Sometimes you might wonder why we focus on the things that we do in class.  Killer abdominal workouts, lunges, plyometrics, line-work, technical drills with a variety of partners, you name it.  When you are focused on the next competition or grading, you might wonder: why don’t we simply work on kumite or kata?  Surely, by this point in the year our fitness is solid and we can curtail the crunches and push-ups?  But the thing to remember is that our training builds a complete tool box.  And you never know when you might need the whole tool box.  For example, in a kumite competition, you might feel overwhelmed by your next opponent.  Maybe they are bigger than you.  Faster.  More experienced.  Or maybe this is your fifth match and you’re tired.  If your entire training regime has been focused on a few kumite techniques and they are working, congratulations.  But if they are not, then what do you do?  This is when you get something else out of your tool box – you draw on all the things you learned doing those line drills, lunges or ab work-outs.   Yes, we strengthened our muscles.  But we also strengthened our personal discipline, just in getting them done.  We pushed our partners to work harder, or we drew on their energy so we could work harder.  And, even when the drill seemed overly complex, we learned to listen to our Senseis/coaches not only to learn the techniques, but also to learn to follow instructions – very important when you’re on your fifth kumite match and you’re not sure how to proceed.

So, in the end, it’s not one specific technique that’s going to help you succeed – it’s the entire toolbox, including the strength and discipline you gain from all aspects of our training.

Announcements

• Congratulations to everyone involved in the recent Bogu kumite competition with the Calgary Chito Ryu Karate club.   Well-done to the competitors and thank-you to all the volunteers who ensured everything ran smoothly.
• Best of luck to our members on the Junior Provincial Karate team as they finalize their preparations for the Canadian Junior National Karate Championships to be held in Edmonton from May 2 – 5.   Team members from our dojo include Brooklyn Buckie, Ethan Baker, Diego Ruiz-Silva, Darshleen Singh, Hafid Ben Mahmud and Muhimen Ben Mahmud.
• Registration is now open for the Soke Cup – to be held in Penticton, BC On July 26 – 28, 2019.  See the Soke Cup web page for more information. 
• Note that classes are cancelled on April 16, 19, 23 and May 17.
• Please check the Events section regularly for updates on class schedules, tournaments and cancellations.

“Grit is not just a simple elbow-grease term for rugged persistence. It is an often-invisible display of endurance that lets you stay in an uncomfortable place, work hard to improve… and do it again and again.” Sarah Lewis

Enjoy Your Training!

Gary Sabean

Head Instructor