The Unending Journey of Kyokushin Karate
Twenty years. Two decades dedicated to the path of Kyokushin Karate. Countless hours spent honing techniques, building strength, and guiding students at HAITO Karate Club here in Peterborough. I’ve experienced the highs of victory and the invaluable lessons learned in defeat. Yet, after all this time, there was still uncharted territory. This past weekend, I stepped onto the competition mat for something entirely new – my very first kata tournament.
Embracing the Challenge: Practicing What We Preach
As a Sensei, I constantly push my students. I ask them to confront their limits, to step into the unknown, and to find the courage that lies dormant within. It’s the essence of Kyokushin Karate. But words only carry so much weight. True leadership often means walking the path yourself. So, I decided it was my turn. My turn to feel the raw nerves, the grip of fear, the immense pressure of the competition floor. It was time to step outside the familiar role of instructor and become the student, the competitor, once more.
The Heat of the Moment
Walking onto that floor, my heart pounded like a drum against my ribs. My mind, usually a place of focus, felt like a whirlwind of chaos. In that first round, under the bright lights and watchful eyes, the familiar sequences blurred. Pure adrenaline took over, and honestly? I think I invented a whole new kata on the spot! 😂 It wasn’t about the opponent across from me; the real battle was internal. I was fighting my own nerves, my own expectations, my own momentary lapse of control.
Finding Strength in the Struggle
Despite the shaky start, the spirit of Kyokushin – the perseverance, the refusal to yield – kicked in. I recentered, refocused, and pushed through. My second performance felt stronger, more grounded, more me. That determination earned me 2nd place.
More Than Just a Medal: Lessons from the Comfort Zone
Am I proud? Absolutely. But the pride isn’t just for the silver medal. It’s for the act of stepping outside my comfort zone, for willingly embracing the vulnerability of being a beginner again in a way. This experience wasn’t just about competing; it was a profound reminder: the fight is always within.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve trained for 2 years or 20. What truly defines us on this path is the courage to keep pushing, to risk failure, to embrace the opportunity to grow. It’s a testament to the fact that it’s never too late to challenge yourself. If we, as instructors, expect bravery from our students, we must embody that bravery ourselves.
This medal now sits as a tangible reminder that the journey of Karate never truly ends, and neither should our spirit to continuously learn and evolve.
A Message to the HAITO Karate Family
To my incredible students and their supportive parents at HAITO Karate: let this be a lesson for all of us. It is NEVER too late. The fire inside you, that spark of potential, never dies unless you allow it to. We are warriors. We are fighters. We stumble, we fall, but we always, always rise again. That is the Kyokushin way.
Thank you to every single member of the HAITO Karate Club community for your unwavering support and encouragement. And a huge, heartfelt thank you to my dear friend, Gabija Gudeliauskaite – Karpaviciene, whose support from afar helps make even the craziest goals feel achievable! 🙏
If you’re looking to challenge yourself, build discipline, and join a supportive community, come visit us at HAITO Karate Club in Peterborough. Discover the strength you never knew you had.
OSU!