Karate means so much more than a style of Martial Arts to me. It is a feeling, a place, and a home. It helps me focus on things that I do in my everyday life, like school and homework projects. When I am at the dojo, I become a different person. I feel more relaxed and confident in myself. At the dojo, I clear my mind and forget about my problems and worries for a moment, and focus on training. Not only do I learn to defend myself by blocking and punching, but I learn the importance of courage, gratitude, and respect. I also learn how to stand up for myself and to have self-confidence. The instructors are very helpful, and focus on the improvement of their students and the safety of others. Through them, I know I have been guided in the right direction. By learning the importance of respect, I was able to make new friends in the dojo. They have always been supportive since the beginning, and helped me get stronger.
Everyone at the dojo is like my family, and the dojo is like my home. To me, Karate is not just a sport, it is a place.
By: Allyson F
