Upon first starting karate, I found some of the moves and techniques awkward to pick up. My coordination also left a lot to be desired. But as we all know, especially those who teach, that this is nothing new.

After I had been training for a while, I started to ask myself just where I wanted my karate to take me. I really wanted to reach my potential and was curious just what this might be. This caused me look at some of the ways I treated my body. I began to wonder if anything I was doing in my life outside the dojo was hindering my karate development. I knew that my body could perform karate in a more satisfactory fashion if it were in better shape ie fitter, more flexible, stronger etc. It was originally spurred on by my frustration at not being able to master a simple round kick. At first, this compelled me to train more. However, with further thought, it caused me to seek out external influences to improve my flexibility and leg strength so that I could perform better in the dojo. This is just one example of the way karate caused me to improve my health, because I wanted to improve my karate – and fast.

As a yellow belt, I embarked on a fitness regime to improve my stamina, flexibility and coordination. This included running and cycling to work, stretching every other day, and improving strength by using weights. My diet also improved. Cereal and water replaced fry-ups and soft drinks, and I became more sensible in my choice of food intake throughout the day.

All this, as well as karate twice a week, helped me lose two stone in weight, improved my flexibility and improved my quality of life. I started to feel more energetic, I needed less sleep and the concept: ‘healthy body-healthy mind’ was no longer just for other people.

My work attitude was also influenced by karate. I felt far calmer in the face of life’s issues (such as work stress), and I had most certainly put the mental discipline of doing the right thing at the right time into practice. I suffered no more “temper tantrums” caused by my own self-inflicted frustrations. I also became more focused on a weekly goal of fitting five days work into four and a half so I could teach a class on Friday nights.

From my experience, it was the mental strength that I drew from training in karate that made all the difference. I found by pushing myself and improving in the dojo, this same attitude transcended into my everyday life.  My work habits, energy levels, self-confidence and overall health greatly improved. And all spurned on by wanting to master a round kick.

I realise now that I am, as we all are, in complete control of our lives. Once you can come to this level of realisation, your life can be a truly great and healthy one, full of satisfaction and self-achievement. Enjoy your health, improve your training, and enjoy your life!

Sensei Damien Birch,
Regional Instructor - United Kingdom