DEAR SUN SPOTS: You are great for helping us readers. Many thanks!

Someone told me that the parlor set I have — a sofa, two chairs, one a platform rocker — would be great in a cottage by the lake or ocean. The wood is rock maple with sailing ships on the wood post, also on the material. One armchair has a sailing ship wheel.

Maybe someone might be interested to see it. It also has a nice history. — Shirley, Lewiston

ANSWER: Shirley is just one of many readers who have written to Sun Spots wanting to sell something, often furniture, through the column, but that is against the rules.

When Sun Spots was young, it seemed like there were lots of places to buy and sell used furniture, but no more. Where does old furniture go?

Sun Spots has a couple of suggestions. One is to place an ad in the Sun Journal classifieds by calling 783-2281 or toll free at 1-800-482-0935 or by email at class2@sunjournal.com. The cost is very reasonable, or possibly even free depending on the item and its value.

Another option is Craigslist on the Web, where you can post items, including a photo, at no charge.

Perhaps readers will have other ideas.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I found your July 12 response to Bryant from Turner’s questions regarding martial arts intriguing. I’d like to provide this link, www.masutatsuoyama.com, to you for reference. From there, you can get to many different links in regards to martial arts.

Sosai Masutatsu Oyama is the founder (sosai) of Kyokushinkai (Kyokusin karate). His philosophy is summed up in this quote: “Keep your head low (modesty), eyes high (ambition), mouth shut (serenity); base yourself on filial piety and benefit others.”

There are also a number of martial arts schools in the L-A area with different disciplines that would be willing to answer questions anyone might have. Any of the senpais, sosais, masters, whatever title they go by, would be more than willing to answer questions. Wikipedia is probably not the best resource to use. — Marie, burtonl@myfairpoint.net

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am responding to a recent question regarding martial arts terms that appear in community sports articles from local karate schools.

I own Phoenix Academy of Martial Arts in Auburn and often submit these articles about belt promotions and other activities at our school. Although I cannot speak to the question regarding the person named in the post, as he is not affiliated with our school or style, I hope this helps.

There are many styles of martial arts — some traditional and others not. Those that follow traditional arts often use the following titles to show the rank of a student. Kyu belts are students below black belt. Senpai or sempei means big brother/sister and usually refers to a black belt of varying degrees, depending on the style.

Shodan means first step and refers to a 1st degree black belt, nidan 2nd degree, sandan 3rd and so forth. Sensei means teacher; sosai means founder.

Each style sets requirements for students to achieve each rank and title. For instance, some schools will call a person sensei after they reach 3rd or 4th degree even if they never teach or have the ability to teach, while other styles award that title based on its definition and the ability one demonstrates as a teacher.

Most people can read but not everyone can teach others to read. Likewise not all black belts can teach or even wish to teach. I hope this helped answer the reader’s question. — Harris, Auburn, info@phoenixkarateacademy.com

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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