The benefits of Traditional Karate Training

Trent Lyttle, Ishigogyu, Canada

Initially my parents put us into a program through the school recreation department to try out Karate. They were worried about my brother and I as there had been a lot of bullying going on at our school. Another reason they had looked into Karate for us is prior to that I had become very, very sick with a serious bacterial infection and had spent some time at Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto. They felt Karate would be good for me physically to gain my strength back. We tried the classes and we enjoyed it so much we went to check out the dojo were Sensei and Senpai taught. We liked it but I think initially my parents liked it even more; they talked to us about liking what Sensei was talking about on that first night about being respectful of others and their property. It was just before Halloween and Sensei sat us all down to make sure we understood what it meant to be respectful of others. I think my brother and I were a little afraid, it was something we both had never done before and physically it was pretty hard! I think with each passing class we became more confident in ourselves but also more confident with our relationship with Sensei and recognizing that everything he was showing us was for us to get better and to excel. 

I think one of the biggest highlights for me was when I worked extra, extra hard and I jumped up two belt levels at my grading. I have never felt like that before knowing how proud Sensei was of me but also how proud I was of myself and my accomplishment. Also going to our first tournament ever at the Friendship Tournament was probably one of the most nerve raking times ever but doing that has also been such a highlight. Getting to watch the other Black Belts and cheering on our own Sensei at the sparring event what an amazing weekend! Going away to Michigan was another amazing time and a great honor to train with the Sensei’s that were there on that weekend. Also to see our Sensei get recognized is a great thing and to know that he is someone that my brother and I really look up to as role model. My little sister also joined Karate after being at our March Break camp and that was pretty great as well (that’s what little sisters do they follow around their big brothers!) The three of us then went to our second Friendship Tournament together, we all did great and my little sister even came in SECOND place in the basics category!! A big highlight for me last year was when my Mom joined Karate!! It has been great to have my Mom in there training with us. She even went to the Gasshuku with Sensei Bakki from South Africa!! It is kind of scary because now I see how strong my Mom is getting and she is really into Karate! She sometimes practices different moves when she is stopped at a red light she will do a block or a punch!! I am glad though because it is a family activity now!!  I see now that Karate has helped me more in school I have more focus, I am more disciplined and physically I have changed so much I am not the same person that joined Karate. 

I am also very proud that Sensei has asked my brother and I on different occasions to help with the more junior students. It has helped me to see that I really enjoy teaching. I also set out my goals for this year and of course with that I also set Karate goals, my goal by the end of the year is to have my purple belt with one stripe. I know that I must work very hard to get to that level but I am looking forward to it. My ultimate goal is to be a black belt and to be side by side with my teacher and mentor Sensei Hill at different events that will be a very proud time for me. Truly we have learned to RESPECT others, to be COURAGEOUS. We are TRAINING our MIND and BODY. We PRACTICE daily and will always PROTECT traditional KARATE-DO. I now STRIVE to TEACH the essence of GOJU-RYU. I WILL NEVER GIVE UP! 

I now recognize what it means when Sensei would say that Karate is not a sport that is a way of life...It is such a big part of my life and my family’s I cannot imagine being without it. Thank you Sensei.