Get Your Kicks! From Karate
Photography: Mark Maziarz
After a certain age, most women try very hard not to get bruises. Some of us, on the other hand, consider them “badges of honor,” and wear them proudly as signs of bravery. Fear not. This isn’t some horrific tale of domestic abuse. It is just one result of learning the martial art of karate.
Last December, after years of grand discussions about how we should take a karate class, my friend Katie Mullaly finally determined my fate. She visited Park City Karate, and through peer pressure and just the threat that she might actually learn to beat me up, I joined her in signing up to train. This foray into the practice of karate was not my first. Years ago I had studied with Toshio Osaka, one of the top senseis (“teachers”) of Wado (one of four styles of Japanese karate), who currently runs a dojo (“school”) in the heart of Sugarhouse in Salt Lake City. Due to its peaceful philosophy, I was firm in my commitment to again study Wado. Fortunately, Park City Karate teaches it.
The style’s full name, Wado-Ryu, is broken down like this: Wa means “harmony,” do means “way,” and ryu means “style.” Harmony should not be interpreted as pacifism; it is simply the acknowledgment that yielding is sometimes more effective than using brute strength. I admire the tradition and philosophy that Wado karate maintains.
Class instructions and commands are given in Japanese, and traditional Japanese etiquette is followed. The teachers have received their dan gradings (“black belts”) from Japan’s highest Wado-ryu instructors. In fact, our instructor Sensei Jepperson is one of the very few practitioners of Wado to receive a black belt in all three groups of the Wado style.
The first few weeks of class were enlightening. First, I realized how out of shape I was. Often I felt weak and clumsy. In the passing weeks and months, however, I gained confidence and strength. And thanks to the continual mental challenge of learning new moves — in another language, no less — perhaps I even established a few synapse connections.
While some may think that any martial art is a form of human weaponry, it is really so much more. The mental training that comes with learning from a strong sensei with a good understanding of the art is foremost. Not only will the body become stronger and more focused, so will the mind.
Some say that karate is the ultimate fitness program because it provides a full workout, including aerobic and anaerobic conditioning as well as strength and coordination. From the weekly soreness in my muscles, I’d have to agree.
Karate can be enjoyed by the whole family and is a terrific way to teach self-discipline to children. The art teaches students to be responsible for their belongings, class requirements and actions. It also develops a sense of self-confidence and self-esteem.
Katie and I have become karate “disciples,” or, depending on whom you ask, “karate geeks.” We have traveled to tournaments to support our fellow karate students, read extensively about the art, and attended seminars and workshops. At times, we extol our friends and families with the great experiences we are having. Sometimes their eyes glaze over in an attempt to feign interest in our never-ending karate discourses.
I can say with complete certainty that karate has given me an “edge” in life. I would encourage anyone — especially women — to take a look at karate as a way of helping to gain confidence and strength. It’s a great way to relieve stress, because when you are in a properly taught class, you leave everything else at the dojo entrance.
Kathy Eckel still enjoys karate training, but is now learning to avoid the bruising. She hopes to train enough to someday attain black belt status.
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