Welcome to 2008

Well a new year is upon us and some things never change. Like where did the time go? I would like to thank all the students from around the world and our country that have helped make the MAK what it is today. We have gained a few and lost a few, but all in all we are realizing the national and international impact that we set out to make way back in 1999. I said that some things never change realizing that no matter how right one thinks they are there are still some that will make you wrong. I have made so many new friends around the world I cannot begin to express my gratitude to all my teachers that have inspired me to continue on my journey in Aikido. Like so many, there always seems to come a time when one begins to question why they continue training and teaching with all the aches and pains that occur both physically and mentally. As one of my former football teammates said to one of my coaches on a day that we were about to play a big game and coach was in our face, “Well coach, you win some, you lose some and some get rained out!” I just about busted a gut when I saw the look on that coach’s face, because he didn’t know what to say. I have never forgotten that to this day and I relate to it every time I get somebody in my face or wanting to make me wrong for coaching or sharing what I have come to realize are some pretty important teachings…you just cannot make everyone happy or convince everyone that you know anything. So once again, I want to congratulate you if you are still teaching what you believe and sharing what has been shared with you because it is not an easy business to be in for sure.