Karate Chick

Karate Chick

I started Karate when I was forty-five. I am a mild-mannered teacher and mother of three, and I don’t think many people would guess that I am passionate about a form of martial arts and that the part I enjoy the most is fighting.

I started karate because my son always wanted to do it, and I saw it as something we could do together. I remember walking into the first class not being sure what I was getting into, but I never guessed at the roller coaster ride ahead of me.

I immediately fell in love with the way karate pushed me physically. I lift weights and I am a distance runner, but karate changed my body in ways I never expected. I dropped five pounds in the first month, and my body became more toned than ever before. The strength karate gave me helped my running and also gave me more confidence. When I began to see positive changes, it encouraged me to try harder to become stronger and be in better condition. Karate is like speed training in running. You need quick bursts of energy and there is a wide range of activities within a workout. Karate can give you both strength training and cardio.

Karate can also help you make positive changes emotionally. When I first started, I became very frustrated when something new did not come to me right away. As I trained, I learned that anything is possible if you do not give up. I changed my mentality from “I can’t do this” to “O.K. what do I need to do to learn this.” It is amazing how much easier it is to learn something when you take down a few obstacles you have placed in your own way.

Karate has given me the courage to do things I never thought I would do. When I am on the mat, I am terrified, but no matter what I am asked to do, I conquer my fear and do it.

Karate has also taught me that simple can be best in all things. A technique or movement does not have to be complicated for it to be effective. We often make our lives too complicated, and karate has taught me that in life and the dojo, it is best to follow the path of least resistance.

Karate is not an easy sport. I have had my share of injuries including a black eye, a torn Solaris muscle, a knocked-out tooth, busted stitches, and a torn band. I knew I might have a problem when I went to the urgent care for my stitches and the nurse said, “Have you been here?” and my reply was “Not to this one.” After each injury, I have been eager to jump back into the fray. Karate pushes me to the limit both mentally and physically, and I know this is what I need to improve myself. Here are some ways to find success if you choose karate.

Find a Mentor

You must ask questions to become better at anything and karate is a prime example. Find someone willing to help train you. Realize that you can learn from everyone in the dojo, but it is good to have a central person who can guide you through your training. There is always so much more to learn, and it is helpful to have someone who is invested in helping you improve. Everyone has different styles, so it is a good idea to ask the opinions of as many people as possible and then adapt everything to a style that works for you.

Push yourself

Don’t settle for just being good and getting by. Make your goal to be the best you can be. Push yourself in each class. Make a goal to improve something each time you step on the mat. Practice at home. Study the sport. Watch others that you admire and try to see what makes them successful. Improve your physical conditioning by working out outside of class.

Be mentally tough

Karate is just like any sport when it comes to the importance of mental strength. You must have an attitude in karate and go into any situation with confidence and strength. Don’t ever give up and keep telling yourself you can do it. Keep getting back up when you are knocked down and never stop fighting. Meditation and imagining your success can both improve your mental strength.

Never underestimate an opponent

Just because someone is wearing a lower rank belt than you, does not mean they cannot pull something off you did not expect. Treat each opponent with respect and be on your guard. Do not go too easy on lower-ranking students since this can sometimes be seen as disrespect. You can learn from everyone who trains with you.

Don’t forget the basics

Everything you learn builds on the basics. If your basic forms are not good, then the rest of your techniques will suffer. Take the time to go back regularly to practice beginning forms and katas. I constantly find new things I can improve.

Give back

Once you are at a higher rank, take the time to help beginners. Offer to help them learn new techniques. Listen to their concerns and share stories. Let them know you have gone through many of the things they are going through.

I would recommend women to give karate a try. Don’t be deterred because there are more male students than females. Karate can teach you skills to protect yourself, improve your confidence, and be at your strongest physically. Take your first step towards being a ninja.