Empty Hand

This section is about my study of karate-do. My instructor is Shihan Rande Lawrence of the Lawrence World Class Karate dojo. I have studied under Master Lawrence since 2000. As you can infer from the kata we practice, we enjoy a blend of Goju-Ryu, Shotokan and other styles. Master Lawrence refers to our style as traditional karate.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 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’. Shihan Lawrence and Renshi Lawrence have been instrumental and crucial in my developing as a karate-ka. But aside from my instructors I have been blessed with others who continue to encourage me and help me along this path. First and foremost is my wife, Alice. Karate-do requires a significant investment of time and effort. Without the support and encouragement of Alice I could not have gotten this far in my journey. My friend Bob Switalski started with me in October of 2000. We both started as 1st kyu white belts and have managed to keep pace with one another as we progress through the ranks. Bob has encouraged me and helped me to continue to persevere even when I didn’t really want to train. Yudansha Emilie Crosby has been a mentor to me. She has helped to guide me and has encouraged me throughout my training. She too has helped me continue when I felt down. She seems to call or e-mail me at just the right time to help me get back on track. Sensei Donald Williams is an inspiration. Sensei has encouraged me in many ways. 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.