I've stated my piece mostly in previous posts, and don't have a lot new to add from those perspectives. I do have some new thoughts though.
First... Did anyone who felt the need to rush to Van's defense ever consider that Van and I have our own relationship? Van and I have already communicated on this issue. Van sent me a very gracious e-mail. He understands the terminology. He understands my intent. He and I in fact are a lot alike in some very scary ways...
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I find it baffling that a battle would continue on someone's behalf when it has not been requested or even considered warranted by said individual.
People wish to be blunt. I will be blunt here.
BUTT OUT!!! My relationship with Van is a long one. When he is angry at me, he tells me, and vice versa. We have seen each other at our best and worst. We have history.
I am offended when other parties wish to define my relationship with someone I know. I am offended at the side-taking, boundary drawing, us against youse guys attitudes.
I also find it puzzling that there is a "group" that feels they are persecuted by me. I see every person for the human being they are and the character they bring to the table. When someone's student comes to me, I acknowledge the instructor but I deal with the individual. If they are a good person and we get along, we have our own way of communicating.
One of the puzzling things about IUKF is what holds it together. George and I have joked about it, and have referred to it as "the secret handshake." There really is no strong top-down-management organization, or an "official policy" way of doing things. This is how you can have TMA folks, chi-sters, RBSD gurus, FMA folks, BJJ folks, military types, NRA types, anti-NRA types, etc., etc. under one roof. When you come to summer camp, we've got lots of groups of people doing their unique things. We have a common bond of a handful of kata and a love of independent thinking.
For those of you who wish to understand me a little better, check out some of the epic threads Rich and I have about SUVs and (gasp) hybrids. You would think Rich and I are enemies. Nope... He is the godfather of my number 1 son.
Friends challenge each other. Friends push each other so that the best is brought out. Humans are humans and feelings can be hurt. I hurt my best friends, and vice versa. But we get over it and move on, because our friendship and our common interests are more important than all the emotional white noise.
- Bill