Basically a ‘good day’ is based upon whether or not I have energy for training. When I feel energetic I work harder, faster, and pay more attention to what I’m doing. I usually feel good about my technique and the fact that I’m improving. I also know that my partner is having fun and learning too, which is good for my self esteem.
When I am tired, I watch the clock and feel bad for my partner who in return feels bad every time I drag myself off the floor only to be thrown again. I try not to complain but when my energy is low I do it more, and am less able to pay attention to detail or take criticism well.
As a result of these conclusions I always try to get a nap in somewhere so my mind is rested. Plus I try to eat enough so that I don’t feel hungry and distracted during class.
On another note, Luke is seriously looking at several places to start his dojo. I’ve been researching several coastal cities to see which ones will offer him a good chance at a successful student base.
Charleston SC has a good economy with military and healthcare being the strongest employers.
Miami has one USAF dojo already, but with 5 million people it can certainly support another.
The west coast of mid Florida appears to be lacking in any serious dojos, and so may provide an opportunity.
Mobile Alabama has a large population.
Savannah Georgia also has a large population.
What do you guys think? Aside from St. Augustine, what coastal cities offer a good economy and population for an Aikido school. Which coastal city has good surfing! lol, I know Luke likes to surf.
Luke will speak with Sensei about his options, but intelligent opinions from knowledgeable sources would be appreciated. I think pointers on how to run a dojo as far as cash flow and taxes would be appreciated. I know we have some lawyers aboard this blog who might understand such things better than the rest of us.
What about Lakeland, FL?
Off the top of my head….
The Aikido Center of Atlanta has an affiliate dojo in Savannah, led by Alan Gay, a nidan under George Kennedy Sensei. Dee and I visited the school while on our honeymoon. Great location near the Savannah College of Art and Design, which is a HUGE college. When we visited, there was only one student in the class. (But he was good!)
Savannah is an unusual city, in that there is the historic district, which is beautiful but expensive, surrounded by, what appeared to be, a less than savory neighborhood. I’ve only visited once, so your mileage may vary.
I assume you’re referring to Elliot Rifkin Sensei’s dojo in Miami, but Dumlao Sensei also has her school there.
Mobile sounds intriguing….
Regarding the west coast of Florida, there are no USAF dojos near Tallahassee or Panama City. There is an active ASU dojo at FSU, however.
Tampa / St. Petersburg has lots of Aikido, from Arakawa Sensei in the USAF, and Messores Sensei in the ASU.
FYI, the headquarters for Suenaka Sensei’s organization is in Charleston.
I prefer to talk about your other topics off line, rather than on a public forum.
What other topics?
Anyway does the headquarters of Suenaka’s school mean that its an actual dojo, or that its simply makes decisions for the other dojos?
Taxes and legal stuff.
He still teaches there, AFAIK. Not that it should make any difference to you or Luke. He’s not affiliated with the Aikikai, much less the USAF. Just some information.
What about nursing? Are the cities you’re looking at have job openings?
I don’t think there is any good surfing on the West Coast of Florida. Feel free to correct me if I’m wrong. Maybe in the Pensacola area but it is like a lake around Tampa. Cocoa Beach is the place for surfing, I’m told, but it is not far from Grady Lane’s dojo in Brevard County. There are also several other non-USAF dojos in that area.
Have you thought about Daytona? Spencer Sensei has his dojo there. Ted, one of his yudansha, will be in Jacksonville in September. Anything we should ask?
Aside from the surfing, you’d be in a central location to travel to Orlando and Melbourne, as well as Jacksonville.