Youth & Karate
In 1993 at the age of nine, I caused heartache and headaches for my parents. No matter what sport or recreational activity they directed me towards, I wouldn’t stick to it or enjoy it. I was a fidgety and unsettled boy in the classroom and because of these actions my parents had to go down to the school to discuss my behavior with my teachers.

Mum and Dad joined me up to Tai Shi Kai karate after reading a pamphlet they received in the mail. As a young lad, I had no expectations but to be as good a martial artist as the ninja turtles. It didn’t take long before I was pulled into line with my cheeky behavior, and instructed to pay attention. There was no room for my unsettled ways, or my cheeky attitude in this organization. I can’t explain how or why, but this level of discipline, structure and practice, drew me in. This was a place I wanted to come back to each week to learn. I now look at it and think: why would a child want to take part in any activity that requires them to be very quiet, pay attention, and to concentrate? At that age, you would think that kids would take to kicking a football or playing cricket, but that was not how it worked. Most of the students, including myself, thrived from doing something that’s unique, structured, disciplined and, of course, fun! At school, I took this respectful, disciplined way of life with me without even knowing it.

My parents saw a change in my attitude and behavior, I calmed down and became more disciplined. I became more respectful to my teachers, parents and my superiors. Due to my age, I was doing this subconsciously. This was a life changing time for me, without even knowing it.

Confidence & Self Belief
My confidence increased significantly over the years of training; confidence to do things I never thought I could have done before. At the age of 13, I played the lead role in the school play. I had to perform in front of packed theatres singing songs and dancing. Without the influence of my Karate, I would not have applied for that audition. I had been training at this stage for four years. In these four years, I developed self confidence and belief. I had performed Kata and grading’s in front of anywhere between 30 – 50 people. Singing in front of 9 – 10 for an audition seemed like nothing. I draw confidence out of the way Shihan strives for excellence. Shihan’s training methods ensured that failing was not an option. Gradings, Kata, Basics, Sanbons became so well known it was second nature. When time came to perform, you knew that your work would be the best you could do it. That feeling instills a lot of confidence in all students.

Kata competitions were never about competing against other people; they were about competing against yourself and each student’s confidence shone through. Time and time again I see students grow in confidence and character. I wonder how much it’s done for their life? Do they realize how much more a confident person they have become? Everyone is affected in one way or another!

People skill & Teaching
People skills are of utmost importance in my workplace as they are in the dojo. My job role requires me to guide, teach and develop staff members on a day to day basis. My Karate requires the same of me, but not on such a regular basis. My work and Karate go hand in hand with each other. Every Student and employee is different and need to be taught in a way that suits them, a way they can adapt to. I find a way and an angle to teach for everybody and this assists them and a way they will most benefit from what I am teaching. One phrase that constantly comes to mind is: ‘Speak to people the way you would like to be spoken to’ - this is a very important rule of thumb for me. I have learnt skills from my Karate that I apply within my workplace and vice versa from my work into the dojo.

Privacy & Opinions
Close friends know that I study and practice karate and have done so for some time. Those friends and my family will not discuss this in front of other people. This is what I have asked of them as it labels me as a focus point.
It’s hard to discuss my karate with other people. It raises many questions and criticisms that can be very difficult to answer, they often don’t understand. If I am out socializing and there is trouble close by, I don’t want anything to do with it. An outsider’s opinion would be that I would continuously brawl every weekend; the fact that I am a black belt must mean I enter competitions and fight until the last man standing. Far from the truth! These are common and frustrating point of views!

Socializing & Decision Making
There have been times where I and my friends could have been in many fights. There have been times when a friend has been in a heated conversation with another person. I have talked myself and other friends out of the conflict, avoiding a fight at all costs. Without them even knowing it, I believe I have guided my friends in the right direction. They understood there was no need to fight for any reason; it only ruined a good night out and resulted in people getting hurt. This conflict put me in danger and in a position I did not want to be it. This type of horse play is a thing of the past and does not happen anymore. When we were just 18 and it was legal to drink and attend bars and clubs, smart decisions were not made. At that immature age, I can understand how we have so much trouble in society these days. The influence of drugs and alcohol cloud people’s mind and judgment. The peer pressure from other individuals to fight and stick up for one another is overwhelming. Young kids don’t feel they have a choice, but they do. Everybody does. I am thankful that at that time, I understood my choices and made smart and safe decisions. It kept myself, friends and family safe. These decisions and actions were not possible without the influence of my Karate background.
These days I am very safe with the people I choose to socialize with. Everybody has a choice as to who they associate with.

To Assist & be Assisted
I feel I have instilled smarter choices and decision making within my friends and family. I have had the same instilled into me by my friends and family at Tai Shi Kai. The depth of friendship is bottomless and will be forever. I have been influenced by some of the individuals to become the person I am today. I have returned the same assistance by helping others attack their life’s demons. Tai Shi Kai gives ‘True Friends’ its definition and I am very grateful for that friendship.

The Current & the Future
A common question that I get asked from other people is: “Have you ever had to use your Karate?” I answer: “yes, I use it every day”.

Karate and Tai Shi Kai is not just a physical aspect about hurting another person. Yes we learn to defend ourselves, every decision, conversation, action in some way can relate to my years and experience with Tai Shi Kai. How I go about my daily business reflects my training; I keep learning as the years go on. Karate training is not a service that I receive for paying a quarterly fee - it has become a part of me, it is me. It’s not something that can be dropped under any circumstances. It is with me for as long as I live. It has had a huge influence on my life and will continue to. As long as I keep an open mind and embrace change, anything is possible. My karate and the life I live are one, and not separate, it’s the perfect combination.

What influence has your Karate had on your life?
What influence has your life had in your Karate training?

Sempai Mark
2nd Dan
Tai Shi Kai
Wado Ryu Karate
Australia

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