Addendum to Previous Post
I have engendered some confusion by being too vague on my previous post. I humbly apologize, I hope to clear up some confusion.
First, the issue with my current dojo isn't the dojo itself, rather its location. It's a military gym that is unique in the Air Force...it's funded by "appropriated funds" (i.e., those federal monies provided for the operation and maintenance of the Active, Reserve, and Guard Air Force). Every other gym on an AF base or GSU (geographically separated unit - the Lab where I work is one) is funded via the "Non-appropriated Fund" method, i.e., they have to generate enough income to pay for their overhead.
Because this gym (which contains said dojo) is paid from from the appropriated "pot" of money, it is illegal to expend any of that money on civilians. I may be retired, but I'm still a civilian. Certain parts of the military food chain have elected, for quite a long time actually, to look the other way because of our remote nature. But it was still improper to permit us to have access. Now that sequestration as put *everything* under the microscope, the Lab had no option but politely but firmly tell the retirees they can't use it anymore.
This goes into effect on 31 March. We train on Monday and Wednesday afternoons, hence three lessons left. :)
I'm not leaving because I want to, or the Sensei has asked me to. I've simply run into a federal regulation.
Second, my observation about the SCA has led a couple of folks to believe I'm either going to A) Quit fighting soon and/or B) Quit the Society.
Neither is the case. My thinking out loud was contemplating whether I should take the time and energy I've been expending in Karate and put it back into armored combat, rather than look for another dojo. I've let that languish. My additional observation was intended only that, at 55, I'm mindful I can't keep treating my body like it's 30.
I'm not ready to hang up my swords yet...but ask me five years from now. I'd rather retire from heavy combat gracefully than have the "You can fight, or end up with parts of your body no longer functioning" discussion with my family doctor.
But I'm in no tearin' hurry.
I apologize for any consternation I may have cause.
Banzai!