Jacqueline S. Blackburn,
If the knowledge and 'power' is abused, it can damage
emotionally and spiritually those who have come for guidance and
self-growth. We all need to remember that without mutual respect
in all aspects of our dealings with others, our development and
self-growth will be severely hindered in karate and in ourselves.
This abusive behaviour does exist today because I have
experienced them. I have kept quiet and concentrated on acquiring
the technical expertise and knowledge of some of these seniors. I
recently passed the requirements for my Nidan rank and have
acquired a new degree of self-respect and also a greater sense of
responsibility to the women who have been hurt by this lack of
respect shown to them in the past.
The goal of this article is to help inform people of the problem
and help prevent the acceptance of this kind of behaviour. This
article is not to discourage anyone from studying Uechi Ryu or
any other martial art but to discourage the wrongful actions of
the abusers. Being aware that this abuse exists will make people
less likely to become a victim.
Jacqueline S. Blackburn Okinawan Uechi Ryu Academy Halifax, NS
September 5, 1995
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