My Visit To The Hive

UK Seminar A Success!

Just now

     Hell everyone, Today I want to talk about a distance student here in this program that I’m very very proud of,  Sensei Scotty Calner. 

     On May 18th, 2018, Scotty was one of the very first folks to join us here on the distance program. We met on Instagram via messages and little vids and discussions on Iaijutsu.  Six years later, I found myself on an airplane with Sensei Valerie flying over to his dojo in Lowestoft, England for a weekend seminar with Scotty at a dojo he opened, filled with students. 

      The dojo was named “Heiwana Kokoro No Ken”, which to me meant that students here have the opportunity of a peaceful heart through the sword.  His “Mon” or symbol is that of the beehive, which has a wonderful symbolic image of everyone working together towards the same goal. “Together” is the key word here.  Also another one of my distance students Nicole from Germany made the trip and she was welcomed warmly into the hive as one of their own. It was such a pleasing site for me to see as Nicole is a dedicated student and I think she has now found a dojo to visit from time to time!

      Scotty opened his dojo right at the beginning of the covid pandemic so the timing could not have been worse for him. Nevertheless, he persevered and was successful in creating a dojo filled with students I found to be incredible human beings. This hive was filled with busy bees, all there for each other. When Valerie and I arrived, we were met by this group of very kind and welcoming folks that were so eager to introduce themselves to us and we certainly felt the pride of their dojo. 

      As we began training on Friday, it was very obvious to me they were a very hard working group that held pride in the waza they had, and the accomplishments they have made with them. The sincerity in the air was thick with layers of many years of practice and they wanted more!  These were not hobbyists. 

     I found myself in a room with fellow Budoka of an art we all love, as during the weekend many good questions were asked with no fear of continuing to question some of the answers for a better understanding. Such a refreshing group of people and I was enjoying the challenges immensely.  

     Friday, Saturday and Sunday were long days for everyone, as Valerie and I did give them a lot of information and Kata.  Amidst the tired faces and bodies were very appreciative eyes and all that was given was eagerly taken. I felt like A zookeeper feeding hungry Lions that had quite the appetite! 

     It was such an enjoyment for me to be with Budoka with such potential that wanted to better themselves. I was reminded very humbly that at one time I was also a beginner amongst others just like in this hive. I was reminded that growing together with friends and teachers is what Budo is all about and why I enjoy teaching and sharing. Eliminating egos, politics and desire of financial gain is imperative to learning and teaching these incredible arts effectively. This weekend was a great affirmation of this for me.    

     We are all born with strength and weaknesses. Growing up we are taught to seek out our strengths and cultivate them in order to create careers and skills to survive in such a cruel and difficult world.  As I get older, I find that Budo teaches me to look for my weaknesses and turn them into something useful.  American Writer Elbert Hubbard wrote the proverb; “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” This proverb has been widely used by many martial arts teachers and for good reason, It’s a good lesson.

     After meeting Scotty’s students and having the privilege of learning about all the lemons that were handed to them by many intriguing conversations, It was obvious to me that we were all in the same room for the same reason and nothing more.  I look forward to another visit to the Hive.

     Thank you all for an amazing weekend.

Tom