Submitted by Sempai Dennis Flynn, Ni-dan, Shihan, Cocoa YMCA Dojo
Under the Direction of Hanshi Robert Scaglione
Onegai Shimasu Hanshi, Kyoshi, Sensei and all Deshi,
For this week, I’d like to talk about the importance of using proper nomenclature; or terminology as part of our overall training strategy.
When I first joined the dojo 9 years ago, at 46 years old, my Sensei, (Sensei Ron Marchetti), when doing the across the deck basics, would always use the proper “Hogen” terminology, followed by the English translation. It helped me to learn the “Hogen” terminology more effectively.
In addition to that, he often went around the room in rank order, asking his students to participate as well, by stating the next move, in “Hogen” if they could. He would always make the correction and guided the student thru it. This helped all of us to retain the knowledge also, especially the higher ranks and those who were about to be the next to step up and lead a class for us.
Whether doing warm-ups, across the deck basics, kata, or any other activity or training on the deck, we should fully understand and always use the proper terminology.
Next month, I’ll be turning 55, and have been the Shihan of the Cocoa YMCA for a few years now: But, I’ll always remember the effective training style of Sensei Ron Marchetti and that he always used the proper terminology on the deck. I’ve always done the same.
Domo Arigato,
Sempai Dennis Flynn,
Ni-dan, Shihan,
Cocoa YMCA Dojo,
Under the Direction of Hanshi Robert Scaglione