Why I chose karate

[Lynn Elam]

      From the first time Mr. Oliver showed an interest in karate to the present, his dedication and persistence to the art has not wavered.  I watched him practice by himself or with his friends in our back yard for years. I began to notice a change. Yes, he changed physically, but what I noticed most was that his confidence level changed. His social skills and his demeanor around others were amazing.

 

    What all this did for me was to make me realize I’d like some of that too. My problem at the time was one of confidence. The thought of getting up and performing my kata in front of all those Moms and Dads and the members of the dojo terrified me. With Mr. Oliver’s gentle persuasion, I gave it a try. There were a couple of times after testing that I went home, cried and wanted to quit. I stuck it out though, and I’m glad I did. I was able to earn my brown belt.  

 

     I haven’t been active in karate for about two years now due to knee surgery. I haven’t given up though. I plan to stay active in karate. Some of my kata have become a bit rusty, with some work, they will come back, but  the knowledge I was given will stay with me forever. Although I still get nervous when up in front of others, karate has given me the tools I need to deal with it in a positive manor.

 

Oh yeah… I forgot to mention, it’s a great workout!!

[Holly ODonnell]

The number one fear among Americans is public speaking. Yes. I was shocked as well. Out of all the things we can be afraid of, that's our greatest majority fear. I can relate to you about this though too. When I was a little kid I had to go to speech therapy because I couldn't speak right. When I'm in front of people I feel like things don't come out well, or that my voice pitch changes. I just suck it up and say what I need to say. Sometimes there are things that need to be done, like testing. You just have to go out there with a Tiger spirit and erase the people around you =)

There were times I cried too. When I was up for my first blackbelt test, I broke my hand and couldn't test. THAT was a bummer. But I dealt with it. I felt so bad. My next test I got all pumped up... Believe it or not. I watched the Rocky series before I went to my test on purpose and It's gave me a little zing! If you've watched those movies they can get you pumped up. I'm really sorry about your knee. Is it doing better after the surgery? You can modify some positions if your knees can't take it. That's what's good about our art.

See you in class tonight!