HonshinWarrior said:
Why do you have to be like that?
Basicly because I don't care much for martial arts schools with big egos, nor do I have much patience for cults. For me, the first tip off is when a non-Japanese crowns themselves with a title like "Sensei" , "Shihan" , "Uchideshi" , "Unko Kui No Hito" or whatever.
I read your reply, then your PM to me, and I thought, "okay, maybe that was a cheap shot". Then I did a little digging...the following quotes are all taken from David Falcaro's web page
http://www.bumon.com
"Be careful what you wish for..."
HonshinWarrior said:
It is not like a cult at all.
(From Falcaro's
www.bumon.com)
"Uchideshi (Literal translation “live-in
devotee") The role of an Uchideshi is to have a
life devotion to the art as well as one to
the Ryu, Sensei, and Dojo."
That first line sounds a bit cultish to me...what about you?
"An Uchideshi focuses mainly on his own training
and caring for his Sensei."
Why does the "sensei" need caring for? Can't he take care of himself? Why would one want to learn survival and protection skills from someone who can't take care of themselves?
"He is an apprentice that has
given his heart to the warrior arts."
Sounds romantic...
"To be an Uchideshi one must be
hand picked by the Sensei
to live with the Sensei."
Like the "chosen" lived with David Koresh in Waco, Texas?
"This person holds a unique position with the Sensei."
I'm not even going to comment on what "position" I think that is...
(SNIP)
"The training of an Uchideshi is quite different then that of a Kyu."
Later on it's stated that the literal translation of "Kyu " is “martial student“.
Which is a completely incorrect statement altogether. "Kyu"
in Japanese means (literally) "grade, class, degree or level".
Here's the proper kanji if you want to check yourself... 級
"There is not a point during the day where the Uchideshi is not in training from when he awakes to when he falls asleep at night, even while he
dreams,"
Even when he dreams?!?! Sounds like brainwashing to me...
(SNIP)
"Training that would normally take nine years to complete; the Uchideshi must do in three."
You've GOT to be kidding me.
"The Uchideshi’s Giri (duty) is to more then just keep up with the training; it is to push the Sensei to teach him more. Another aspect of his Giri is to
care and support the Sensei in all ways."
Here we go again!
"An Uchideshi’s vocation is similar to that of a
Knight’s Page. They
live in the Sensei’s shadow."
So the grand sensei wants people "living in his shadow"? Does that sound like an ego problem to anyone here but me?!?!
"They alone may speak for the Sensei. They are able to demonstrate on the Sensei’s behalf, constantly being groomed by the Sensei to become a sensei."
Awesome.
"An Uchideshi is as close or closer to the Sensei then his own blood family."
Now THAT is scary...
"An Uchideshi is often considered the next Sensei because becoming one is an oath that
seals one's fate."
"Seals one's fate"?!?! Wait, let's look at that again...yep, that's what it says, "an oath that seals one's fate". Maybe I'm living in crazyland here, but that statement makes my spider senses tingle...
HonshinWarrior said:
It's good you got out alive! Don't eat the muffins!
HonshinWarrior said:
Falcaro Sensei has the coolest house I have ever seen!
I'm very happy for him. Being a home owner is an accomplishment, especially at his age...
By David Falcaro's own admission (
www.bumon.com "Our Sensei" section)
"In
1984, at age seven I started my training in an American blend of Karate/ Kung-fu."
2005 - 1984 = 21 years; 7 years old + 21 years = 28 years old in 2005. And he's the head of his own complete system at 28 years old....I dunno, I think I have more respect for him being a homeowner...
