I think I’ve come to a present realization of my reasons for studying karate. Deep down inside I have always had a need to protect. To be on the look out, to be ready and aware. When I was young I used to dream about how I would get out of the house in case some one came in, or where I would hide. That carried through to my adult life when I moved out. One of the first things I did was make sure my apartment had on site security, an alarm, and I went and bought a 12 in pipe w/ a nut on the end, just in case. I would then also dream of how I would escape my apartment if someone busted down the door.
But this wasn’t just for myself. I’m always looking out for others too. I report suspicious people, have called the police before, and have even confronted a man who was harassing a young girl while I was in college. I wasn’t afraid then because I knew I had to help. I can’t turn my back.
I have always thought that I could do more w/ my physical self. My strength and athletisism, health, and physical energy have brought me to karate. It’s hard for me to describe, but with my high energy level and ability to focus has helped me in so many ways to learn this. It brings me complete satisfaction to practice kata to the point of exhaustion. I seem to get a second wind towards the end of class is my only problem!!
Because of this high energy level I have learned why karate is so important to me. It has calmed me down. Practicing takes time, and relentless repetitions (something I used to never like to do). I have always been able to learn athletic techniques fast and correct quickly, and with karate I haven’t been able to do that, and patience (which I have had!). It has taught me to look at life and what I do and what people do in a different way. I am a kinder, more understanding person. I am even sometimes very peaceful and not so excitable (if you can believe it!). I was just born this way - high energy, and I have always done things well, and with speed. Now I’m learning to take more time with what I am doing.
I just wanted to get my thoughts down; that I think I’ve found the reasons I take karate; to defend, to focus, to expend energy, and to calm down. The last one is the most important to me because it’s the hardest. I still know I’m very young in my practices and that my focus will change over time. What the future will be for me in karate is unknown, but my goal is more understanding and striving for that perfection that is unattainable.
I once got a fortune in a cookie that I taped to my dressing mirror. It says, “Your good health is your form of wealth”. I really believe it now…. That is my gift.
OKINAWA 2010!!!!!
Uma