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Three Months Into Karate...

On my most sluggish Tuesday or Thursday, even when I don't feel like moving, karate always gives me exactly the lift I need. I am so thrilled to have made the transition from sitting in folding chairs where I used to watch everyone else have all of the fun

! Karate has put me back on the path to fitness, and my ability to stick with it has everything to do with how much I'm enjoying it, and what it means to my family.

In fact, karate is the only activity that my family shares consistently every week. I would like to think that we have worked hard to make our family a cohesive unit, but with hectic schedules, and like most families, far too much on our plates, frequently we're running in so many directions that we eat our meals in shifts as we're available, and we go weeks without a family recreational outing. Now twice each week, we all go through the ritual of dressing, loading up, and going to karate together. The short drive gives us an opportunity to have family discussions, and the activity gives us something in common to discuss. Karate has become a strong glue between my husband, my children, and myself.

In addition, I am finding myself slowly getting back in shape. More importantly, I feel more coordinated, and am better able to handle stress in my life. During my first karate class, we learnd a new meditation technique. Several classes later, we learned Sanchien breathing. Karate gave me both focus and escape!

My hope for the next several months is to improve my kicks, continue improving my health, and achieve a higher level of discipline to set the right example for my children. My plan to accomplish this includes waking my family earlier every day for family kata, bringing more structure and rhythm to our lifestyle, and writing a summary of class work immediately following each class, and spending more time conditioning my muscles. I am very grateful for the opportunity!

-Deborah Sleeper

September 29, 2005

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When I first decided to take a Martial Arts class, I wasn't exactly sure what to expect. We have all seen the movies with the extreme workouts and training regiments. And we also have seen the bad group of kids who use the arts in the wrong ways. What I have learned is that Karate and all Martial Arts are what you make of it. If you choose to let it lead a positive example, it is an incredible influence. I look at every situatoin I come across now differently and in multiple vieews. I have noticed that I have more patience now in situations that before I would have reacted irrationally. I have learned to be more confident in everything that I do. We also learn about people and how to handle certain people in certain situations.

What mostly surprises me about what I have learned is that you have to be gentle. Training is not a knock out drag out workout. Everything that you learn is to help you and to help the person standing next to you succeed. As Master Brock says, "You're only going to get better if the people you work with get better". I understand that and I believe that philosophy. We all have to help each other make ourselves better. The students in the class have to help those who do not udnerstand a technique, otherwise when we practice, we are not doing the moves properly. Every class is unique in its own way. Sometmes we will go over something that we already know, but apply it in a possible situation that could happen. I look forward to every class that I attend, and I enjoy being around the people in my class. I have learned that the Martial ARts is a new way to look at things and that you should always take each day as it comes. Mostly however, I enjoy looking at my life with a new perspective and telling others about the things that I have learned, and the things that I hope to accomplish.

What I Hope to Learn from Karate

When I joined the Martial Arts class, I had a set of goals for myself. I wanted to have control over my emotions, get myself back into shape, and to meet other people with the same interests as me. I also didn't want to be one of those people who sat on the couch saying "I really need to do..." So I decided to not be one of those people and finally joined a class.

When I first signed up for the class, I wanted to have control of myself. I felt that I would lose my temper over the smallest things. Once I started I soon realized that control was something I always had but did not always use it in the right way. I have learned that I am the only one who can improve my self, but now I have a better idea on how to do that. Control was more of a personal issue that something that I needed guidance on.

I have also noticed that since joining a Martial Arts class that I have gotten into pretty good shape. I notice the way my body reacts to different exercises and moves. I feel like I have more energy and am able to focus on tasks just a little bit better than before. I have noticed more strength and more endurance in everything that I do.

The other students in the class are a good influence also. If I do not understand an exercise or technique, other students are able to remind me that I just started and that I should not get frustrated. We all help each other in what we do whether we are working on moves, stances or just to lighten the mood of bad day. When I have had a rough day at work, I can look forward to class and the other students who make the class enjoyable and the past few hours disappear.

What I am looking to get out of Karate is to show me ways to be a better person. I am looking forward to meeting new people and to learning more about the Martial Arts and to take the pathway to being that better person.

Sincerely,


Michael D. Bratcher
10/10/05

What Martial Arts has done for me

First and foremost, Martial Arts has given me the ability and confidence to protect myself should I get involved in a confrontation.  Martial Arts has also given me the tools to apply to every day life whether it be physical or otherwise.  Example would be if someone driving aggressively on the road and doesn't like you being in their way and presents you with some unpleasant gestures.  Insead of letting it bother you, you can blow it off because you realize what the confrontation can bring and try to avoid it.  On the other side, if you are cornered into a situation where you cannot escape, then you have to fight and it has taught me the basics on how to do that.
It has also shown me ways to help raise my children in the many circumstances they are confronted with and how to positively reinforce the good things they do and to help improve on areas where they need improvement.
Another benefit is the conditioning and training that Martial Arts provides.  Your enemy can't take away from you your knowledge or physical fitness.   If the time comes to use it, you will be able to react to what happens, and that's what matters.
I have also gained the ability to learn correctly.  If you learn wrong, you will spend the rest of your life trying to learn it right.  Martial Arts has shown me the way to learn correctly.

What do I want to get out of Martial Arts

The main goal I want to get out of Martial Arts is how to effectively protect myself, family and friends and to effectively fight against multiple attackers.  All the dojo's I have been affiliated with have promoted this.  It has also taught me how to keep on trying at every daily activity I am faced with and I want to keep improving my positive attitude.  Another area I would like to get out of Martial Arts is to help some of the younger students and children and teach them the positive way to deal with isssues and to teach them respect towards themselves and others.

10/7/05
Mike Tautphaeus

10-16-05