With MMA schools almost exclusively focused on sparring and applied techniques, I can see why they would at least initially hold greater appeal for young adults interested in quickly learning self-defense and not much else.  But my own experience with karate has taught me just how rich with application our traditional art form is, and how much more TMA has to offer.

Here’s the thing about our weaknesses and imperfections, the cracks in our cups – they’re the wounds on our lives. We can dwell on them, remain broken, and allow the wound to become infected in our despair. We can let the wound fester and slowly eat away at us as we refuse to let go.

But that’s a choice.

This is my Karate. It’s good enough for me.

The fire rises. It burns hot. The water does too.

Today, the cup is empty, and the teapot is boiling over.

Your tea is ready.

We will examine the kata Gankaku to illustrate these traditional bunkai and also explore oyo for certain techniques.

We practice the physical move mindfully, with critique and self-awareness we are taught the most efficient and effective ways to move.  We refine these movements over time and continue to learn and redefine the same moves.  We are challenged every step of the way to continue to improve and refine.  Soon, through the muscle memory learned the movement becomes a natural part of us and how we move.  It becomes reflex, or response without thought. Automatic!

My studies have helped me grow as a person, a teacher, a counselor, and an advocate.  The terms I learned in academia exist on the dojo floor, but they are truly practiced.  I see experience disconnect in what I have been taught in school and the practice of my profession and that troubles me.  I experience a real acknowledgement and consistency in the study of Karate.  That comforts me and grounds me throughout my life.  Karate is a “Transferable Skill” that will never leave me.

I believe the karate we study is a type of living art, and in the study of this art, we help keep it alive.  As this living art changes throughout the years, new students are able to contribute to the continuum of this evolving art.  As karate changes and adapts to new demands of modern societies, it ensures its relevance and utility. 

The development of my character transcends the development of self confidence, the ability to defend myself, and the never ending pursuit of the proper execution of technique.  The development of one’s character is, in my opinion, the highest order of karate training, and in my opinion, is probably the most rewarding part in the pursuit of the black belt rank.

I have great respect for all of my teachers at the USKL dojo and appreciate how much they inspire me to improve myself.  I have many selfish reasons to try to follow my father’s example in pursuing a lifetime of karatedo training, and I feel very fortunate to have found a dojo in which I feel I can do so, but I also hope to carry on the small family tradition that my father started, teaching my children to live healthy lives and to always try hard, even when they have cold feet.

The movements we practice, even in isolation, are difficult to perform correctly with good power, speed, and posture.  Putting the movements to imaginary but spirited use in katas ups the ante further with greater focus on timing, distance, rhythm, and agility.  In kumite sessions, awareness, reaction, and strategy are added to the mix (along with a healthy threat of “negative feedback” for any deficiencies).  Karate is at the very least a training method, a crucible even, for developing physical and mental skills for fighting.