Applying Karate in everyday life.

[muttley]

A long time ago (well it feels it now at least), I did a presentation at a previous employment while going for a promotion. The position was that of "team leader", basically supervise others for a bit each day on top of the normal job, the job was in a fairly busy call centre. The presentation had to be on something I had knowledge of and something that could relate to work in one way or another. As I had studies Shotokan for some time, I decided I would use this as the basis of my presentation, proudly going into some detail about the history and meaning of Karate to a bunch of types who didn't know the first thing about the art. I went on about kumite, kata, gradings etc etc and then, right at the end of my powerpoint (complete with video integrated I'll have you know), I quickly brushed over how I can use this amazing skill I had gained to help myself and others in the work place by using it to help me remain calm and focused etc when a difficult customer is on the other end of the phone.

Little did I know, that now, some 10 years later, Karate is far more important in my life than I had ever thought it would be a decade ago. Now, in my current job (working with young offenders), I can see how the things I brushed upon at the end of my indepth presentation are, actually some of the most important things that Karate has ever taught me! Remaining calm and focused even when faced with a recalcitrant young person who is not affraid to use violence against you to get what he wants (and often does), has managed to keep me out of being on the receiving end of a punch too many times to remember, and that is without me having to actually use any form of physical intervention. Yes, sometimes I do have to use some form of self defence in my line of work, but by remaining clam and focused, it's not as often as it could be.

Now, having worked with young offenders for a few years, I can't help but think that, if they had something like karate in their life, they may not have fallen foul of the long arm of the law and ended up inside, instead realising that materialistic things, causing harm to others etc is not what it is about and not the be all and end all of life itself.

Mind you, having said that, I'd quite probably be out of a job if that were the case!

[darksoul]

Great story Thanks for sharing!

[muttley]

I do seriously think that having something for "the youth of today" to get involved with that requires a strict discipline would negate a lot of the trouble they get into. Thats one reason why I despise these clubs that charge the earth for people to train.

[evergrey]

OSU! Solid post, muttley!

I know of some dojos around the world that are non-profits, working with at-risk inner city kids. It's awesome! OSU!

[muttley]

OSU! Solid post, muttley!

I know of some dojos around the world that are non-profits, working with at-risk inner city kids. It's awesome! OSU!

See that is what should be happening but it's all too much about the money.

[Dobbersky]

Awesome that deserves Member of the month

OSU

[pers]

What a great story ! thanks for sharing it with us , very inspiring for young karatekas who read this ,its not just about doing a nice jodan mawashigeri it is also about the improving ones character and self esteem .

[muttley]

To me, it is a major part of Karate, it's almost like a belief system, but not in a religious way. People who train in Karate long enough realise that there is more to it than being able to punch someone very hard, it becomes part of your life, something I missed in my life in the years I wasn't training.

[Harkon72]

For me the most impact my Karate has is relaxation and stress reduction. I work in a fast paced customer service job. Karate has given me confidence and poise to deal with any situation, psychologically and in my self development. I love to see people develop in martial arts; strength, calmness and love of life are the results. Good post BTW Osu!!

[monkeymorgan]

I'm 17 and have been doing karate for the last 9 years. My instructor has always told us that karate is a way of life. Looking back now I know what he meant. Karate has taught me that there is no point in doing something again if you can't do it a little bit better than last time. I have also had chronic idiopathic knee pain for the last 4.5 years, but refused to give up class. I wasn't allowed to test for 4 years and it was pretty upsetting. I learned that as long as you are doing your best you should be happy with yourself. Do things for yourself not others. Karate also taught me extreme self awareness of my body and how it does/doesn't work. Yet the biggest most important thing karate has done for me is bring me out of my shell slightly. I used to hate talking to anybody but family or very close friends. Now I can give presentations in school (I hate it but I can do it) and I can even talk to teachers without my face turning bright red. Karate is my life and the bond I have with the guys at my dojo is something very special.