially in their adherence to
the Codes, which encourage mutual benefit." “When
I first decided to begin training in March of 1999, I spoke with a
friend at work who I knew had some experience in martial arts. He suggested that I look for some schools in my area and get
back to him with the results. After
providing him with my list, he immediately recommended Sensei Scott
Cohen and Kokondo without any hesitation whatsoever.
My friend, who is not a member of Kokondo, could have very
easily convinced me to go elsewhere or choose his system but didn't.
I think this speaks well for Kokondo and how far reaching its
spirit is. I
had no idea what to expect when I started; but my goal was to be able
to defend myself from a physical attack.
What I have experienced is so much more than that.
Kokondo is a way of life, not just self-defense.
It has had a profound effect on my family and professional
life. It reminds me to
encourage my two young children instead of reprimanding them.
It helps me prepare for uncomfortable situations at work where
I might be placed in the middle of a confrontation with a dissatisfied
customer. I am grateful
for the life lessons I have learned, for the friends and acquaintances
I have met and for the things that have yet to be revealed.
OSSU!” Scott
D. Anderson, Training since 1999 (CKJA- Big Sky Newington) "Being a Kokondo-ka has given me a sense of belonging to a community that is incredibly diverse, closely connected, and focused on helping its members better themselves in every aspect of their lives. Since I have joined, I have become a 'woman-warrior'- more self reliant, confident and much happier. The decision to join the BKA has been one of the best ones I have ever made, and one that has had, and will continue to have, a significant and lasting impact on my life." Amalia S. Nitu, Training in
Kokondo since 2002 (Brandeis) “To walk past a dojo and see people listening, learning, trying, practicing, concentrating, understanding, improving, and having fun all at the same time is what makes Jukido so enticing. To be inside that dojo, doing all those things with people who have similar goals and are willing to work hard to meet them, is what makes Jukido extraordinary.” Johanna Chelcun, Training
in Kokondo since 2003 (CKJA: Quinnipiac University, Big Sky Newington) "One aspect I love about our system is that you don't just join a dojo, you join an extended family." Mike
Vance, Training in
Kokondo since 2001 (Stanford University- Brandeis West) “I practice Jukido
Jujitsu in the Kokondo system because it gives me a chance to escape
from all the other stressors in my life. When I enter the dojo,
I leave everything at the door, so I have a couple of hours to just
train with Sensei and my friends.” "I first took a class at the BKA while I was in the process of deciding among several martial arts. The effectiveness and veracity of the self-defense techniques made me choose Kokondo, the quality and character of the people made me stick with it, and the integrity and depth of the art leave me with no doubt that I can continue to benefit from Kokondo for the rest of my life." Sensei
Warren Postman, Training in Kokondo since 1999 (Brandeis) “I feel so fortunate to be included in a community that can respond so appropriately and caringly to the unique needs of all its members. I have never been so glad or proud that I am learning how to better take care of and defend myself than since I joined the Brandeis Kokondo dojo.” Sophia
Mendelsohn, Training in Kokondo since 2001 (Brandeis) “One of
the things I appreciate most about Kokondo is the extreme
helpfulness of Kokondo-ka, both in and out of the Dojo. It is
amazing to drive down a street with a couple of Kokondo folks, see
an accident happening (pedestrians in this case) and while the rest
of the world moves curiously on, it is the Kokondo-ka that pull over
to help. I have been personally in some very dangerous
positions where several of the members of my dojo rallied to help me
in a show of support I did not expect, calling in some very high
level favors for me. This is, I think, the greatest asset of
Kokondo-ka everywhere-- their own helpfulness and in return, the
help they receive from their fellow dojo mates." “I love
the spirit and intensity that I feel when I am in class and the
kindness that is always there.” “Kokondo is my life.
The bushido spirit and the Kokondo training that I receive
in the dojo consistently plays a part in my life. Consciously and
sometimes unconsciously, the lessons learned in the dojo are applied
to everyday life. The 'never-say-die' attitude is a strong part of
facing challenges in life. In the dojo we learn that there is always a
solution to a self-defense problem. I feel that Kokondo-ka take that
same attitude to everyday life -- there is always a solution to a
problem -- it is just a matter of how determined you are to reach a
solution through experience, flexibility, practice, and
determination. From a self-defense and
safety standpoint -- one cannot say enough about what Kokondo training
has done. Further, being a part of Kokondo is being a part of an
international family -- a family that I and everyone in Kokondo are
honored to be a part of." Sensei George
Rego;
training in Kokondo since 1991 (Hombu) "Being a smaller than average woman, I value the faith I can have in the techniques I am learning. I know that these techniques will work for me even against someone twice my size as I long as I do them right and practice." Jen
Vance, Training in Kokondo since 2001 (Stanford University,
“Brandeis West”) “I started training in Kokondo Karate at Quinnipiac College in 1993. I was drawn to the system for several reasons, among which were an emphasis on practical and realistic self-defense techniques and a mutual respect shared by instructors and students. Some of my fondest memories of college are of my Kokondo experiences. Working out in the dojo was challenging, as I tried to learn the intricacies and subtleties of Kokondo Karate. But it added a rich and rewarding dimension to my college experience. Preparing for a test was always exciting, and the best part of it was when I was finished with the test, and knew I had done my best. Much like life itself, Kokondo is a system that challenges one to do one's best, and have fun doing it. A decade later, I have returned to Quinnipiac to learn Jukido Jujitsu from the same instructor. Whenever I walk into the dojo, I get the same exhilarating feeling I had as a college sophomore. I know I'm in for something good.” Opoku
Archampong, Training in Kokondo since 1993 (CKJA- Quinnipiac
University) “Because of Kokondo, I have increased awareness of my safety and that of others. I do not walk around anywhere quite the same now that I have been in Kokondo. Plus, I am not in the class to display a certain belt color; I am in it to learn to defend myself and to develop close friendships with people I can trust and rely on. Whatever belt I am is an after-thought.” Karen
Kerney, Training in
Kokondo since 2001 (Brandeis) “For me Kokondo is the
rewarding challenge of making matter follow the mind.” “Sensei Garber quoted Master Longo during one of our classes: ‘In Kokondo, we always walk away from a fight if we possibly can.’ Our senseis teach us to have the confidence in our training to know when to use it, and then to have the confidence to use it effectively." Carl J.
Lambrecht, Training
in Kokondo since 2002 (South Shore) “Along with being a lot of fun, Kokondo has helped me to see parts of my character that I need to change (I need to relax!). I also appreciate the way that Kokondo builds family. We are all great friends in the dojo, and very supportive and helpful. I know that anyone in my dojo is there to get my back if I ever need help with anything.” Rick
Stephenson, Training
in Kokondo since 2000 (Stanford) "The Kokondo family has added many people I consider to be my brothers and sisters into my life. I have grown up with and around many people in my dojo, all of whom I love and would do anything for." Sensei Bill
Willand, Training in Kokondo since 1992 Brandeis;
Concord-Carlisle; South Shore; "Kokondo’s powerful techniques make you a more peaceful person. Real strength comes from within." Sensei Shan Hua, M.A.,
Training in Kokondo since 1993 “I originally joined Shihan's dojo in 1967 because it was right in line with my interests and goals of an effective and dynamic defensive martial art. It all built up to self-defense, rather than sport, and included all the basics, drills, exercise, mental conditioning, and standards of traditional karate. After watching a class, I noticed immediately and thereafter that Shihan is not only an outstanding practitioner, but he is also an outstanding instructor. I had left the style in 1972 to pursue other types of martial arts. Interestingly, I never stayed with the other types of arts. Prior to returning to Kokondo karate in 2002, I realized that I could remember hardly anything from the other styles, but I still remembered many of Kokondo’s core self-defense techniques and kata some 30 years later. Watching one of Sensei Scott Cohen's classes, prior to joining his Big Sky CKJA dojo, was absolutely ‘deja-vous’ for me, seeing the same techniques being taught again by Mr. Cohen, who reminded me a lot of Shihan, 30 years prior. That really says a great deal about Kokondo itself as well as the instructors it produced and still produces.” Michael
D. Miller, CPA, Training in Kokondo since 1967 (CKJA –Big Sky
Newington) “Having had experience in other martial arts before starting Kokondo in 2000, I joined the BKA for no other reason than to start training somewhere at the beginning. It didn't matter at the time if it was Kokondo or not as I didn't know or really understand what it was or what I was about to get myself into. Over time, Kokondo has become a personal challenge to try and understand some of the deeper philosophy that can extend beyond martial arts and into the rest of my life. Time will tell. Patience, persistence, repetition, focus and practice will help. Since joining, one thing I have learned over the years is the more effort you put into your training, the more you get out of it. It is not enough just showing up to class once or twice a week to go through the motions. Every technique you practice has to be realistic; otherwise you are wasting your time. Practice as if your life depends on it as the ultimate question is whether you think your life is worth defending. The effort one puts into their training also extends to the senseis in our dojo and across the IKA. The more effort a student makes to know who is teaching them, people make a reciprocal effort to know who they are teaching. When one teaches, two learn. The senseis in the system both directly and indirectly continue to be the reason why I am still here. Whether they are in my class, or I have had the opportunity to work out with them at their dojos, or having been taught a technique or a section at a seminar all demonstrate an incredible amount of patience, attention to detail, constructive criticism and even a sense of humor while emphasizing the efforts of doing your best to improve is more important than ever achieving perfection. They never give up on me even when I give up on myself. Kokondo is not about the belt; rather it’s the journey along the way-one class at a time.” Laurie
Harris, Training in
Kokondo since 1999 (Brandeis; South Shore) “Training in Kokondo has been one of the most significant positive influences in my life. Not only have I learned invaluable self defense techniques, but I also met and became friends with people of the highest quality. The learning environment is challenging and safe and many of the things we learn can also be applied to non-self defense situations.” Bob Fincutter, Training in
Kokondo since 2001 (Brandeis) "I like being in Kokondo because of the people that make the system. Once you join the dojo, it’s like suddenly acquiring a big family, which is willing to be there for you even outside the dojo, even when they don’t know you personally." Dr. Kalindi
Dogra, Training in Kokondo since 2002 (Stanford) “I find similarities in Jukido/Kokondo training to working out in a gym in that it involves some determination, sweat, exposing vulnerabilities, and struggle - but you leave a little stronger each time. Now imagine going to the gym with a big group of friends where you can share your struggle and sweat, are comfortable showing vulnerability, and everyone leaves a little stronger.” Michael
Ukstins, Training in Kokondo since 1990 (Brandeis; Syracuse
University) "Among
the numerous positive impacts Kokondo has had in my life, it has
expanded my knowledge of human physical and metal interactions,
developed my ability to focus on and attain desired goals, and
graced me with some wonderful friends. Some of the best
results can be seen in the groups at the CKJA (Big Sky Dojo in
Newington and Quinnipiac University dojos) and at Brandeis
University. There you can find some of the finest people
working as hard as is only done when each puts his or her heart into
it. Simply put, Kokondo has been a formidable catalyst in enhancing,
developing, and advancing the best parts of my life.” “I'm afraid that it would be hard to sum up my Kokondo experience in a few words. I've competed in various demanding sports from age 14 up through Division 1 sports in college. I still enjoy running and weight lifting in my free time. I've been around long enough to experience the various levels of companionship that come out of hours of working out side by side with people. But I must say, two things brought that level of companionship to a whole new level. One was getting married. Two was marrying a Kokondo-ka. Since our wedding day in December of 2001, my husband Rick has become, by far, my favorite throwing partner. He is not the easiest person to throw, and he has done wonders for my technique. And just as our marriage has supplied each of us with an ever present workout partner, our Jukido workouts have done wonders for our marriage. The very act of walking into the dojo forces us to put aside any and all differences at the door, if only for the sake of safety. You cannot be mad at the one you are throwing, or being thrown by. It takes absolute trust by both to safely and successfully complete a difficult throw. The trust that is built in the dojo does not stay isolated in the dojo. On several occasions my husband and I have been able to demonstrate our throws in front of mixed crowds. When the sounds of us repeatedly and enthusiastically pounding each other into the mat ceases, we are almost always asked how we can work out with each other so aggressively. When the bruises appear or a protection goes wrong, how can we not get bitter at each other? We shrug and grin. How can you get bitter when you're psyched over the improvements your spouse has made? That's love. That's trust. That's Kokondo. As I wrote to Sensei Hua and Lia after they announced their engagement, ‘Being married means never having to look far for an uki.’ I've found it quite true.” Katherine
Stephenson, Training in Kokondo since 2002 (Stanford) “Well, for me this is more a testament of the Brandeis dojo and Sensei Cohen. I appreciate the fact that the door is always open. If you are a new student or must attend class sporadically due to work obligations, you are always welcomed. All that is required of you is a focused mind, respect for the class, and the desire to learn something new." Lewis
Malaver, Training in Kokondo since 2003 (Brandeis) “Kokondo is one of
the most challenging things in my life, and because it brings out my
greatest strengths and my greatest weaknesses, it is also one of the
most enjoyable and fulfilling. I know I will always learn
something new, whether it's a technique or something about myself,
and hard work will always be rewarded. Because I have been in
Kokondo for most of my life, beginning at a young age, it is
difficult to identify all of the positive effects it has had on me,
but I do know that the people in Kokondo have helped shape the
person I have become.” ”Kokondo training has made me more aware of both my strengths and my vulnerabilities. I have become a stronger and more confident person as a result of Kokondo but I have also learned to recognize where I may be vulnerable and I have learned to protect myself in part by avoiding those situations. Kokondo training has helped me become who I am today. I am a more confident and focused individual as a result of my training. Although I hope I never have to use Kokondo in a self-defense situation I know that I regularly use what I have learned to make me a better person and a better teacher. One of the most powerful experiences I have had teaching Kokondo was to teenagers in a state mental health facility. One girl who had suffered much abuse in her short life had had a very successful summer of Kokondo self-defense training. On the last day, as we were preparing for a demonstration, this girl was putting on a gi. As she tied her belt she looked at me with tears in her eyes and asked "Is it okay to have a little bit of pride?" I knew that Kokondo had helped her feel true pride for the first time in her life and had given her a sense of herself that she had never had before. Kokondo can provide all of us with a greater sense of ourselves, greater self-confidence and a greater understanding of our relationship with the world. I could not imagine my life without it.” Sensei
Johanna Glazer, M.A. Training
in Kokondo since 1990 “The sense of one’s
personal presence and power is key to any performer. As a
singer and an actress I find that the focus and energy necessary in
karate correlates exactly to the dramatic arts. Kokondo has
given me an arena in which to develop the elements of respect for
myself and others as well as a new awareness of my personal power." "Kokondo has helped me to become more focused in my life. I learned that if you are going to do something you must do it right the first time and give it all you've got. There is no such thing as a half-hearted Taiotoshi. Apply this to the things you do in life and you will be surprised how smoothly things turn out. " Sensei Greg
Szlyk, MD,
Training in Kokondo since 1989 “In addition to countless
bruises (which I wear with pride), Kokondo has given me confidence.
With this confidence I have accomplished goals that at one time may
have seemed like unrealistic dreams. I have also learned focus
and control. This focus and control does not just apply to
techniques learned during class, but to everyday life. I am a
better person today because of what Kokondo and my senseis have taught
me.” "Without
Kokondo I would be a very different person.
It has affected everything in my life." Sensei
Vesa Toropainen, Training in Kokondo since 1987 “Martial arts training, and Kokondo in particular, has played an enormous role in my life since 1983. Kokondo has provided me with a family (literally), a social circle, an outlet for frustrations, and a sanctuary. Kokondo has encouraged me to develop a sense of discipline and respect; honor for myself and others. Sensei Cohen and Kokondo (often times synonymous in my mind) have pushed me to do my best in everything that I do. It was because Sensei Cohen embodies the tenets of Kokondo so well that I began training with him in the first place. I saw a Sensei and an art that taught that the better one knows how to defend one’s self, the less harm they need to do in a self-defense situation. In all the years of my training I have never had to use Kokondo—yet I use it every day. Kokondo has become an essential part of my being, my family, and my life. Unfortunately, I have yet to master the balance between family, work, and Kokondo. Kokondo has also taught me patience. I may not be in the Dojo as often as I like but it will always be with me and I’ll be back as soon and as often as I can. I am so very grateful that Shihan Arel has developed a system and cultivated a group of Sensei and Directors to carry out what is best in Martial Arts." Sensei Len Glazer,
Training
in Kokondo since 1990
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“The Kokondo
family is what has kept me in Kokondo through thick and thin. I have
many treasured friendships which rest in part on the shared experience
of training to exhaustion and coming back for more. It is
exactly that kind of determination that I have learned to apply to my
education and my work as well. Kokondo builds strong people."
