The issue of stagnation is especially important when independent dojos discourage their students from attending seminars not put on by the independent. There are a myriad of excuses and pressures used to discourage outside training. However, unless the instructors are seeking outside training stagnation will occur-unless they are good at upgrading their skills by themselves. As my students progress, I know it is a challenge to keep myself advancing so as to keep their skills moving ahead.