| The reason people on this board have taken a liking to you is it is rare to find a young individual with this much entusiasm about something we all have grown to love. Most guys at your age are out partying, girl-hunting and just plain goofing off. You, on the other hand, have a SERIOUS desire to learn about something that requires a lot of time and serious energy. The fact that you know Japanese so well allows you to bridge the language gap and actually get more out of written or spoken information than most of us. A lot can get lost in the translation. As I'm sure you know, there are multiple meanings and/or words in Japanese that can be used to describe subtleties that we Westerners are totally oblivious to. From your postings, I can see a developmental change in your knowledge (and penchant for more). It will be easier to absorb at a younger age so keep studying. I know, a high school kid whose being told to study more - YUUCCKKKK! No matter, you show you have direction which is more than what 90% of teenagers have. Just ask your friends what they want to do when they grow up. Most don't know or "haven't yet decided". I can't begin to tell you how important it is at your age to have direction, of any kind. You're light years ahead of the curve. Just don't lose sight of your goals, long range as they may be. It's the only way to recognize the doors being opened for you as you grow.
I would think you're on the right track with your sensei(s). Bob Winkler is very knowledgeable and you will gain much information from him and others on this forum. However, as Aquitori mentioned, there is nothing like being able to APPLY what you've learned from the written word and can relate it to what you see in person. Therefore, if you stick with Russ and Kari, as your local dealer/ sensei, you will able to take a journey very few individuals will be able to take. Their horizon has now become limitless and you'll be getting in on the ground floor. Enjoy the elevator ride, grasshopper!! |