Editor’s Note: The following post was written and submitted by one of our long-time Teen K.I.C.K. Crew members as they prepare to graduate middle school and enter high school. We are proud to share their story on the dojo floor and beyond. Teen karate journey.
Finding Focus: From Energetic Child to High School Leader
I’ve been doing karate for as long as I can remember. I started when I was 4 years old. Back then, I was this restless child who never seemed to stop moving!
Karate helped me learn to control my body and my thoughts. It taught me to move more deliberately and think before acting. Instead of just acting on impulse, I developed the ability to pause and be more patient. These are all things that I continue to use every single day outside of the dojo.
An Anchor Through the Pandemic
In 2nd and 3rd grade, my whole life changed when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Nothing was like it used to be, and I was suddenly a lot less able to see my friends.
With all that uncertainty, though, there was one thing that stayed completely consistent: my karate. It was basically the only thing I knew I could count on through it all.
“When I was on top of the world or having a bad day, there was no question I’d be welcome if I came to the dojo.”
Finding My Second Family in Middle School
By the time I got to middle school, the dojo had become more than just a place where I practiced moves. It was where I found my second family.
The people who taught me at the dojo became mentors I looked up to and people who cheered for me when I did well. They also pushed me and the other students to keep getting better. When I was on top of the world or having a bad day, there was no question I’d be welcome if I came through those dojo doors.
Stepping Into High School with Unshakeable Confidence
I’m now on the cusp of starting high school, and I can see that karate has really made me who I am today. It made me strong when I wanted to give up and confident when I was unsure.
The most important thing I’ve learned, though, goes way beyond individual techniques and forms. I use these lessons in all the parts of my life where I face challenges. Now that I’m on the verge of a brand new chapter, the lessons from the dojo and the community here will stay with me forever. Even after all I’ve learned, I know that the dojo will always be the place where I grew up and a group of people I’m lucky to have.
My Advice: Take the Chance
If you’re considering taking up karate, I would say go for it. Whether you want to get more confident, learn real self-defense, meet new people, or just try something new, I highly recommend it.
What it gives you is much more than just a bunch of cool moves. It helps you develop the resilience to keep going when you feel like stopping, as well as deep respect for others and for yourself. It’s not just a place where you go to practice—it’s where you’ll find people who will help you become the best version of yourself.
I started when I was that wild 4-year-old, and I can honestly say it’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. I hope you’ll take a chance on karate and see all the good it can do for you!
Learn more about Goju-Ryu Seiwa-Kai here. Teen karate journey.
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