Karate is seen around the world as a way to get good at fighting and only at fighting, but karate is much more than something that small. Karate is all about continuous learning in which one may learn how to protect him or herself, but also how to get through life happily. Karate is a…
There are various benefits in tournament participation. One would be the experience of a social atmosphere. At an AMA Challenge, participants discover their community, beyond their dojo. They meet more people with common values and witness how training impacts the world around them. We all come together, contribute who we are and work to unify…
There are various benefits in tournament participation. One would be self-growth. Self-growth is the process of discovering and developing who you are. It’s an individual journey, yet it’s accomplished by yourself and with others. There are many ways to obtain growth and inspiration is found all around. Purpose is born within, and through interaction, new…
There are various benefits in tournament participation. One would be the opportunity to come out of your comfort zone and discover more of your person. As students, we get used to class routine and the people we work with. I’m safe to make mistakes and learn in class, but what about in tournament? What happens…
Entering my first tournament, my mind was conflicted with thoughts. What will people think of my inability? I should stick with what I’m good at so I have a chance. If I can’t do it physically, will my spirit be enough? What will I do if I fall down? Despite the questions hovering in my…
How can martial arts make everything better? I aspire to be a developed individual (spiritually, mentally and physically) who enjoys life for its diverse blessings. In my epilepsy and stroke recovery, karate has been the ultimate therapy for me. Here is how karate has made everything better for me. Living with a disability, I assumed…
I had a big family growing up. My mother was the youngest of 4 sisters. Her oldest sibling was 20 years her elder. I had cousins of all ages, some younger, but most decades older. Looking back, I realize that these cousins were my first exposure to positive peer pressure. They set expectations for me,…
Both my kid’s best friends are their Karate friends. As a parent, this is a priceless gift. I was never worried about whose house they were at, or who they were with: they’re with their karate friends; they’re with their karate family. Parents know the impact negative peer pressure has from our life experience. Our…
All bosses have a job to do: planning, scheduling, making sure you achieve your goals so that they can achieve theirs, projects, presentations, managing staff, and so on. Their job isn’t to be your friend, but to manage. That being said, there’s a big difference between not being polite and being rude, not being nice…
The best self defense is not to be there. Not to be there when someone attacks you. Not to be there when a bully is nearby. Why put yourself in the situation where you must defend yourself, when you can, not be there? Sounds obvious enough, right? Awareness of surroundings, where you are, who’s around…
