HAAAYYYYYA (Shotokan)

Member Name: mahan_69

Product:	Shotokan
Date:	14/08/01 (29 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: fun, gives confidence, improves body

Disadvantages: none

One of my greatest regrets now that I am an adult is quitting my Shotokan Karate classes. At the time it was no big deal to me and although I did usually enjoy the classes it was only the thrill of aiming for a new belt which truly kept me motivated. This meant that when I received my black belt at he age of thirteen, I felt I had acomplished all there was to acomplish in the field. Boy was I wrong.

I knew it was still possible to improve my belt and upgrade to a second Dan black belt, but I was not prepared to put in the time and effort required as there would be large amounts of travelling involved. I can understand my lack of motivation to improve my belt but what I should definitely not have done was quit.

I don't think it is a coincidence that after a year of quitting my karate classes my confidence had taken a huge blow. I was not 100% sure I could fully defend myself anymore and would often hesitate under the pressure of confrontation. Karate is far more than simply learning exaggerated Japanese moves that you see on t.v. , it installs a confidence that can help in many aspects of life, not just self defence. It also strengthens your body, toning your muscles and vastly improving your suppleness and flexibility.

I believe that I have learnt some qualities from my past classes that will not fade away through time and I also made what I believe will be some life long friends there, many of which are now good people to know if you know what I mean. I firmly believe that everyone should participate in some sort of self defense class, even if for a short period of ime and see the amazing benefits it can provide. I have since become a regular member at my local gym for the past year and have just recently began taking kickboxing lessons. People at these lessons are surprised at how quickly I pick things up and this is justanother example of my past Shotokan classes still doing me some good five years on.

Many p
eople seem to be put off karate because of the suits you have to wear or the funny sounds you have to make. This is all part of an important discipline but it is not always compulsory. I'm sure there are many classes that would accept you turning up in some tracksuit bottoms and a tee-shirt. Many people also paint false pictures of what they believe karate to be like in their heads. Believe me, it's not like it is in the movies and the only way you can find out for sure is attend a class. After all, it cant do you any harm and shouldn't cost more than £5.

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