Striking Post – August / September

Striking Post – August / September

Well friends here it is the end of summer and the beginning of a new year at the dojo. Time to shake off the cobwebs and get your body back in gear. Although some of us never really stopped for the summer we did slow down and the training was not as rigorous, due mostly to the extreme heat.
At any rate, it`s time to take stock of where we are in our individual training and make some plans and set some goals. Some are looking to upgrade their belt or instructor level, some may want to sharpen up their officiating skills. Still others may be looking for success in competition.
There are lots of events going on in the karate world: Senior Nationals in Montreal this January, Junior Nationals in Calgary next May, Soke Cup in Penticton BC in August, Karate NS is sponsoring a clinic with WKF world Champion Douglas Brosse in November and The Atlantic Coast Championships were just held in Sackville NS on October 6&7th. As well there has been talk of travelling to Japan for training probably end of April or thereabouts.
Definitely lots to think about. The most important thing to remember is to humble yourself to your training. This is a commitment you make to yourself to do your best to come to the dojo to train regularly. If you don`t do this part, none of the other things will matter because you will not be at your best. Your karate will suffer, and your technique will not improve. Most importantly, you will miss out on all of the other benefits that karate brings you; inner peace, self-confidence, humility, improved physical health, an indomitable spirit.
O`Sensei Tsuyoshi Chitose, the founder of Chito-ryu karate-do said
“Practice what you have learned as much as you can because he knew that “only through regular training can you reap all of the many benefits karate has to offer.”
My advice to you then is “Train hard and train often.”
See you at the dojo!

Milton Bourque