Can karate really be that damaging??

Not in the physically battered up body sense, but psychologically? We’ve all heard or know someone who has had that barbaric power-hungry instructor who thrives on seeing others suffer or holding back the next kata because of their rank or lack of.

Anyway, today we trained with an old friend and their handful of students located about a 2-hour drive from here. Meeting and getting to know everyone in one day, many stories related to karate and life in general were shared. One that particularly stands out in my mind was a gentleman who used to practise karate, but because his instructor ceased teaching, was forced to look for another school, style, or whatever was out there. The search led him to realise that there were many f-wits and downright bastards in the karate world, so much so that he had over a decade break from karate. Was rather sad to hear, but I could truly sympathise.

It doesn't really matter if you're squinting, wear dodgy black gi pants, or roll ya pant's high up - A good heart means so much more!

The good news is, his mojo is now back after having found his current teacher (our friend, that we teach - yeah, it’s complicated). I realised I was in a similar frame of mind back in the day too. Not that I ever had a break from karate (I did start kung-fu at the same time however), but I simply dreaded one of my early instructors and a few senior black belts. So much so, that I still remember wanting to bash them all up if I ever saw them on the streets.

Wow, is this what karate is really all about? Do I have to be an asshole too when I become a senior black belt or instructor?? This one instructor whom I despised has since passed away, another had and probably still has serious health issues...but I wonder if these kinds of people ever look back on life and think about the way they treated others? Probably not…

I’m just grateful for the present situation we are in, and all the positive people around us. On the long drive back to Brisbane, we received a message from our mate (hope they don’t mind us showing the message), and I quote:

“I honestly don't think that I would be training anymore if you hadn’t started teaching.”

We all shared similar poisonous karate experiences, and it’s only befitting that we give back all the genuine, sincere, and positive vibes and experiences gained from our sensei’s and the people in Okinawa.

Be nice......and good night!

This guy wants to be nice and buy me a beer !