Dojo Vocabulary

Onegai shimasu

What's that we say at the beginning of class ?

O neh guy - She mas.

Here is a little more information on the subject.

Simple
ONEGAI - A favour
SHIMASU (SURU) - To do.

Deep
Like all Japanese words or expressions it is very difficult to directly translate as many meanings and interpretations can be given. "negai" comes from the verb "negau" which means "to pray to" or "to wish for." The "O" at the beginning is "honorific " and makes the phrase more respectful. "Shimasu" is the present tense of the verb "suru" which means, "to do", so in other words what we are about to do. This phrase is always said with the honorific O hence the phrase Onegai shimasu.
Onegai shimasu can be used in many different situations, but generally means that you wish for a good outcome from what is about to happen, it can also be a way of saying please or requesting something of showing friendliness or consideration, wishing someone well. However within the context of MA practice, it has come to mean. Will you practice with me; I am willing to accept your guidance, it is more widely used in traditional martial arts circles rather than in those of sportive arts.

Context
The general rule is that you say it to someone when you want them to do something for you, teach you, do you a favor etc.
It is a polite way of asking for a favor, it can also be used by seniors when speaking to lower people when wanting them to do something sometimes in a disciplinary tone.
Or you may say it when you know the other person doesn't necessarily want to do what you want them to do.

From Various Sources.

Back in Business ! End of a Saga

The paint is dry and the floor is down. We are holding classes back in our home. I want to thank everyone for the help and offers of help. You patience and flexibility made what should have been an impossible week into a great experience.
Next on the menu the our 1st dojo potluck picnic. May 31st.
Here is a link to some photos of the saga.
http://picasaweb.google.com/KENSHOKAN/DOJOSAGA#

Dojo Saga *Update*

Got into the dojo early this AM and the building contractor quickly went to work. He opened the wall near the front of the studio and quickly discovered the inside of the wall was wet and will require the entire wall be opened, dried over a couple of days and then repaired. There is a glimmer of hope however, the landlord has given tentative approval for use of one of the offices in the building. It is upstairs and in the rear. It will take a few hours to get the space ready and we will need to haul the mats upstairs, but I am hopeful that this space will be an acceptable substitute. Getting the space ready will require some serious labor, but I am certain we will be up to the task.
As for training today I am not certain. I will be in contact via email and phone. Again, fingers very thoroughly crossed !

Gregory Poretz

Dojo Repairs Day II

So it was hoped that repairs would start today, but it seems the landlords contractor had a funeral to attend. I am promised that work will start Tuesday AM bright and early. My fingers remain crossed.
I am working with a nearby location to allow us training space for the duration of our repairs. Again fingers thoroughly crossed.
Let me tell you, seeing the dojo in such disarray, empty and gutted, devoid of the life that you bring is a dreadful feeling. That's what I was doing this afternoon feeling dread working from my desk at the dojo, when I noticed a reflection on the wall from our window lettering. It was faint in the late afternoon light, but readable. Seeing Kenshokan on the wall filled me with a renewed determination. I will use this time to finish all those beautification projects I have had in mind, get a good paint job on the wall and finish the boards.

I was able to take some mats and train at Warner park this evening, it was a little cold, but like the expression says, "Jikishin kore dôjô" which is explained as, "If you have a pure, honest and flexible mind, everywhere is a Dôjô"

I will keep everyone appraised of our progress.


Gregory Poretz

Water Damage Update.

Dojo Family,

Water Damage Update.

As you know we had some water damage that occurred last week sometime. We pulled up the floor to clean the carpets and upon inspection we discovered that the wall (the one we repaired last year) was also water damaged. We were able to get the carpets steamed cleaned and we will be opening the rear wall to inspect for more damage and to avoid mold problems. The soonest this can be done is Monday. We will then paint and reinstall the floor and mats.
I am hopeful this can be accomplished within a few days.

Thank you for all of your the offers of help and support. I will keep everyone informed of our progress.

Gregory Poretz
Sensei, Kenshokan Martial Arts

Convention Prep.

Expect to workout all day Saturday and Sunday.
Start minding your nutrition now, good carbs and protiens, lots of veggies and increase your water intake.
Get extra sleep.
Lets avoid excessive "celebration" Friday and Saturday so we can stay fresh and show the Kenshokan at its best.

What to bring. Sleepwhere. Training gear for 2.5 days. Advil or pain reliever.
One cool set of clothes for banquet.
Some sandals or slip on shoes for entering and exiting training areas.
Bring note pad and pens.
Bring an additional tote bag for keeping your gi jacket, camera, wallett etc during training. Take lots of photos, you may video classes only with permission from the instructor.
Turn off cell phones in training areas.

(we are staying across the street from the convention, so our room rate is a lot less. Only 55 per person !)

DOJO MATT LOADING FRIDAY AM.