Also, when you set up the criteria and at the same time judge (even though there is no doubt of setting aside your own prejudices), I can see where it could be very difficult without personal connections to the judge to pass.

Dan,
I did send you an email asking to train with you in Southern California. Funny, of the "master classes" I've taken (to borrow a term from the music world), none were so secretive or arrogant. The information was freely given to those interested without judgement on whether the message was being received.

You must be one of those special teachers than can predetermine which students (will) have an understanding and which won't. Special indeed.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Anthony Loeppert <anthony@loeppert.net>
Date: Fri, Jun 1, 2012 at 4:27 PM
Subject: Orange county training inquiry
To: dojoseminars@gmail.com

Background (short) martial arts career: 1 kyu Yoshinkan Aikido (AikidoDelMar.com for teachers the whole time), almost 4 years. I am NOT a gift to the martial arts community, however I'm ramping up for shodan and I thought this would be a good way to get out see and learn something new and perhaps accelerate my learning rate. Kick it up a notch so to speak. Also, I thought the Yoshinkan style would mesh easily with Daito Ryu, from what I've seen in some videos.

Regards,
Anthony