I started karate at the age of 16 – for the wrong reasons.
Because I was always smaller than the others, I was often the target of attacks. My original desire to defend myself and teach these bullies a lesson drove me to karate.
Ironically, the attacks stopped when the perpetrators learned that I had started karate, even though I was still unable to defend myself at that point.
I continued my training anyway and everything changed...
As you gain experience in karate, you realize that it's far more than just a sport for staying fit or defeating others. You realize that there's a deeper meaning behind the movements. Karate changes a person's entire being.
Karate shapes your mind, promotes discipline, and builds self-confidence. It helps you make better decisions and clears your mind.
Karate becomes more than just a sport or a pastime. It evolves into a lifestyle, a way of life, a path to follow.
This change creeps into our lives unnoticed. Through constant repetition, it becomes an integral part of our identity. We bow upon entering the dojo and before beginning a kata or partner exercise. The one-minute meditation "Mokuso" at the beginning and end of each training session makes us more mindful.
We learn to value criticism because we recognize that it allows us to continually grow, learn, and improve ourselves. Someone who points out opportunities for improvement does us a great favor by saving us time that we would otherwise have to invest ourselves. We understand that criticism is not meant as a personal attack.
Anyone who understands karate and has experienced it knows that it is something wonderful.
My life would have taken a different course without discovering karate. Karate has helped not only me, but also my company and my family in numerous situations. To this day, I am deeply grateful for the valuable lessons and insights I have gained through karate.
It is my calling and mission to introduce people to the world of karate and to support them in improving themselves and gaining a deeper understanding of themselves through this art. Despite limited opportunities, I will do my best to fulfill this mission.
For me, martial artists are a large, globally connected family characterized by the same values: kindness, respect, openness, humility, willingness to learn, discipline, gratitude, empathy and generosity.
I firmly believe that martial artists play a significant role in this turbulent world, and I am grateful to be part of this special community.
