Wells how about an article for you members:

"Remembering Self-less Motivations."

Since our inception, starting from the first seminar with Hataya Sensei in 1991 we have made amazing progress as a group and as individuals.  Initially there were few students and we would train on the lessons I brought back from Japan as well as the seminars Hataya Sensei taught in Orlando during the trips to sword shows in the U.S.  We developed a real tight group of people who wanted to learn a Japanese Martial Art from a legitimate instructor.  I had wanted this and searched for many years to find it.  Others I knew were hungry for the same thing and I included them.  Many baby steps were taken by us pioneers with some failings, but basically solid forward movements were made due to previous Martial Arts classes we had all experienced.  We all had enough opportunity to see and observe in this what was right and wrong.  I personally have watched (from across the counter in my Karate Supplies business) many good organizations fall apart mainly due to three (3) mistakes.  I have had enough experience in this department to make sure these same events do not happen in ours.  That is the only reason I have maintained explicit and uncompromising control of both our associations.  Primarily Toyama Ryu Iaia Do is our "heart" and the U.S. Batto Federation which is our "face".  In this time some of our members have been given heady jobs to maintain and to teach standards in their particular area of expertise.  I am calling on us to remember back to when we were a little more co-operative with each other.  One thing to digest is this, we succeeded due to us looking "over there" to a successful and not "at each other".  Each of us does not like something about another in our inner circle, it's human nature, yet, I would like for us in our minds to make a promise to not let that start to cloud our vision.  The other extremely important thing to consider is this, if you are put in a position of authority in one department or another, do not let it go to your head.  Remember that asking and not demanding, friendliness and not hostility as well as understanding of thers short-falls made us what we are.  Negative Criticisms, whether verbal or not are uncalled for.  We have a long way to go.  Where we are now is something to be both admired and respected.  We can be satisfied in ourselves and the positions we are in, but never comfortable.  Each level of expertise and understanding only opens the doors in our perceptions to all that much more work we must do to improve.

Brothers and sisters, WE ARE IT! we are all we have.

Lets keep "us" strong and move forward in harmony.

Thank you for your time.  Bob Elder