Legend Mirror

The picture is of a Japanese Kadomatsu which is the traditional decoration for the Japanese New Year (Shogatsu) like Christmas and Chanukah it is a real family holiday that is celebrated by sending postcard (nengajo) to your friends, and on January 1st they give money to children (otoshidama), In the jewish faith we call it giving chankah gelt.
 

Every legend dojo has a banner or flag. It is a tradition! That started from when the first group of Legend fighters went out and competed against the rest of the world!
like Roman centurions they would march into battle, waiving our banners high above our heads so as the rest of the competitors would see us coming!
And just to make sure! We would play loud music! "WE WILL ROCK YOU!" "EYE OF THE TIGER!"
Like the New York banners! The Vermont banner too has a special meaning.

We, the teachers and members of the LEGEND Karate about to celebrate our 50th year in 2010
Take this time to thank all of our members and supporters and family members of all our students and all our friends
the very best New Year 2010. Stay Safe and Healthy.

Please read about Willies accomplishments for they are truly AWESOME.
 
But Willie was not alone.
Ask about Brother Carl Thomas and Jeff Greco. Barry Venetsky and Bobby Oliveri
That is just SOME Of the men
 
Start with GOLD MEDAL CHAMPION Carmel "Babe" Sorrento who led the women into so many championships in form and fighting and many of the men champions were her students,

Top Sargent Harold Robertson, Buffalo Soldier in the Calvery, 91 years old,  Legend Black Belt Sho Dan who will be testing for Ni Dan next June 2010, approaching his 92nd Birthday.

Harold is our oldest Legend Black Belt, who earned his first degree at 354 Park Avenue Level "C",

In the class was Mike Galarza, James Keller, Alan Fisher, Irving Eltman, Bob Feurstein, Lou Somoza, Luis Perez, Raymond Alamo, Carlos Varon,James Impallizini,and Jose Galarza over 30 years ago.

After my post and O'Sensei's Post on the Hakama I was asked by one of our students the meaning of the seven pleats.
 
We often hear that the seven folds of the Hakama relate to the seven Virtues of the noble warrior
 
This is argued a bit but the following is approximately what Lenchus Sensei taught to me.
 
1. Gi --the right decision.
2. Yu -- bravery.
3. Jin -- universal love, benevolence toward mankind; compassion.
4. Rei -- right action, courtesy, respect.

If you wear the Hakama this is the basic way as per Tradition
 But First in display Number 1 you must turn your belt to the back