Redding Shotokan Karate

I made it to Yodan Practice with Walt Branam and Craig Stephens both of Sacramento Shotokan. The amazingly beautiful and peaceful Shotokan Ohshima Dojo welcomed us. There were about 30 yodans from across the nation and Canada. I was the only woman on the dojo floor there. I felt a little pressure, but I was proud and honored to practice with all those high-level big tough guys. I'm one tough woman as well. It was great to see Ohshima Sensei again in good spirits and great shape. He said he just turned to 78 years old. Wow, he looks and moves much younger than that. Happy Birthday, Sensei! The practice was like watching white and orange clouds of the sun set over the sea. I learned many things. It's always worth way more than the trip of 10 hour drive one way.

After the practice, we all visited the Ohshima residence next to the dojo to have some good time together. When I entered the door, Ohshima Sensei was right there ready to make some green tea. I thanked him for his practice. I couldn't resist asking him a question about the application of a kata movement. "Sensei, shitsumon o shite mo ii desu ka (May I ask you a question)?" He smiled and said, "Hai, dozo." He kindly explained things and gave me the answer to my question. I ended up asking him several more questions. He was very patient and answered all of my questions. I felt selfish to keep asking him so many questions that he could never make his tea. I'm sorry, Sensei, for being selfish. Thank you so much for taking your time to answer my questions. I'm very honored to have direct answers from you. I will take all notes, cherish them and relay them to junior members!