Redding Shotokan Karate

I thoroughly enjoyed Scott’s practice tonight. Wow, we learned a lot from him. He is a dojo leader of Westside Shotokan, another SKA dojo in town. He was one of my teachers when I started training at SKA Redding Dojo (then leader: Godan Ken Osborne) in November, 1985.

Tonight’s practice brought back my memories of the days when I was a white/brown belt in his classes 20 years ago. It was so nice to be his student again tonight. As I get more life experiences and (hopefully) get mature, I have come to realize how much I owe to Ken, Scott and other teachers. They nurtured us students/juniors. I will try to be honest. For so many years, karate has been more pain and responsibilities to me as a dojo leader, rather than being (my own selfish) joy. Of course, it has always been my great joy to see big progress in my students/juniors at every kyu-test. I’m SO proud of them. It is hard to describe how rewarding it is...but this is a different kind of joy. There have been many times when I wondered why I was not doing something more pleasurable. However, I realized again tonight that karate is FUN. Something I have forgotten for a long time. I indeed love karate. Thank you, Scott!

Over 20 years ago when both he and I were much younger, his class was always very demanding and serious. With his age, his class tonight was more humorous, entertaining and caring besides being serious. Clarity in his instruction, and his passion and respect for the art have never changed. He demonstrated commitment, kime and beautiful clean techniques.

Thank you, Scott. We want to do it again. You are and will be always my teacher.