Karate
I have been involved in the martial arts since high school. I received my first Black Belt in 1970. When I started training the teachers were far and few between. Many of my instructors were from either; the orient, Hawaii or returning WWII war veterans who trained in Okinawa for an extended period of time. Over the years, I have studied under a number of really excellent teachers and in a variety of systems. The martial arts have allowed me to learn and meet a number of good people from all over the world.
I have participated in Karate as both a student and a Dojo owner. I started the Keyes Karate School. With near a hundred students, it was a rewarding experience and after five years I retired from teaching leaving the school to my senior student.
Presently I hold the rank of 7th Degree Black Belt and the title of “Kyoshi”.
I have watched the changes in Karate over the decades. Originally, Karate was a form of self defense. Training originally began after one had a degree of maturity (around age 16). Today, little children “train” and participate in what has become “Sport Karate”. While the new form of martial arts resembles the original art, it lacks the intensity and the spirit. Frankly, I am not sure that modern society is ready for the “old school” training with extreme focus and dedication as core principals. When I started Karate, there were no participation awards. One was either a winner or a loser and self-improvement was a core principal.
Over the years, I have found that the concept of Bushido, “the way of the warrior”, is very useful in today’s world of business and politics. It is a foundation of structure and behavior that lends itself well to modern society. It is a foundation of structure and behavior that lends itself well to modern society. The mental skills that Karate has taught me has allowed me to enter new endeavors without fear, and have the confidence that, with effort, almost anything can be achieved. For me, Karate has become a way of life and not just a form of martial arts training. I feel lucky to have had the lifetime experiences that I have enjoyed through Karate.