September 2000 Newsletter
In previous newsletters I have given you my thoughts about numerous
issues dealing with ISSHIN-RYU and numerous topics. This issue I am
going to relate a cross section of the thoughts of others to four
questions. Then you can think about your answer to the question and
reflect upon how your responses relate to other karateka in the dojo.
1 - Describe what karate is to you - - -
- Karate is a form of exercise, which provides constant challenge.
- Karate has become an important part of my life. I've grown within
the past 15 years and it has helped make me who and what I am proud
of today.
- Karate is a way to release Frustration.
- Karate is a form of exercise that trains the mind as well as the
body.
- Karate trains the body and mind and builds friendships.
- Karate is building self-discipline and confidence in yourself.
- Karate is a way of life . . . teaching honor, self-respect,
discipline, and respect for others.
2 - Why do you train using ISSHIN-RYU karate?
- This system has all the qualities that are essential for a dynamic
martial art.
- You get to work every part of your body equally.
- The people are great and I enjoy the activity.
- It is a style that can be used in close quarter's
situations.
- The system may be used by someone effectively that does not have
extremely good flexibility.
- It gives me a reason to stay in shape and it provides goals to
strive for.
- It helps to create balance and fosters a positive attitude, which
carries over into other parts of my life.
3 - Does anything make karate training different from other types
of exercise?
- In other forms of exercise, the goal is to increase the intensity
or the number of repetitions. In karate we seek to perform each
aspect to perfection.
- Working to improve one's self and others at the same time.
- It provides numerous opportunities for self-satisfaction.
- It is a well rounded form of exercise, improving strength,
balance, cardiovascular capabilities and flexibility.
- It has cultural and mental aspects of training. It is physical
training with history and tradition.
- It develops the mind and spirit as well as the body.
- It is a continual dedication to disciplining one's self to enable
an ongoing advancement toward a goal.
4 - What has been one interesting or noteworthy event that has
happened during your training?
- I've believed that I started training too late in life to achieve
any real level of skill. I found that Master Duessel didn't start
training in Isshin-ryu until he was 35. Does that mean that I will
be a master some day? Probably not. . What it does mean is that
however good I could have been, I still can be.
- I can honestly say that my black belt test was the most fulfilling
day in my life - and I still had energy enough to spend the night in
New York City afterward!
- I got my yellow belt at 10:00 p.m. in a muddy cornfield in
October.
- Testing for black belt, kata on an icy hill, bo with a rake.
- I did not know that I would be so completely "taken in"
by karate. I think about karate often during the time I am not in
class training.
- The World Tournament - meeting and making friends from across the
country and world.
- I am proud of my advancements. I learn at every class. Just when
you think you have something down, you don't.
- When I sparred against Mr. Miller, I got a couple of attacks in.
TB
|
