A normal thing is the believe that when one trains in karate, the end goal and focus is on oneself…”I want to be…stronger/faster/better-conditioned/able to defend myself/a color belt one day, a brown belt one day, a black belt one day…and on and on. These are certainly great objectives to strive for and I am amazed daily, by the progress everyone makes in their journey. I was no different from anyone else…I joined up, then trained daily (36 years ago) for the very same reasons. Guess what?…I did, indeed, get stronger/faster/better-conditioned, and earned my first black belt over thirty years ago. I don’t know how it happened, but along the way, my original focus (all of them, self-centered), began to be supplanted by a desire to better understand the history of this art, to penetrate the depth of knowledge that lies within the most basic technique, to appreciate the beauty and essence of centuries-old kata, and most important of all…to give back and share some of this knowledge with others. I have said many times, that whether we know it or not, we are continuously being prepared and equipped to serve others. The joy, fun, discipline and exercise you take for granted at your karate trainings are something that others out there would likewise enjoy, but haven’t had, as yet, the opportunity or friend or mentor to help him/her along the path. It is my profound hope that one or more of you one day, takes the time and step of faith to share some of your hard-earned knowledge to help others. And…this is a universal principle that applies to all things…not just karate.

Shotokan Karate-Do has its roots in the ancient arts of the Bushi (samurai warriors) who lived by the code of Bushido (the Way of the Bushi). The Bushi or Samurai lived and died for their Daimyo Lords and Emperor. Their purpose in life could best be defined by a single word…they were SERVANTS. As with other universal principles, for us Christians or for those who follow another spiritual path…I believe that there is no more noble, yet humble, and ultimately satisfying walk than serving others. Hang in there in your training…you never know what role He’s preparing you to fill.