Hiarchy... A simple one...

[Milt G.]

Hello,

In light of the fact that this thread has "died in committee", I do wish to thank the responders and those who even considered responding.

I know that this can be a touchy subject, and that many may be unaware of the type of leadership their various organizations may have. Sometimes this kind of information can be difficult to put in words, as gaps often can be present.

I would like to encourage everyone to learn the history of their art and system. Try to trace it to the beginning, or as far back as you can get. Try to get names and dates, if possible. Try not to rely on just one source. Get a "second opinion", and perhaps a third.

The more you know about your art, not just the self-defense applications, the more well rounded you will become.
I cannot tell you how many times I have asked practitioners who their teachers, teacher was... Only to receive the "they were a monk that lived in a cave", or a similar response. If you studied for longer then a month, you probably know your instructors last name... I get told, often, that; "my instructor is John"... Q:"What is his last name?" A:"I just know him as John"... Q:"How long did you study with him?" A:"Seven years"... Oh... I bet his teacher was a monk that lived in a cave? So... Where was this cave? A: (likely)"In the side of a mountain"...

Thank you all, again.
Milt G.

[dianhsuhe]

Originally Posted by Milt G.

Hello,

Thank you for your clear and concise reply.

I hope that Mr. Kuoha "installs" Ms. Kuoha while he still able to actively support her. In this way he should have the best chance of having his "appointment" honored by all of the seniors. It is difficult as she may not be the "ranking" senior. But, perhaps by then she will be?

There will still be those seniors that will feel that they are more qualified.
It is the nature of the beast. There must be OPENLY NO QUESTION of who the next leader is to be. It is the responsibility of the "rank and file" to support that decision... Or, not...

That was the problem with the American Kenpo system at the passing of Ed Parker. There was no OPENLY CLEAR successor appointed. Perhaps the arts in general, and Kenpo in specific, will learn from the actions, and reactions, of the past?
We shall certainly see as the future unfolds...

Thank you,
Milt G.

Hi Milt-San,

Sorry for the late follow-up. LOL

Shihan Ka'imi was designated the next leader of Kara-Ho when she was a child when Professor Chow told her that she would some day take over the system. She has trained her entire life and she is phenominal. I am fortunate to train under her on a regular basis and teach classes at her studio (appropriately named: Kwai-Sun Studio)

Grandmaster Kuoha set everything in motion many years ago to avoid any confusion. Should he retire or pass away he has appointed individuals to act as her personal advisors and we also have an international board of directors for Kara-Ho which includes Grandmaster Kuoha, Shihan Ka'imi Kuoha and a handful of others. All major decisions will be voted on with the Board based on what is best for the system.

Our system while not as large as many others (7k-10,000 students maybe?) is very much a family and every blackbelt promotion at any dan level is personally overseen by Grandmaster himself (unless an exception is made).


Take care,
Jamey

[Milt G.]

Originally Posted by dianhsuhe

Hi Milt-San,

Sorry for the late follow-up. LOL

Shihan Ka'imi was designated the next leader of Kara-Ho when she was a child when Professor Chow told her that she would some day take over the system. She has trained her entire life and she is phenominal. I am fortunate to train under her on a regular basis and teach classes at her studio (appropriately named: Kwai-Sun Studio)

Grandmaster Kuoha set everything in motion many years ago to avoid any confusion. Should he retire or pass away he has appointed individuals to act as her personal advisors and we also have an international board of directors for Kara-Ho which includes Grandmaster Kuoha, Shihan Ka'imi Kuoha and a handful of others. All major decisions will be voted on with the Board based on what is best for the system.

Our system while not as large as many others (7k-10,000 students maybe?) is very much a family and every blackbelt promotion at any dan level is personally overseen by Grandmaster himself (unless an exception is made).


Take care,
Jamey

Hello,
Thanks for your reply...

Sounds like Kara-Ho will be well taken care of in the future. Best to get the future plans and structure down sooner, rather then later. Less confusion, at a difficult time, that way. Hopefully, the other Kara-Ho seniors will support her.

Will be good to not have another "melt down" like occured in American Kenpo when Ed Parker passed. It was (and can still get) ugly. Not good for the students, the art or the future. The future should be a founder's or a senior's first consideration. The art must continue to survive, if possible. Take care of the students and you take care of the art. They will be the future.

Thanks again... Happy Holidays!
Milt G.

[dianhsuhe]

Milt-San,

You are FAST!

I agree, we are in a good situation looking towards the future. Grandmaster Kuoha is only in his 60's and very active with teaching and training!

One nevers know what will happen though, before Professor Chow died he went out of his way to appoint a successor, but still to this day 22 years later- there are folks who believe they are the true heir, or that they teach his "true" system. Most of which were not even in contact with Professor for MANY years when he passed.

Shihan Ka'imi is only 26 but has been groomed for this her entire life and we have all been her big brothers/ friends and advisors through the years. The only people that outrank her (2) besides Grandmaster, have known her since birth, pretty much, and have been actively involved in training and mentoring her to someday take the position.

As far as I can tell, they would not have it any other way! (neither would I)

Professor Chow's system will be in good hands!
Happy Holidays sir,
Jamey

[Milt G.]

Originally Posted by dianhsuhe

Milt-San,

You are FAST!

I agree, we are in a good situation looking towards the future. Grandmaster Kuoha is only in his 60's and very active with teaching and training!

One nevers know what will happen though, before Professor Chow died he went out of his way to appoint a successor, but still to this day 22 years later- there are folks who believe they are the true heir, or that they teach his "true" system. Most of which were not even in contact with Professor for MANY years when he passed.

Shihan Ka'imi is only 26 but has been groomed for this her entire life and we have all been her big brothers/ friends and advisors through the years. The only people that outrank her (2) besides Grandmaster, have known her since birth, pretty much, and have been actively involved in training and mentoring her to someday take the position.

As far as I can tell, they would not have it any other way! (neither would I)

Professor Chow's system will be in good hands!
Happy Holidays sir,
Jamey

Hello, Jamey!

Sounds like you have taken the proper steps, and all of the major players are on the same page. That is very good.

Sadly, these things tend to occur after the passing of the founder, or leader. Usually always related to ego, politics and greed. I hope (and it looks like) things will be well with Kara-Ho Kempo for years to come.

Congratulations to you and your group, for a job well done. I look forward to seeing the progress of Kara-Ho in the years to come. Although not a practitioner of Kara-Ho, I do respect all of the arts, and practitioners, that have influenced my art over the decades. None of would be where we are today without them.

Thanks for your replies.
Milt G.