Personal Statement

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.

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Black Belt Essay

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. 

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Chris Becker Biography

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.

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David Michelson Biography

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.

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Empty Hands

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.

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