(open) miyagi-do gathering for new & existing students!

[miyagimagic]

Who: You, you, and you!
What: For members of Miyagi-do, those interested in Miyagi-do, and whoever else might end up there! (Visiting a friend, etc)
When: Some time first half of month.
Where: At Miyagi-do Dojo in Crenshaw!

MIYAGI-DO: A NEW DAY (AN APRIL LOG)

Miyagi-do has seen some unexpected activity in the last few weeks, but has also--fortunately--seen a return to normality. An upgrade, even, where the damage sustained after a student's accidental explosion caught parts of the dojo in the ensuing chaos now gone after hard work hired, with thanks to the builders and those who helped with funds.

Even the sensei of the dojo has recovered from his own injuries, welcoming students--old and potentials--to classes. Along with a few touch-ups to the dojo, there are other changes, new and old, that should be addressed:

1. A (SEMI-)NEW SENSEI

He's been around for a month now, but here's your formal introduction to Miyagi-do's second sensei, Sensei Toguchi. Sensei LaRusso would have introduced him as a...not old, but dear friend from back home who has also learned from the school of Miyagi-do back in Okinawa. Skilled in the use of sais, you may find Sensei Toguchi a different kind of sensei from Daniel LaRusso. But we'll let you see that for yourself.

2. YOUR VERY OWN SNACK PROVIDER

Truthfully, this is a figure who's been around the dojo since the start, doing exactly what he does now...but Daniel LaRusso would not be himself if he didn't take some time to introduce Hakkai to the class as the person who makes their snacks and refreshments. Because Hakkai deserves his thanks, and you cannot escape a dad man like Daniel.

3. ICE BRACELETS: A NEW FORM OF PROTECTION

Miyagi-do has always worked to help individuals with what it is they want out of the dojo. Sometimes, this can just mean having somewhere to meditate and to find comfort in your own body than to focus on the fighting aspect. But Miyagi-do always leans towards protection, and learning how to respond and to engage with danger. It works to help individuals learn how they can use their own powers in ways that they prefer.

And in his announcement for the start of April's lessons, Sensei LaRusso has a bracelet to share to those who want one, after he's explained what they are. They're ice-powered bracelets--not super powerful, but with proper training they can be used as a means of defence. Spread ice over the ground, freeze certain limbs to surfaces, or even use it to shroud an enemy's face just long enough to distract them.

Sensei LaRusso will show how to use the bracelets to manifest the ice, and Robby Keene will also help in demonstrations, as well as with students individually. Dummies and can be used as stationary targets, and are a great way to learn how to disappear the ice, too--especially if you want to focus on using them for actual living targets, which either Sensei LaRusso or Robby can help with (or, if you're really that into getting iced...!).

ENDING NOTES

This log covers the first lesson of April, as well as continuing forward if you want to add extra days and lessons! Please familiarise yourself with what Miyagi-do teaches. Newcomers are welcomed, and there will always be a place to get food and drink...thank you, Hakkai.

Feel free to make your own toplevels on this log, it's meant as a mingle for existing students and those interested in checking out Miyagi-do! You can hang around the snack table, practice some karate, meet the teachers (and food provider...), maybe try out the new fun ice bracelets or.. you know, you can always just hang out with Daniel's Omen. He's a good boy who will stop to get belly rubs from everyone. You can't reject him. Sorry if you sat down for three seconds and are now stuck with a dog on your lap. He will not move.

Comments

[ezra_of_lothal]

[He nods.]

I understand that thinking.

Me, at least...there was a point when pushing myself became sort of punishing myself, and it didn't get me anywhere great. [Jun's probably not in any sort of position to leap to deciding to give using his rage to do outright mind control a try like he did...

That aside, Ezra thinks the general pitfalls of that attitude still may apply. But explaining what he means might be overstepping, here.]

And at the end of the day, a lot of what got me over that rut was talking to my teachers, and listening to them.

[icanhearscreams]

... I try to listen to them.

[Key word being 'try'.]

I'm not very good at the 'center yourself and detach' sort of thing. My brain's too busy for it. But as for punishing myself...

[He doesn't even need to say it. The glance away from Ezra probably tells him everything he needs to know, even without empathy. The guilt practically radiates from the boy.]

I - I just want to be strong enough to protect the people I care about.

[ezra_of_lothal]

[That is so nearly word for word to things he's said, closer to Jun's age, he sucks in a sharp breath and visibly freezes for a moment, in pained sympathy, before he manages to gather some words.]

Part of why I came here is because the Miyago-do way and what my masters taught me seems very closely aligned. Especially on balance and emotions. What you just said...is the first reasoned response I once gave when one of the master's asked me why I wanted to learn.

Immediately after he had pointed out that I had a lot of fear and anger in me. At the time, I thought he was pointing it out just to disapprove, or to find a reason not to teach me, and I was trying to argue I had good reasons -

May I speak a little more, on what I think he was trying to teach me?

[icanhearscreams]

... I'm not so good at the 'balance and emotions' part. And yeah, I know I have a lot of fear and anger in me, but -

['You don't know me' is what he wants to say, but he cuts himself off before he tips over the edge of unjustified anger. It's harder to do that some days than others, but at least this guy doesn't seem like he's actually trying to antagonize him.]

... Sure.

[He's trying. He's trying to be a good person, but it's hard when everyone seems to be better than him.]

[ezra_of_lothal]

[He doesn't really know Jun, it's true. He is also trying, trying so hard, to be careful.]

He wasn't, actually, trying to tell me I was bad, or failing, for feeling those things. Or that I had to just...get rid of those emotions. In fact, much later we talked about how he, like 900 years old - and I mean that literally - still had to sometimes wrestle with fear and anger.

[He pauses, because he doesn't want to just keep going and sound like he's pontificating.]

You say you're not good at getting centered and detached - humor me for a moment. Imagine that...you were. What would that look like? Feel like?

[He is fully prepared to be scoffed at, now, ruefully thinking that he isn't holding a candle to Master Yoda's skill at nudging towards insight.]

[icanhearscreams]

... I don't know. I'd be a different person. But I'm already a different person than what I used to be.

[Past Jun would have likely just walked away, if not shouted insults.]

I'd be a lot calmer, that's for sure.