Dog Kiss

150430_MedalBack in October I registered for a tournament in the “intermediate” division.  My Sensei supported my decision, but I had plenty of reasons of my own.  The last major tournament I was in (read about it here ) I had a feeling I would need to move up to intermediate this season.  In the six months since that tournament, I’ve grown in my attitude towards sparring, which has opened the door to growth in skill as well.  I’ve also finished memorizing the Pinan series of kata.  I’d learned the final Pinan kata well enough to challenge myself to perform it in tournament.  No way is that a beginner kata, and I guessed it to be on the high end of novice, low end of intermediate.

This year I’m also in a new age bracket.  The one I’m probably going to be in for the rest of my life.  Ladies 45 and older.  Ouch.  I console myself with the fact that sooner or later a couple of younger buddies of mine will be in my division too.  So a broader age range does give me more competition, but there are still only a few of us.  That means the Ladies 45 and older are broken down into only two groups.  Group one:  Beginner and Novice.  Group two:  Intermediate and Advanced.  Advanced as in all those nice lady black belts I made friends with at a recent seminar.

GULP!

Ceinture_De_Karate_Ou_Judo_clip_art_medium
10th kyu in our style

I really, really, really didn’t want to get a medal for beating up 10th, 9th, and 8th kyus.  So… Yeah.  I opted for the most difficult option.  And I’m really glad I did.  As expected, for kata I was in with a bunch of brown and black belts – yes, those nice lady black belts.  However, for sparring I was lumped in with the younger ladies (35-44) because none of the 45 and older ladies wanted to spar.  I didn’t place in either kata or kumite, but oh well.  I’d much rather have the experiences I had than win medals for easily beating less experienced ladies.  I had adventures I wouldn’t have traded for any shiny chunk of metal.

At this point, dear reader, you’re probably still wondering why this post is titled, “Dog Kiss.”  Ah, this is one of those delightful, unforgettable memories that I will treasure forever.

One of the ladies I competed with in kata is visually impaired.  She has the sweetest Golden Retriever guide dog, who she left ringside with a friend.  I was standing next to the dog when I was called up to do my kata.  Just before I moved to enter the ring, the dog gave my hand a kiss.  I thought that was really terrific.  I went into the ring with a light heart.  I do believe it was the best execution of that kata I’d ever done to that date, probably my best tournament performance ever.  I didn’t place – everyone else outranked me and therefore knew more complicated katas and looked better doing them.  But I learned that the attitude one takes into the ring is vital.

So, on to my kumite (sparring) adventure.  As I said before, I was anxious about all of those lady black belts making mincemeat of me.  I needn’t have worried.

A little background here.  We don’t necessarily know each others’ ranks because in competition we’re assigned to wear either a red belt or a blue belt for both kata and sparring.  That and different styles have different colors for different levels.  In my case, I had absolutely no clue.  Usually tournament officials will, well in advance, inform competitors of any change to the division they’re assigned to.  If they don’t, then usually both the division one signed up for is called to staging along with one’s newly assigned division, one’s name is called in staging and one is informed of the change.  If that doesn’t happen, the competitor is usually called by name to report to staging.  If all else fails, the competitor is called to the ring right before the division begins competing.  There was evidently some snafu in communication, so I was only called ringside and found myself among ladies of the younger age bracket (ages 35-44).  Everyone was wearing either red or blue by then.

When I entered the ring and began teasing out my opponent’s weaknesses, I honestly thought I was sparring someone slightly above my rank.  I landed a beautiful 3-point kick to her head – just mussed her hair.  I didn’t do too shabby with body kicks (2 points) and punches (1 point) either.  Eventually she figured me out and I lost by 2 points.  After the competition was over, I asked her rank.  Brown (not far from black) – and she went on to another round and placed third, so she was no slouch either!  My opponent’s techniques were so beautifully clean and controlled it was actually a pleasure being defeated by her!  There’s no doubt this was my best, most challenging tournament fight and I loved every moment of it.  I found out I’m more capable than I thought.

My adventures weren’t done.  I’ve been working out with the college dojo, helping as needed.  Most of the “kids” take the Karate class for only one quarter, some take two quarters.  A very few stick around for no credit.  These karateka know me from last year.  I’m definitely old enough to be their mother, so I’ve nicknamed myself “Sempai Mommy.”  I was really touched that “my kids” were ringside cheering me on in my sparring match.

01_Graphic1“Sempai Mommy” was done with her competitions by the time the college kids were in staging, so she was loaning her red and blue fist pads and belts out right and left.  My gear was in many more fights than I was!  I somehow was able to watch all the kids’ matches.  One young man was inspired by my three point kick to the head and executed it perfectly himself in his own match.  Another was kicked in the stomach, was down for a long time, then got up to give his opponent what for.  I’m so proud of them!  They all took home shiny medals 🙂

In between and around all this excitement, I made a new friend – a lady black belt who had been in my kata division.  She’s from a different organization and studies a different style.  We had a lot of fun chatting, comparing notes on style, etiquette, etc.   I’m really glad to have met her.

I’m not sure any of these adventures would’ve happened if I’d registered as “Novice.”  I might or might not have made that new friend.  I know I’d have missed the college kids’ fights because I’d have been in the ring at the same time as them.   I wouldn’t have had the best tournament sparring match I’ve had to date or learned I’m more capable than I think I am.   And I certainly wouldn’t have received a dog kiss right before performing my kata.  These unexpected adventures were delightful, and I’m very glad things turned out as they did.  Some things are worth more than a medal 🙂

 

Full Circle

FullCircleWhat do soy sauce, my new job, and my Karate have in common?

My new job is at the community college.  I work in the building next door to where the college Karate class meets.  My hours are flexed so I can work out with that class.   It’s pretty exciting to have something to look forward to when I go to work on Monday mornings.  Don’t get me wrong, I like my new job, but you know – Monday mornings are still Monday mornings.   Monday mornings are a lot more exciting now that the first thing I do when I arrive on campus is stash my gi in a locker.

The man who founded the college’s Karate program came from Japan with the clothes on his back and a little bit of cash.  At one point he lived in his car and did yard work for people.  He came to the community college and in exchange for English lessons, he taught Karate.   He started making soy sauce to give away as gifts, and with the encouragement and help of his Karate students, eventually went commercial.  He’s now quite wealthy and a great philanthropist.  You might know him as Mr.  Yoshida.  I know him as Yoshida Sensei.  Read the full story about Yoshida Sensei here if you’d like to.

Yoshida Sensei kept working on his Karate.  Nowadays he is the head of the organization of dojos I belong to.   This organization includes my “home” dojo, the “college dojo,” and other local dojos I’ve written about before.  So there’s the connection between soy sauce and my karate.  But what about my new job?  How’s that connected to soy sauce and Karate?

I work in the International Student Programs office.  We help with just about every aspect of a foreign student’s life.  If we can’t help directly we point the students to the right people.  This office didn’t exist until maybe 8-10 years ago, so obviously the college has taken huge strides since Yoshida Sensei got his start.

FullCircleSo…  What about the title of this blog post?  “Full Circle,” what’s up with that?

My job enables me to pay all my Karate expenses.   Tournament entry fees, belt test fees, Gasshuku, motel room for after Godo Renshu, and contact lenses.  Plus whatever else might come up (hopefully never a hospital bill).  Once I reach 3rd kyu in 6-7 years I’ll have to drive three hours on a monthly basis for training at the hombu dojo, so I’m saving up for food and fuel.  I’m also saving up for my Shodan test.  The college dojo will gain another Sensei.

Full circle.

You bet I have incentive to learn how to do my job and to do it well.   It’s a busy office, there’s a lot to learn, and the work is never ever done.  My job at the front desk can get insanely busy around the start of each new quarter, but I’m a mother so I know how to roll with the times when I barely get a couple of minutes to use the restroom.  Karate has given me what it takes to listen to feedback, learn from mistakes, and grow especially when growing is hard to do.  This is easily the most challenging office I’ve ever worked in.  I’m up for the challenges thanks to my Karate.   I’m helping students who, like Yoshida Sensei, are coming to America to learn and grow, maybe even establish new lives here.

Full circle again.

 

Click!

homework-624735_640My grandfather told me when he was a young man he struggled with algebra.  I don’t remember how many tried to teach him, but he just didn’t understand.  It’s not that he wasn’t capable of understanding algebra because later in life he had a career in bookkeeping for car dealers.  His teachers weren’t bad teachers, and their teaching methods weren’t wrong.  It’s just that Grandpa needed to hear from one particular person.  I suspect Grandpa also needed time to process all those other teachings and everything came together once he received the explanation that resonated with him.

 

karate-312474_640On the spur of the moment one Saturday I went to a seminar offered by the head of another Karate organization.  He’s been kind enough to send his students to events that the organization I belong to puts on.  I figured I’d return the favor – and besides, I really wanted to know more about body mechanics.  I just wasn’t understanding the concept of throwing techniques from the body.  Who knows how many black belts have tried to teach me this.

 

I am so very glad I went to the seminar – the first five minutes alone were worth the money, the traffic, and the ridiculously inadequate parking situation. Something clicked when I watched the very first demonstration. I immediately knew this was the one particular explanation I needed. I also needed a good solid hour playing with everything, and I got exactly that! You bet I scribbled notes in my training notebook afterward.

 

I’d like to say my Karate is vastly better as a result of going to this seminar.  Alas.  OK, well, there’s been a little improvement in maybe three or four little areas.  The main thing is now I have tools to work with during my practice times and I will improve over time.  What’s more, someday, when I see someone struggling with the same thing, I have more tools in my teaching toolbox.

 

The “life lesson” in this for me is to keep asking questions, to keep seeking answers, and to be patient with myself.

Not Tired

Remember the Id and the Ego from my post, “Inner Dialogue?”  Let’s bring them out again.  (Images by yurike – yurike_go@hotmail.com)

150409_Devil“Why am I doing this?”  I ask myself as I drive to class, “I could be home napping or reading a book.  Ya know, I’m feeling a bit off today – maybe I should turn around and go home.  Recovery days are important, right?  Especially at my age…”

150409_Angel“Ignore your age – you always forget your age once you’re immersed and engaged in Karate.  Besides, you had your recovery day – Sunday – two days ago.”

150409_Devil“Ugh, I’m not gonna make it through warmups.  I hope the rest of class is easy.  I’m not sweating yet and I feel lousy.”

150409_Angel“Are you kidding?  You’re not nearly as tired as you were after Gasshuku!  Stick it out – you’ll be doing something interesting pretty soon, then you’ll feel happy!”

150409_Devil“I’ve been practicing and tutoring kata for 90 minutes and Sensei wants me to spend the next half hour sparring someone who is younger and who outranks me?!?  I’m not gonna make it!”

150409_AngelIn the case of that last thought, I had to give myself a severe scolding.  I was a guest at a sister dojo during the time they have a room reserved for practice.  The sensei didn’t have to teach me squat – he had things to work on himself.  So did the sempai.  The sensei was honoring me by having the sempai work with me on some very specific things that will boost my sparring skills.  You bet I found the energy to keep going and I thoroughly enjoyed the time.

There must be something deep within us that says that if the saber toothed tiger isn’t chasing us and we’re well fed, we really ought to hide and rest.  As enthusiastic as I am about Karate, I do have to fight sometimes to keep going.  I have to remind myself that I can do it.  I know I can keep going because I’ve done it so many times before.

The darkest motivation I can think of to persevere is simply that it’s entirely possible I’ll be attacked in the parking lot after class.  My life might one day depend on me overcoming fatigue, maybe even injury.  This thought first came to me on the drive home from my first Gasshuku.  I stopped at a rest stop and, as is my habit whenever I get out of a car, I surveyed the other people – noting where they were, where they were going, how they were dressed, and their emotional states.  No creeps.  I was barely able to drive safely home because I was very sore and tired, but I realized if it came to a fight for my life, no doubt I would find the energy.

03_Image2In contrast, the best motivation for me to overcome fatigue is simply this:  Karate is fun, awesome, challenging, empowering, and a whole slew of other positive adjectives.  Yes, I know – proper hydration and nutrition count for a lot when it comes to preventing and overcoming fatigue.  I submit that one’s mental outlook is just as important if not more important.  The instant I lose sight of how lucky I am to be engaged in a physical activity that I enjoy, I start listening to that little voice that tells me I’m too tired.

150409_AngelI’m not tired.  Not really.

 

Gender Inequality

Picture taken 5/15/17 for re-posting of this blog
black eye 2015 Joelle White
Bruises are fun!!!

Earlier this week (Week of September 20th, 2015) I failed to adequately protect my face while sparring, and yep, I have bruises.  It’s been 20 years since I’ve had a job in an office, not in a swimming pool.  I didn’t think about what would happen the next morning.  It’s a good thing my new co-workers know I’m “into” Karate.  Still, one lady was a little taken aback by a teeny tiny little bruise on my lip.  I began to think seriously about makeup.

Then I realized something.  I landed this job without makeup.   My previous job, the very first time I met the potential employer I was in a swimsuit and absolutely covered with livid bruises (talk about awkward).  Why would one little bruise on my lip make me think about something that has not been a part of my identity ever since the day I forgot my makeup and my boyfriend (now my husband) said I look just fine without it?

The answer is that all my life, I’ve been told that women have to be beautiful like the dolls I once kept on hand for when friends visited (I played with Star Wars action figures).  Don’t get me wrong, ladies – I appreciate beauty in all its forms and I don’t mind one bit if you look drop-dead gorgeous in your makeup and with your shiny long nails, dyed hair and perm.  More power to ya!  It’s just that form of self-expression is not for me – never has been except on very rare occasions.  What’s hard for me is society’s expectation that I ought to be wired the same way you are.

There’s definitely gender inequality.   If a man comes to the office with a black eye, everyone assumes he’s been doing something macho, like a bar fight or a Karate class, and it’s OK.  If a woman sports a black eye, the automatic assumption is she’s being abused at home.  Fortunately for me my co-workers can go to the building next door during lunch hour on Mondays and Wednesdays  to see that I really am a karateka.  But the complete stranger at the supermarket will assume the worst simply because I am a woman.

I know this attitude stems from concern.  I appreciate that.  So riddle me this – why is that same concern not generally extended to men?  If a teenage guy has a bruise on his face, is it because “boys will be boys,” or is his father abusing him?  Gender inequality again.

People – stop assuming.  Do ask – many a life has been saved that way.   But please – don’t treat me any differently than a guy who has a bruise.  Either that or don’t treat guys who have bruises any differently than you’d treat a woman with a bruise 🙂