How Karate-Do has Helped Me
By Dennis Sen
I first began Karate at the age of ten in Vancouver, Canada. I was always interested in martial arts and so when a pamphlet in the mail advertised a new karate dojo in the area I went to see what was being taught and more importantly, whether it would be useful to me learning karate. Immediately, I found myself training twice a week thoroughly enjoying all of the kicks, punches, kata and kumite (sparring) that I was learning I had commenced my journey as a Karateka.
In 1989, at the age of twelve, I moved to Melbourne, Australia where my desire to continue my journey along the Martial Arts path was still very strong Again an advertisement m the mail saw me go along to a training session where I was pleased to see that the style of Karate was very similar to that of what I had learned thus far Once more, I had found myself enjoying the training sessions, learning new things always determined to do the best that I could. -
There are many aspects in which Karate-do has helped me along the way When I first started as a white belt, I found that my training helped me discipline myself not only physically but mentally as well. Dojo etiquette taught me respect for my Sensei my fellow Karateka and myself. I have always had respect for those persons who have respect for me and my Karate training has helped me comprehend the meaning of respect. There was a time where I began to lack this quality and started taking it for granted However, my Karate-do training helped me put myself back in place and reinforced in me how important this quality was.
Karate-do has helped me immensely. It has trained me to be aware at all times whether it be while driving, at a party or even sitting at home. I am constantly thinking about what is happening around me and moreover, thinking about what could happen. The world is not getting any better and violence in and around the neighbourhood seems a common place no matter who or where you are My Karate training has helped me to steer clear from trouble and to also think about what I can do to get myself out of trouble if the need arises.
Along the way, Karate-do has helped me condition my body into a state in which I feel confident in myself. Although I am skinny and may not be very strong, I have realized that this is not important and thus have tried to improve upon those things that are, namely, the quickness of my reaction to a given situation. Working on my speed and agility makes me feel as though I am already one step ahead of my attacker. Having a positive frame of mind helps me feel confident, as I believe that if you are scared or intimidated, you have already been defeated. It matters not how big or strong my attacker is because I feel that my training has provided me with the knowledge (and is providing it constantly) of how to react to a given situation. I am always trying to perfect what I have learned so that it becomes like second nature so when, or rather, if the need arises I will be able to apply what I have been taught to save myself or another. Another way in which Karate-do has helped me is related to my everyday life. It has taught me to become a peaceful person. I used to get frustrated and angry very quickly but through my training I have learned to become a more calm and collected young man. I feel that meditation has played a key role in my transformation. By losing my eyes and breathing, I feel as though any adverse energy in my body is released and replaced by energy that is good and positive for me. Meditation also helps me when I get hurt and am in pain. Again I close my eyes and think about something other than the pain and it seems as though I can breathe out all of the pain that is causing me discomfort from my body. This brings me back to what I have mentioned above in regard to how my Karate training has helped me mentally in that I have learned how to put my mind over matter when needed.
My training has helped me take control of my life. It has taught me that in order to reach a certain goal, you must work hard and do the best you can to reach that goal. Some people say that you should not set a goal too high because you will be disappointed if you do not reach it. However, I do not agree with this. In my opinion, you can set a goal as high as you like. As long as you work hard and - from the words of our Club Motto - never give in, you will proudly reach that goal. Karate-do has ultimately helped me understand that Karate is not only something that is practiced in the dojo or at home, but that it is rather a lifestyle which is utilized everyday. It has helped me become a better person as I have learned self-discipline and have gained a higher level of maturity through my training. I have always aspired to do the best that I can and thus my training promotes my aspirations in everything I do.