ISSAThe year of the Dragon is on it's way and I predict it's going to be a spectacular year for the ISSA. As a matter of fact it's far more than a prediction, its a certainty.
It's been one decade since we lost Sijo Da' Shifu. It was a tough one to say the least. But now the dues have been paid and it's time to move forward. It's time to honor him and all of those who came before him even though we may not know their names. And the best way to do that is to improve your own Shou' Shu' and to help others improve theirs.
So here we go.
Much will happen this year. I have things to announce very soon. But for us to operate efficiently the first thing we need is a really good communication system.
We've had one amazing seminar. Da' Shifu Clark taught in October and we had many attendees.
Thirty Black Belts and a whole bunch of students (I didn't count but the place was packed) - that's not a bad start.
But what many don't realize is the tremendous communication effort that is needed to pull off an event like that. Hats off to Shifu Liz for doing the work to make it happen. Shifu Liz was on the phone, answering questions, tracking down people, making arrangements, etc every day for two months. She spent hours and hours. She did it happily and that was necessary for the first time
But
IT'S A DIGITAL WORLD NOW!
Communication should be easy and effortless. If communication becomes easy and effortless we can do a lot more and we can do it faster. If all we have to do is post the info and send an email we can schedule seminars and other events without so much advance planning. That means more seminars, more events, more training, and more fun for everyone.
So follow at least one of these steps (more is better) and you are sure to get the info you need.
If there is someone who is not on this site that you know of that should be. Help get them on. Which brings me to a tangent. We need someone who can help those that are not as computer saavy. Who wants to be a go to person to assist those that need a little help?
Communication Step #1 - If you are reading this and you do not have an account on this site. Get one. Sign up and tell us who you are and someone will authorize your account. Accounts with user names we can recognize as a real name get authorized. If we cannot recognize your username it doesn't get authorized. We're not incredibly picky about who can join. The only thing required is a desire to learn Shou' Shu'
Communication Step #2 - Make sure you are enrolled in the right groups. Click that groups link at the top and register for the appropriate groups. Some messages will be sent only to some groups. So if you are a black belt make sure you are a member of the Shifu group. If you are not you will not be notified of Shifu things. Register for all groups below your ranking also (I.E. Shifus register for brown belt groups and student groups)
Communication Step #3 - Shifus check the Shifu listing on the front page. Are you in the list? If not tell us. We'll get it fixed. Your "role" on the site will give you more permissions. These permissions will evolve as time goes on. (I.E. Shifus will be able to do more things on the site. ISSA members will be able to do more things on the site)
Sidenote- I'm still having some technical difficulties getting the online ISSA registration setup. It (sort of) works. It's on my list of things to get fixed. For now we'd really appreciate it if you simply mail your dues to ISSA 139 Main St Valley Springs CA 95525. I'll send a notice when the online system is up to par.
Communication Step #4- Text messages. All you have to do is text shoushu to 40404 and you will receive text messages about Shou Shu events. This works through twitter and you can also follow us at http://twitter.com/shoushu
Note- we will not send all messages through this channel.
Communication Step #5 Facebook. Follow us on facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/shoushukungfu
While you are at it follow these pages also
http://www.facebook.com/northernshoushu
http://www.facebook.com/shengchikungfu
http://www.facebook.com/pages/7-Beasts-Martial-Arts/108779175873772
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sheng-Chi-Foundation/302972913081122
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kung-Fu-Aerobics/112022642184420
http://www.facebook.com/breakpal
Do us a favor. When you see a post from these pages on facebook do something with it. Share it, comment to it, like it. This all helps us a lot. Facebook has an algorithm called Edgerank™ and every time someone interacts with a post it raises the Edgerank™. It's a simple thing but it help a lot.
Getting everyone on board with this will help a lot. Let's set a goal. Next big event we plan we'd like to be able to do it without picking up the phone. It's a big goal but easy if you do your part.
And yes I will be posting in the black belt group in the next few days. Shifus don't miss that message.
P.S. The image in this post is an ISSA logo I'm working on. It is not yet approved by the board and as yet is not official. Any artists out there want to help with logos and such just let me know
P.P.S. Leave us a comment below and let us know you setup your communication methods.
