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Empty Hand

Submitted by rmdenby on Sun, 07/27/2008 - 00:13

"Karate-do us an empty handed art of self defense... [it] is a martial art for the development of character through training so that the karateka can surmount any obstical, tangible or intangible."
-Masatoshi Nakayama

The study of karate-do is a difficult path. It takes more than just physical ability and stamina. Mental discipline is an important part of our training. It also helps to have friends and others in your life who encourage you. Many people have encouraged me and contributed to my journey in this 'way'.

I have studied karate off and on for many years.I I began my study of karate-do in earnest in 2000 when I began studying at the World Class Karate dojo under Shihan Rande Lawrence. As you can infer from the kata practiced at the World Class Karate dojo, it was a blend of Shotokan, Goju-Ryu and other styles but primarily Shotokan. Master Lawrence refered to his style as traditional karate. At the World Class Karate dojo I achieved the rank of shodan. Once I achieved the first black belt rank I felt I was just beginning my study of karate-do.

剛柔流空手道
I am now studying Goju-Ryu with Sensei Donald Williams. Sensei Williams is an inspiration to me and has always encouraged me in many ways. I met Sensei Williams at the World Class Karate dojo during a time when we both were training there. Through observing him at the dojo I have learned more about respect than anyone could have ever told me in words. Even though he is one of the strongest and most talented karate-ka's I have ever met, he is a gentle person with a deep spirit.

I enjoy karate because it is such a personal sport. One primarily competes against ones self. Although others may support and encourage you, in the end it comes down to either doing it or not. In the end, I am responsible for my sucess or defeat - no one else. It is this control over my destiny that is so attractive. To succeed I need only rely on myself. Karate has taught me that in other life circumstances, I am the one responsible for my sucess or failure. That is a lesson some never learn.