"Without a vision, the people perish...."

-Proverbs 29:18a

Have you ever started following a crowd of people only to realize that you (and they) had no idea where they were going? I hope not. Or have you ever started out on a walk or a drive, not knowing where you were going or why? Again, I hope not, but a lot of the time, we live our lives like that. Wondering around... Walkin' here and there with only a vague notion of where we are going. We've gotta stop that, in our lives and in our dojo. I have a vision of where I want to lead our group, but it will take us all to get us there.

I want our dojo to be the place to train in Kansas City. Now that's a big goal. How are we going to get there? My part is to increase the quality of my instruction by continuing to seek guidance from top level masters and by experimenting with various teaching and training methods while retaining the unique essence of the traditional art. I want to attain the highest levels of skill not only for myself, but for each of my students as well.

I want the general population, especially those who may have never trained, to see the benefits of the art. I want them to see it as more than kicking and punching, more than just fighting and more than what they see in the movies.

While our group is not about the 'numbers', I want our dojo to have a solid core of 20 youth and adults as well as a good number of what I call peripheral students. Our group can be a place where everyone, young and old, learn, grow and receive encouragement and strength.

And finally, I want our group to have a good, safe and reliable place to train, a place where we have no worry as to whether we will be given the boot or seen just as space takers....more on this soon.

Your part in all of this is to help foster and maintain an enthusiastic and positive group dynamic that welcomes beginners and invites those who are curious to come give it a try.

So, where we goin'? Well, I hope you have a better idea and I hope you're on board....hold on, and while it may be a bumpy ride, we'll get

there!

EDB