get my black belt in karate

Since my last post, I have relocated from Birmingham to Denver and am now in the process of trying to find a new dojo in which to train. I’ve located one that I feel would make for a smooth transition, as they teach Wado-ryu, a style that is similar to Heiwa-do in many respects. Actually, Soke Hirano, founder of the Heiwa-do style of karate, was a student of Wado-ryu before creating his own style. And, it turns out that Shihan Kurobane (of the Wado dojo) and Soke Hirano were college roommates and remain close friends to this day!

I always wanted to learn a martial art, I just never got around to finding a good dojo until now. I’m starting Wado-Ryu Karate this summer, and I’m hoping to have my black belt by the time I’m 22!

It’s coming along. Went back to the dojo after a 3-year hiatus.

Last week I went with the school I train with now to the school I left about 8 years ago. I left because my instructor was little man of extrodinarily small character. He would disrespect his students, attempt to seduce his students, their parents and took pleasure in the discomforts her created for others. After bearing witness to this for a couple of years I could not follow this path any longer. I left. Most of the people that I trained with, bled with, and shared tears and broken bones, turned their backs on me. I don’t know what was said to them, I never until fairly recently told them all of the specifics as to why I left. I had not returned to the school since.

Last week I showed up for class with and was told we were training with my old school for the night (my current instuctor also used to train at the old school) People I knew were quite courteous and respectful. The guest instructor was a one of the students that trained when I trained there long ago. He was at that time a belt ahead of me. He is not 2nd dan and has his own school in Prince George. The 2 of us way back when really enjoyed training together. He and I fell out a bit when I left the school. A couple of years ago, he learned more of our instructors character and has now grown into a very good and seemingly kind instructor.

Training was difficult for at times I found I missed the old style of training. The drills and their practicality. the focus on technique and the control. THe instructor did some defense moves and incorperated throws. It was with control in execution. My instructor who is a good friend – I do not think is capable of learning such control and focus. He has been trying for as long as I have known him (10 yrs).

With the instructor I have now, I know that I enjoy the atmosphere that I train in and that I will learn things like arnness and tonfa and will gain strength, but that I will not learn great technique, control and focus. If I want to gain a black belt it will be a challenge as I have no one to roll model the full package. THis is tough. THe other night I felt somewhat inspired. It was not so much seeing an old friend become the man he could be as a great instructor but rather just the Karate. CLean, clear, controlled, focused. The way it was when it was the one thing in life, the place in life that was just for me, where I was inspiring to myself; where I was inspiring to others.

I have known now for some time that I am a mear shadow in my own wake. It is hard to live in ones own shadow. I was once at a black belt level and could hold my own in sparring with the best around. When I left I left things uncompleted. Now I am much older, more broken and limitted. I guess the desire to get the black belt in this style is to allow myself to set aside the past and the potential I had.

I think I will always train in some form – I like how it makes me feel. setting aside the past I think is the only way to move forward and simply enjoy again what I do.

walking through the doors of the old dojo, and exhaling the tension of the past and being in the moment was the first step.

I just returned to town, having been visiting family for the holidays…and it appears that my Dojo has moved to a bigger facility. I can’t wait to get in there tomorrow and get back in the groove of things!

SInce switching styles, I refused to the courtesy offered of wearing my IKO3 brown belt until I test and earn a brown belt in the new style. I chose to start at white again. I have had several opportunities to test and work my way back to the brown belt. It seems the test dates are not in sync with other commitments in life or Injury prevents me from being at my best. I still certainly enjoy training though

I signed up for Karate classes this week, which I’ll be taking on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I’ve already been to two classes and although I am sore, I don’t think it will take long for me to get back into the swing of things.

...and trained constantly until about age 16, competing in competitions and getting as far as my blue belt. I’ve trained on and off over the years but never progressed any further toward black belt, and I’d love to finally get there. I’ve just got to attain my purple and brown, and the next one’s the black :)

Cape May, NJ
age: 15

I’ve been fascinated with the martial arts ever since my dad got my brother and I karate classes when I was about six. The lessons only lasted a couple of weeks but the interest has stayed with me all this time.

I’d love be able to study the old Japanese arts. As a matter of fact I’m looking into several opportunities to do so:

There are two Karate dojos in town. One is World Oyama Karate, which I understand to be an organization that branched off from Kyokushin and remains similar. Also offered at this dojo is training through the International Shinkendo Federation (or the art of the Japenese sword).

The other is International Japan Karate Federation, which trains in the Heiwa-do style, a synthesis of the best parts of the four major styles of Japanese Karate-do, with additional influences from Soke Hirano’s experience in Aikido, Iaido, Judo, and Ki.

Finally, there is a group that trains in Bujinkan or Budo Taijutsu, the art handed down to Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi, the 34th Grandmaster of nine ancient martial arts traditions of feudal Japan. They are: Gyokko Ryu Koshijustsu, Koto Ryu Koppojutsu, Takagi Yoshin Ryu Jutaijutsu, Shindenfudo Ryu Dakentaijutsu, Kukishinden Ryu Happo Hikenjutsu, Togakure Ryu Ninpo, Gikan Ryu Koppojutsu, Gyokushin Ruy Ninpo, and Kumogakure Ryu Ninpo.

What does everyone think about these options? Especially if one has knowledge the various styles of Karate or of Budo Taijutsu, I’d love to hear what you think. Thanks.