KARATE
When it became evident that basketball (NOTICE: basketball will be another "Definition") did more damage to my knees and body than good (after playing basketball I could hardly walk, my knees hurt so bad. Also, twisted ankles and dislocated fingers damped the joy of the game), I decided to stop playing the game. But my body and mind began to atrophy. I needed some form of exercise and something to keep my mind active and sharp. I knew of a Karate class where I worked (City of Bellevue) and decided to visit one of the training sessions. I was hooked. I bought a gi (the uniform of a martial arts student) and started attending training sessions 3 times a week. Karate has been a great discipline for me, helping me function physically and mentally. We spend time stretching, which helps keep me somewhat flexible, and then do some training, keeping me somewhat in shape.
Karate is great because it is a life long pursuit. You may move through the ranks from white to yellow, orange, green, purple, brown and finally to black, but you are always learning and improving your technique. To become a first level black belt simply means you have learned the basics. From that point on you are building on the basics and seeking to learn from and improve on what you have already learned. In April of 2007 I tested for and received my black belt.
It is a great privilege to train under Sensei Cathy Cline, who is the highest ranking woman in Shotokan Karate. Her teaching style is inspirational.
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