Redding Shotokan Karate

I have had much on my mind of late, which I have been attempting to condense into clear articulable thoughts suitable for posting. I will apologize in advance for its lengthiness and lack of "condensed" material. I am a convicted "chatter box", what can I say?

Most who are in our dojo, are aware that I have been juggling responsibilities between my son's T-Ball games and practicing karate. Our team has had to face many challenges this season. We lost our coach between games 1 and 2, leaving the parents with a decision whether to band together and cover the coaching responsibilities or to let the team fold. Of course the majority chose to keep the team going, usually hitting the field with a mere 6 - 8 players. The point being that we ARE there, and if not for the "teamwork" of the remaining players and parents...we would NOT be there.

What in the world does this have to do with Karate? I actually didn't know myself until after Saturday's Kyu test. You see, one doesn't normally consider karate to be a "team" effort. We are graded individually. Our individual performance, progression, etc is not necessarily affected by anyone elses.. Or is it? I personally am beginning to see karate more as a team effort.

After Saturday's test, I began to reflect on my experiences at this dojo for the past six months. Naturally, my respect and appreciation for our instructors goes without saying. I have learned both karate and life lessons from all of them, whether through the kids class, adult class or just observing them outside the dojo, carrying on their daily routine. They always seem to challenge me to be a better person.

It occurred to me however, how much I have also gained from my fellow students. From the "most" junior to the "most" senior, each person I have practiced with since last October, has impacted my life and my training in some way. Sometimes it has been a simple word or gesture of encouragement or an act of kindness or respect for another. Other times it has been the dilligence and persistence with which one faces their difficulties. A great many have impacted me simply by sheer skill alone...literally...

So, I am left to ponder the following questions:

- Where would I be without this team? And;

- Am I having the same impact?

And with this I will close...THANK YOU to those whom I am so fortunate to practice with and also to those courageous souls who joined us from outside dojos for Kyu test. In the words of someone I respect, "You Rock!" - ALL of you...