By Bart Scovill

I'm going to Columbia, South Carolina this weekend for Kyoshi Ridgely Abele's Martial Arts' Symposium. This is probably the premier event for Shuri-ryu practitioners, although all styles are invited and do attend. I have attended this event for several years in a row now, and it reminds me how my view of seminars has changed over the years....

This is a good beginner's uniform. It's a 60/40 cotton/polyester blend, which means it doesn't wrinkle as bad, but isn't as comfortable as 100% cotton. It's available with both a drawstring or elastic waist. There's not much to distinguish one beginner gi from another. I give it three kiai.

The hightest form of goodness is like water.
Water knows how to benefit all things without striving with them.
It stays in places loathed by all men.
Therefore, it comes near the Tao.

In choosing your dwelling, know how to keep to the ground.
In cultivating your mind, know how to dive in the hidden deeps.
In dealing with others, know how to be gentle and kind.
In speaking, know how to keep your words.
In governing, know how to maintain order.
In transacting business, know how to be efficient.
In making a move, know how to choose the right moment.

If you do not strive with others,
You will be free from blame.