Why I like Karate...

A friend of mine asked me to post some of my reasons for doing or enjoying Karate, so I will try my best.

First and foremost, it was something we could do as a family. I didn't want to be a "soccer mom" or something like that...where I would sit for 2 hours on the sidelines instead of working out. I am probably the one in my family who needs excercise the most! ;-) We are progressing as a family, and even thought the kids complain sometimes...we are in it together.

Secondly, I have a sense of strength and acheivement. I started Karate at 32 and now have my yellow belt, and no reason why I can't get my black belt within the next few years if I keep at it. How cool is that?! I have been pleasantly surprised. I also feel more secure/strong...like I could take care of myself if I ended up in a situation where I absolutely had to.

Thirdly, I like what Karate stands for. It is used for self-defense only and has several "rules" that I believe are totally compatible with my faith. At least, I have found verses in the Bible that could match with each one of the following:

Hitotsu (means "one", and they are all numbered as such since they are all equally important)

Hitotsu: Seek perfection of character
Hitotsu: Be faithful
Hitotsu: Endeavor
Hitotsu: Respect others
Hitotsu: Refrain from violent behaviour

The classes held in the dojo consist of students of all levels. The more senior members help train the lesser level members by example. I don't have to worry about "performing" or sparring because we don't do those things until we are ready. For example, as a yellow belt, I spare with my peers, but at this level, the sparring is "promised". It is like a set routine so we know exactly what is coming and how to react. As we progress to a higher level the sparring will become more free...but by then we will have enough training so we will know how to react. Furthermore, I don't need to enter tournaments in order to pass my levels.

I also like the fact that this is teaching my kids discipline and respect...and perserverance. It also provides us with community. We spend a lot of free time with the members of our dojo, which is a cool side benefit.

Need I say more? If your doctor says you are fit, I would recommend this martial art to anyone.
Click here to view our dojo Homepage

School has begun!

Friday, Sept. 1st
Exercise (5/6): 60 squates, 14 yoga push ups

The kids (and Colin) started back to school today. I had the day off because I assumed the kids would be coming home at 11 or 12...but they had a regular day of classes! So I had the day to myself! So, I purged the house of summer holidays and cleaned my arse off! I think that should almost count as my workout...;-)
The weather is also definitely cooling off here. I am feeling chilled when the weather dips below 28˚C on the odd day. It is still usually in the 30's unless it rains, but the nighttime temp. is getting lower. Yeaah!

Today, Sept 2nd
Exercise (6/6): Cliff jumping at the Neo River

Yes, we went again. And we are taking the Seino Region JET ALT's next weekend! There should be about 20 of us. It is now our daisuki (大好き) {favourite} place in Japan! :-)

Karate

Exercise 4/6: Karate
Time: about 1:30

Hmmmm. Not much to say...same old same old.

Ride with Colin

Exercise (3/6): Cycling
Time: 42:53 (about 1 hour)
HR: 155

The kids were at their friends' houses so we took the chance to go for a ride together! Fun! I work way harder when he is around. The sun was about to set as we finished up. I was cursing the wind while riding but it sure was nice afterwards.

Back in the Saddle

Exercise 2/6: Cycling
Time: 25:21 (40 min)
HR: 150

Well that sucked!
I got up this morning and tried to put my contacts in. My eyes just about popped out of my head! I think my solution went bad in the heat...you know...the whole "store below 35˚" - thing just doesn't work here in Japan. So, now I have to wear my glasses all day.
Then I went for a ride. I got up at 6 am. Colin says, "Have fun!" and I just gave him the evil eye. Starting next week I will have to get up at 5am if I want to go for a ride, because he will be cycling to school and leaving here at 6:30 every morning! Yes, that's right...he will bike for about 1:30 one way to commute to school. (It is all bike path...he discovered a new route on Saturday). That means that before and after school I am very limited as to what I can do for a work out, unless I get up at 5 am. grrrrrrrr.
Back to my ride... I need biking shorts! I was VERY uncomfortable by the end of 2 laps and couldn't do a third. I was getting hot spots (the step before blisters) where one should not!
So, needless to say, I am off to a grumpy start today.
But hey, it is better for me than laying in bed, right? (yea, right)

What a day!

It was quite the active day for us Madlands in Japan...

Exercise (1/6): 2 games of softball and then Karate
Time: each game was 1 hour (about 4 innings) and the Karate 2 hours (about 1:30)...I'm tired!

Strength Workout

Saturday...
Exercise (6/6): 55 squats, 12 yoga push-ups

The yoga push ups seem to be getting easier. My Karate-sensei calls them "cat stretches" cuz, well, they look like a cat stretching.