Thoughts for the year 1999

Choosing, making a choice, is something we do daily, what to eat or drink for example. One could also say that this kind of choice is a reflex, do you want a cup of coffee? Yes thank you, did you think about the choice you have made or not, simple everyday choices are relatively easy.

About four years ago we had to make a choice which organization to support, four years later and people are still making choices but for different and even the wrong reasons.

While Sosai was alive we had no choice. If you wanted to train Kyokushin then you picked Sosai, although some people left Sosai and continued to use the Kyokushin name? Soon after Sosai’s death it became apparent that there would be a split in the organization, (the IKO). This was the first choice, which group to choose.

Over a period of time choices were made who to support. For various reasons only known to ourselves, we chose one or the other, loyalty to Sosai and Kyokushin were two most reasons. What other reasons could there be?

Now you have a choice of who you want to work with. So if you do not like the person in charge then you can simply join the other group; perhaps you want to be in charge?

There is also the question of grades if one group will not give you a grade then join someone who will? There is always the easy way.

There is even the question of Sosai’s will, in the beginning I heard comments that if the will was declared illegal then they would support the other group. It has been declared illegal but nothing has happened?

Sosai’s family is also in this circle as the court cases are still going on who knows how long it will take for these problems to be solved.

What will you do in 1999 will you stay loyal to Kyokushin or change sides in order to benefit yourself.