My late husband was a third level black belt in Shotokan karate, or nidan. I'd been slightly fascinated with it before we met, but afterwards, I was hooked!
There's a lifestyle when you're involved with this traditional type of karate. Most of your life outside the dojo is about making money so that you can be back inside the dojo, training with a wide range of sensei's from all over the country. There's a protocol that is followed, based on your rank within your own organization.
I was always proud that Dale was one of the top members of his group, with a school of his own and students that excelled. Also, as Sensei's Wife, I garnered quite a lot of respect, to the point that his juniors bowed when they greeted me, and at dinner, I was almost always reserved a seat beside the big kahuna, who had a seventh level black belt and with whom I am still friends with today.
I've been thinking about and missing all the karate boys in the last few weeks, and I think it's probably because Dale's birthday is coming up. He would have been forty-two! I find that amazing, and often wonder what rank he would have made by now. One of his big dreams was to retire at forty-five and teach seminars, and I bet he would have done it.
Anyway, today I'm working at the clothing store. I've got the truck warming up (it's -25°C) and should leave soon. Have a good one!
have you ever thought of learning it yourself? or are women not allowed to or does your health not allow it?
ReplyDeletebrrrr -25°C! I'm glad we're back up to +1°C
PEACE.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't even get out in temps like that.....
ReplyDeleteI hope you had a good day Kate. I've been wondering myself why I feel so down lately. No anniversaries or birthdays are upon us. It's weird how those dates live on in our psyches. **hugs**
ReplyDeleteOMG -25°C and you're planning on leaving the house? I can't even imagine what that feels like. Love your blog, sorry about your loss.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a fabulous Sunday.
ReplyDeleteLife's journey has many turns whose ultimate destinations are impossible to see.
ReplyDeleteSorry about the weather...
Have a safe and warm and prosperous day. M aggs
ReplyDeleteI too wanted to ask if you can learn the art? It certainly does preclude a lifestyle - I would love to spend most of my time training in a martial art or two.
ReplyDeleteI used to want to, but physically I'm not up to it...one day I will!
ReplyDeletewhile i was still in the philippines, i was in martial arts, too. as a boy scout, i learned judo. later, i trained in the okinawan-style karate for six months and then switched to the korean-style. under our system, there are four belts: white, green, brown, and black. after studying for two years, i got my green belt. it was earned with a lot of sweat and pain. it required learning the kata by heart, breaking the required number of bricks, and participating in full-contact sparring within my class. in the states, i joined a filipino stick fighting class called arnis. unfortunately, after a year i had to drop because of work commitments. one of the benefits of studying martial arts is that with power comes humility.
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