Do not think that karate training is only in the dojo.
Did I ever take karate out in the dojo? Yes. Many times. Often, at work, my coworkers would look at me and I’d be deep in thought about some concept and maybe be moving my hands in a mysterious way. They would say what on earth are you doing? I’d usually say “nothing” and straighten up and try to act natural.
But that’s not what I believe this saying to mean. Balance, coordination, agility, physical fitness, focus, self discipline, self confidence, self esteem, do I need to go on.
I’m 58 and still play softball in an adult league of 18 and up ball players. I credit karate for keeping me there or maybe it’s because I pitch. I do credit karate with my defensivereactions on the mound though. My attitude at work had to been affected when in a heated discussion with an otherwise bully type employee. I could keep fairly cool and they were careful to watch how far they pushed me because of my knowledge. I never would bring karate into any situation at work, but the confidence it instilled in me always helped me. I was a shy kid growing up. I didn’t get picked on much because I was pretty well liked but the people that thought that they were tough then now look at me in a different light.
It’s funny that when I was in junior high, I tried to play football and got clobbered many times. I didn’t play in high school cause my parents thought I should stick with band, which I liked but hated practicing music. When, I played intramural football in college and later flag football in an adult league I found that karate had changed how I played. I no longer was getting run over. I was now getting called for man handling (whatever that is), and holding and grabbing and had offensive linemen that outweighed me by 100 pounds whining and complaining because I was throwing them in the mud and flipping them when they tried to run me over. I had former college quarterbacks pointing me out and telling his former college and high school team mates, “will someone block him”!!!! Had I taken my karate training out of the dojo. You’re darn right I did and my opponents were very aware of it.
Funny Stuff! Once you learn karate you will definitely begin to change and sometimes people around you will find out the hard way. This is just some of the ways that karate followed me out of the dojo.
When you change yourself, the world never looks the same again!
Written by:
Sensei Perry Culver 6th degree Shotokan Karate, 1st degree Syu Sin Do (pressure points & joint locks)
Chief Instructor of Culver Karate Club in Connellsville, PA 724-626-KICK (5425)
