The world has shrunk, travel to other countries is now measured in a matter of hours, not days or weeks. There is no reason why countries, organizations, or individuals should isolate themselves unless they have something to hide or have such an inferiority complex that they can not, and will not stand comparison with their peers. For years we have all seen the problems various countries have when they isolate themselves from others. North Korea, Albania, and others which have isolated themselves have fallen by the wayside, their economies are ruined, and they are controlled by intimidation and dictatorship whose only purpose is to enhance their position through a cult, where they are looked upon as the "supreme all knowing leader". These organizations and countries on many occasions loose their best personnel. Germany for example lost Albert Einstein prior to World War II and this may have cost them the war.

We have seen the same process among individuals who have isolated themselves from the mainstream of society. Some of these individuals who foster these ideals become hermits, or in extreme cases mad bombers. When leaders take on an air of superiority and infallibility, ("we are the best, and everyone else is wrong"). Free discussion is discouraged and free minded individuals who are truly interested in bettering their country are discouraged, imprisoned, or jailed. In business organizations these dedicated people are ostracized, removed, or encouraged to resign. The supreme leader is placed upon a pedestal and even when he is wrong he is still right. Why does this pedestal exist? In most cases the supreme leader encourages it, by remaining aloof and by not fraternizing with the members of his own organization. In all too many cases they put on airs and act as if they really know more than they actually do. If you don't know it, make it up or better yet inform the student to just practice, in time they will understand, or they aren't ready yet to know or learn that because it is a "secret".

The United States Chito-ryu Karate Federation's policy shall continue to be an open one of mutual cooperation with every organization and everyone who cooperates with us in friendship and brotherhood, regardless of karate style or affiliation.

This mutual cooperation has enabled us to visit with, train with, and compete with other karate styles and in doing so enhance the image of our style's founder Doctor Tsuyoshi Chitose (O-Sensei). Through the use of the U. S. Chito-kai news bulletin, magazine articles, television interviews, and one-on-one contacts we have assured that the name of O-Sensei has been favorably placed before many other karate practitioners who would have never heard of him. Mutual cooperation, mutual respect, and mutual understanding with all traditional karate organizations of good will shall be our goal.

Kyoshi Patrick McCarthy made a very profound statement when he was at the U. S. Chito-kai Hombu during November:

"It is sad when a small child is afraid of the dark, but what is really sad is when grown men are afraid of the light."

Where does your organization fit into this picture?