Thoughts on Establishing MSR One Year On........................JUNE 1, 2026

We officially opened Midwest Shorin Ryu Health & Wellness Center on June 2^nd, 2025, after the death of our Sensei, Dan Schroeder, Master Tadashi Yamashita’s top student. There was considerable questioning among Sensei Schroeder’s students as to what should happen next.

I decided that I wanted to continue what Sensei Schroeder passed on to all of us. So, Vince and I, together with dojomates from the old school who liked my vision and were inclined to journey down the path we were beginning to blaze together, established MSR.

We added Yoga and Tai Chi, as well as Qigong, to our Karate and Kobudo classes. We engaged our community rec center, started classes at MSOE, participated in the 4^th of July parade, did a presentation at Jefferson Elementary, hosted Sensei Stolsmark who came and shared White Crane kata with us, and did a Women’s Self-Defense class where all profits went to support Sojourner Women’s Shelter. We have much more to do as we attempt to grow our student base and our community presence. And yet, we’ve done quite a lot in our 1^st year. I’m loving our Tai Chi and Qigong classes. The chair yoga class we have has improved my mother-in-law’s movement, health, and overall quality of life substantially. One of my favorite experiences over the year has been Natalie’s 7 week Chakra Yoga & Meditation seminar—blew me away with how great I felt through out it and for days after the last guided meditation.

I didn’t know what to expect from this 1^st year beyond a constant striving to get students and practitioners of other disciplines and practices through our doors and to keep them there. Paying the rent continues to be a prime concern but it is less stressful than it was and with luck and more hard work will become a given and less of a monthly stress.

I’ve learned a lot over the past 12 months. Don’t try to teach someone advanced techniques who would rather be doing kicks and blocks until they are close to passing out. You aren’t doing yourself or them any good by giving more than they are ready for. Don’t explain too much. If you do, you invite confusion. Let the students work what you’ve shown them and grow on their own. If they have questions, they’ll ask. Don’t overload advanced students with, “more, more, more.” More material isn’t always better. Deep learning is essential to growth.

The higher the rank, the more important working basics and understanding them becomes. Basics, basics, basics. Every day. Analyzing what makes them work and what adjustments made to them can make them more powerful on an individual level. Most of karate, I’m learning, is doing and constant refinement. On any given day, it can all go out my ears. That’s okay. Tomorrow is another opportunity to get it right.

The most important thing I’ve learned this past year, although my heart has known it forever, is that people are the dojo. A great place to train helps but it’s the people who create a beautiful environment in which to train and grow and live with laughter. Our people are our most treasured assets and the source of the most joy and fulfillment. While funds make everything easier, it’s our people that bring life to our arts. And we’ve got wonderful people.

The best.

I’ve learned to trust myself a bit more over the past year. The first six months, that wasn’t true. I second-guessed almost everything. Daily. That was torturous for me, and I’m sure less than enjoyable for our students. We all experience “imposter syndrome” at some point in our lives and careers. Being creatures of ego and self-doubt, there isn’t a way I’ve found around it. Now I acknowledge it, move through it, and I’ve learned to be grateful for emerging on the other side. I’m sure it’ll raise its ugly head again and again. It’s like fear that way. You can’t get rid of it. It’s often useful to experience. Yet, you can’t let it paralyze you or hinder your growth. Adapt and overcome isn’t just a catchy phrase, it’s the martial artist’s reality. At least it’s part of mine. As O’Sensei would say: 7 times down, 8 times up!

We’re starting out feeling our way.

I’m very pleased with our way.

Sensei Morganne Leigh MacDonald