Bushido Budokan Martial Arts Academy

When I was 16 years old in 1977, I had been taking karate for about a year under Master Jim Harrison in Kansas City. Master Harrison was a world class karate instructor and coach. But he also instilled in his students certain life values that transcended martial arts training. This was one lesson that has stuck with me for 46 years.

In 1977, my Mom and I lived pretty meagerly. My Dad died in 1972 and we lived on Social Security survivor's benefits of $290 per month. Somehow, my Mom managed to pay for my karate training for a year before finally telling me that she just couldn't afford it any longer. I understood. Honestly, I was amazed (and very grateful) that she managed to pay it at all. When I told Master Harrison that I'd have to quit, he responded by giving me a job cleaning the dojo so I could keep training. It was a moment of generosity that would ultimately change my life forever. However, being 16, I wasn't always as diligent in my job duties as I was in my training.

One day, I did a rather half-hearted job cleaning the dojo. When Master Harrison came in, I could tell he wasn't happy. This was a man I respected enormously and never wanted to disappoint. But as I said, I was 16 and my enthusiasm was for karate training, not janitorial work. After he looked around, Master Harrison looked at me and calmly said, "Tom, you should take more pride in your work." His words hit me like a ton of bricks. Needless to say, I cleaned the dojo again and I did it right this time. Before this day, I never thought about my work as being a reflection of my character. I just thought it was something people begrudgingly did by necessity to earn money. After that day, I never looked at work the same way again.

Master Harrison's words from that day would stay with me for the next 46 years. From that day on, whatever my job was, I would always work diligently and give it my very best effort. Whether I was selling shoes, working in a meat packing plant, serving in the Air Force, or working in politics, I would always give my job a 100 plus percent effort. It became a matter of personal pride for me.

A lesson from Master Harrison that I have always appreciated and will never forget.

The value of torquing blocks and strikes.

Shaolin Kung Fu Master demonstrates incredible internal power when punching

Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃

Amen

Karate -Do training is never easy
But you shouldn't give up you'll get stronger and stay in shape and one day the training may save your life...
Age is just number never too Old to start keep calm and do karate 🥋👊🙏
Stay Focussed
Stay learning karate....

Excellent advice.

Many times I see people who try to learn a new kata, but are moving way too fast, and their movements become stiff, forced, and sloppy.

It is always best to move slowly and relax your body. If you have trouble doing this, I suggest that you repeat a kata many times so that your body will have to relax once you get tired. Most importantly, correct your basics and always work on the quality of your movements and techniques.
Nothing worse than poor or sloppy kata performed, especially by higher ranking Yudansha, trying to sell their wares online.
Bill George - Continuing the Journey
, , ,

Congratulations to Bushido Budokan's newest Black Belts - Kevin L'Esperance and Marcus Zambrano. They turned in outstanding performances this weekend and exemplified strong warrior's spirit! The criteria for Black Belt can be demanding. In all, they did the following:

*Performed 7 Katas at an advanced level.

*Executed 32 Self Defense maneuvers while being attacked at full aggressive speed.

*Broke a total of 20 (one inch thick) pinewood boards with kicks and hand strikes.

*Sparred continuously for nearly 15 mins each against one, and then two, opponents.

Kevin and Marcus are two of our very best students. Without question, they earned their Black Belts today. We're very proud of them.

Also, congratulations to our Brown Belts and Blue Belts who tested today. You performed very well.

Last, but not least, much thanks must be given to our Black Belt Examiners. They privided outstanding feedback.
🥋👊⛩️

Ouch!!

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