Skip to main content

An invaluable speech about Education

Dear All,

Here is a YouTube linkage to share with you.






15 years ago, by chance, I had an in-depth conversation with a scholar from Cornell University who does research on the area of Anthropology. What I learned from him from the conversation is about: an individual is the product of a collective culture, on the other hand, an individual helps forming the collective culture.

Year by year, I make more sense about his theory.

Regarding education, we all play certain part in our daily live as a brother, sister, uncle, aunt, mum, dad or grand parents...even Dojo team mates.

I do hope if any of you made your mind wanting to be a teacher in any school level, please spare your time to watch this film. Thank you.

Again, the linkage is:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iG9CE55wbtY


Marleen
Your Kendo coach

Comments

Sam Tsai said…
In terms of education and "Kendo education", each one of us are all very important if we would spare a thought on what Kendo means to us and our lifes.
MrWoody said…
This video clip really appeals to me as i believe mainstream education works hard to kill creativity whilst claiming that they wish to encourage it.
I personally try to allow creativity and individualism in my classroom and often get knocked back by "the System" that really promotes uniformity and compliance.
Of course, these things can be useful also.

As for Kendo, it is a wonderful way to take on board life lessons such as commitment ["haha Mr Woody", I hear you all saying], courage, concentration, and many more things.

I hope to see you soon :-)

Popular Posts

Kendo Journey: A "Travel Guide" from Shodan to Godan-and-a-Half

Waikato Kendo Association Grading (2009)   Kendo Journey: A Travel Guide from Shodan to Godan-and-a-Half ( 中文 ) by Sam Tsai December 27, 2017 Those that know me should know that back in 1998, Marleen and I moved to Hamilton, New Zealand and ended up being the only two people that practiced kendo within the 100 kilometers radius. In the following year, the stars were aligned as we formed the Waikato Kendo Association and I found myself shouldering the responsibility of being a kendo instructor. Practicing kendo myself and teaching others how to do kendo are totally different things! About half a year after we established the dojo, Hsu Heng-Hsiung sensei , coach of Team Taiwan, led a delegation of more than 20 kenshi to come visit us in New Zealand. About a year after their visit, I was in Taiwan visiting sensei. The first thing he said to me was, “Tell me, what are you having trouble teaching?” I could not help myself but laugh out loud as I replied, “Coach you are ...

2025 Beginners Information

--- Information for Year 2025 Beginners --- You are warmly invited to join us and  start your New Year resolutions as a  Modern Samurai .  Beginners Class  (age 14 and above): 1.30 - 2.30pm, Saturdays Little Samurai Class (age under 14): 2.30 - 3.30pm, Saturdays  Intermediate and Advanced Class : 3.30 - 6.00pm, Saturdays Starting Dates: Term 1: Saturday 25 January Term 2: Saturday 10 and 17 May Term 3: Saturday 19 and 26 July  Term 4: Saturday 1 November   We will be accepting new students all Saturdays of November, but the earlier you can start, the better. Join our 2025 Beginners Facebook Group  now to get updates. Or, email us for more information.  Course Information: No previous experience required. Regardless of gender,  ages from 6 to 60  are all welcome. First lesson  is your Free trial. Membership Fees:  Kids and School students: 50.00 per month Tertiary students and adults: 80.00 per month Family discounts : the...

Kendo Dōjo basic etiquette & commands for beginner & kyu grades

Kendo Dōjo basic etiquette & commands for beginner & kyu grades Thanks to Janet for organising this article. When entering & leaving the Dōjo (道場, training hall), we need to bow respectfully from the waist, first towards the direction of Joseki (上席), in our case this is the Waikato Kendo Club WKC banner.  (But in Japanese dōjo there is often a Kamiza (上座) with a small Shinto shrine or altar displayed with religious significance). And then bow towards Sensei & Senpai on your way in before neatly organising your belongings on the side & getting ready quietly. At beginning of each Keiko( 稽古), Sensei(先生)or Senpai(先輩) will say: Line up -  Seiretsu (整列) :  We will need to quickly find our position along a horizontal line facing Sensei (in the middle) in order of our experience/ rank with Senpai (Seniors) on the right and Kōhai (Juniors, 後輩 ) & Shoshinsha (Beginners,  初心者 ) on the left. Standing straight facing the front, holding Shinai firmly...