By Christian H. Olsen, Member until 2022
Ho, ho, ho – HO, HO, HO…
Yes, I stood there with more than 120 others – adults and children. Ready to do my best. Had the feeling that everyone else was too.
I was prepared to meet JM with the full name JMSKBGMK We had already been welcomed by JM's REMAINDER. The most experienced were at the front and to the left of S. The least experienced at the back of the hall. We had all trained for this big day. I rejoiced like a little child – ready to learn new things and show what I had learned. I met with an open mind and felt safe. I had trained well and had been nominated by JSN Let go of worry - be happy' - I told myself. Make it simple'. 'Just be yourself', reciting the Jokokan's motto: 'We do as we say and we say as we do.'
At one o'clock, when everyone was ready in line, JM entered with his big pixie hat and an equally big smile - Ho, ho, ho - HO, HO, HO... JM magically created cohesion with his mere presence and these few words and strength – it was one for all and all for one. Excitement and nervousness and was suddenly replaced by smiles and laughter. As if by magic, there was a balance between play and seriousness, individual and community as well as words and actions. We had a mission. Santa had asked for help to bring out presents and do something good for other people. JM asked if we were ready to do this task and everyone responded with a Jule-Hai or a Ho, ho, ho – HO, HO, HO.
After warming up the muscles and joints, and stretching the muscles and ligaments, we started the training. Now I understood why these hours counted double. Kimu Sensei demonstrated familiar techniques in new combinations with awe-inspiring precision and speed.
I almost stood and gaped at the first two series, trying to keep up. I demonstrated just as clearly to myself that now in my own thoughts, words and actions I was setting limits for myself. Then I realized I wasn't as ready as I thought.
Only when I decided to recognize the truth of and believe in the truth that 'I can do much more than I tell myself', and just do what was demonstrated, did it begin to flow freely. In the moments I chose to believe and succeed in just being, I exceeded my limits of what I thought I could do. Saturday 16 Dec. therefore became a really educational day for me. Thank you. The training itself thus became a greater test for me than the graduation. During the actual graduation I knew that I could do what I had to, and even that 'we can do much more than we tell ourselves'.
After graduation went well and thanks had been said to participants, supportive family and friends as well as instructors, we all had the opportunity to enjoy ourselves with apple slices, coffee and juice.
I would like to express my gratitude to all those who help make Jokokan what it is today. I hope we will meet for many good educational days in the future. Congratulations to those who reaped the fruits of their labor, and especially to all those who overcame themselves.
Arigato (thanks) to Kimu Sensei, Shihans, Shidoins, Jokokan and Jokokans.
JM for Santa Claus or rather the Jokokan Master
JMSKBGMK – Not as some might think an abbreviation for 'Santa Claus Who Expertly Brings Gifts With Kane', but rather ´´Jokokan Master, Sensei Kimu Bjarkmann, Gokui Menkyo Kaiden´.
Really Enthusiastic Goblin Instructors Shi-han & -Doins in Yakami-Ryo
An abbreviation for Santa's Specially Trained Elf, or rather Jokokan Shihan Nyrup
