Looking through old books today, tucked away between the pages was a sheet of paper that I wrote for a grading exam. Many years ago, actually I was 41, I decided to take up Shotokan Karate (my mother thought line dancing would be safer, probably not). I actually loved it, I learned a lot about me, how to defend myself, situational awareness, and what a spiritual practice was. I loved doing Katas, watching Black Belts do them was shear perfection and grace. Granted due to all the blocking and kicking, my forearms were usually bruised, and my round house kicks were total rubbish (actually they were better if I didn't think instead of trying to break down the movements) I only decided to take it as far as green belt, but I am forever grateful for the knowledge that Sensei passed down to all the students, and his patience when I constantly tied my belts the wrong way. The Dojo then was in an old factory building, two floors being training rooms and weights, Sensei lived in the Penthouse, so a bit like Duncan McCloud of the Clan McCloud out of Highlander the series. To build character on the really hot steamy days, no air conditioning, all windows and fans switched off, so by the end of class one had turned into a dripping,soggy, tired mess, lots of fun.
Before grading for green belt we had write our own thoughts as to what the Dojo Kun (training hall rules) meant to us personally, most of these can be applied to everyday life.
Seek Perfection of Character
Strive to be the best that you can be in all areas. Seek only to help people, when you do this you can help them obtain their goals. Learn to look inside yourself to find the power and light you possess, there you will find all the answers to life's questions. Trust your inner self, not the ego self. Treat yourself with kindness, be gentle with yourself and treat yourself with respect, many are too hard on themselves, when you are kind to yourself you in turn treat others with kindness, we are all one with the universe, when you hurt others,you also hurt yourself. Take responsibility for your actions, you alone are responsible for your life, others should not influence how you feel about yourself. Celebrate your life and your own greatness and give 100% to every little thing you do.
In Karate, like life itself, you learn to tap into your inner strength and take advantage of the power inside which for the most part we choose to ignore. Follow your bliss.
Be Faithful
Be faithful and true to yourself in all things, when you are faithful and true to yourself this will then carry foward into everything in life that you do. Always have faith in your own abilities and never be afraid to ask for help when needed.
Endeavour
Live life to the fullest, give 110% to everything you do, never say never, and try everything at least once. Always finish what you begin. When life gets tough reach inside and find your inner power to help you through these times, you can always learn something even in the worst situations. Keep a positive attitude.
Respect Others
When you respect yourself, you respect others, also when you respect yourself you will respect other people and treat them in the manner you would wish to be treated.
Karate classes consist of one big family, we are there to learn and reach our own goals, when you respect yourself and others each obtains their own goals.
Respect your teachers in class, they have been on the path longer and through their own experiences can pass their knowledge onto you.
Refrain from Violent Behaviour
Always treat people with respect and compassion. Avoid situations that might endanger, never attack, be in a defensive mode.
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