I kept seeing myself as an A student and I kept getting A’s.
Karate has had such a profound impact on my life. I can’t sum it up in one story, but I will try to convey the most significant change I feel I have made.
I am not known for being good at math. Algebra has always been a subject that I struggle with. So, I don’t need to say how nervous I was to at the beginning of the semester, having to take intermediate algebra at the JC.
But I applied certain concepts of karate to my behavior and attitude about myself as a math student. The first strategies I employed was “be faithful,” and “endeavor.”
I didn’t waste any time for setting up a study routine for myself and I never faltered from it.
All the hard work from that enabled me to change my attitude about my math abilities, because my understanding and confidence improved.
Another thought I carried with me throughout the semester was actions follow thoughts. I will get whatever grade I envision for myself. I kept seeing myself as an A student, and I kept getting A’s.
With all these improvements I have made on myself I discovered I like math, and without these changes, I would have never known.
“The basic difference between an ordinary man and a warrior is that a warrior takes everything as a challenge while an ordinary man takes everything as a blessing or a curse.” -Carlos Castaneda
It’s late January 2023 we just came back from training with Sensei Edmond Otis, and Sensei Kevin Warner and the wonderful people down in Riverside. The training was short, intense and eye opening. And on top of that we had a beautiful stay at the Mission Inn a national historical monument. If you haven’t been there, you’ve got to go, or at the very least visit their website.
Sensei Otis is the Chief Instructor of Shotokan International Alliance and is an unbelievably gifted instructor. His background as a psychologist gives him a unique perspective on the fine points of Shotokan Karate training and is a breath of fresh air to martial arts training.
In his classes Sensei Otis talked about the importance of attitude and how Shotokan Karate training was first and foremost about establishing the right attitude. Shotokan Karate practitioners are recognized around the world for having a very strong attitude towards life.
Sensei Otis explained that standing in natural stance is an important means of developing the right attitude. If your weight is back on your heels then when you are confronted with a dangerous situation you will be taken by surprise, your response will be, ‘Oh, no!’ and your reaction will be late. This attitude also makes “non-dangerous” things feel dangerous because we feel more hesitant. And it applies to opportunities. If we live back on our heels then when an opportunity is presented to us we can’t respond to it quickly enough to take advantage of it.
Whereas if your weight is forward on the balls of your feet you are ready for danger, you want it because danger is exciting, and your attitude is that if it’s going to happen then let it happen now, or ‘Come on!’ This is a strong attitude and will allow you to respond quickly and effectively to dangerous and non-dangerous situations. Sensei Otis explained that weight back and weight forward also effects how we perceive ourselves and is in effect a walking bio-feedback loop.
This attitude is echoed in the quote from Carlos Castaneda about the difference between a warrior and an ordinary man. The warrior will see everything as a challenge, whereas the ordinary man sees things as either a blessing or a curse. This is the attitude of ‘Come On’ being ready for whatever might appear.
I read all of Castaneda’s books back in the 70s and was fascinated by how his training in shamanism was similar to the training I was getting in Shotokan Karate. If you’d like more information on him, Google will tell you just about all you might like to know.
We are excited to announce the return of Instructor Extraordinaire, Sensei Kevin Warner, 7th Degree Black Belt, on the Friday, April 28th and Saturday, April 29th. Sensei Warner is a former international competitor and a member of the Advisory Committee of Shotokan International Alliance. He will be here to teach classes and give a Black Belt Exam on Friday evening and classes on Saturday morning. He’s an extraordinary instructor and his classes are in high demand. Please sign up in advance. You don’t want to miss this.
Friday, April 28th
5p Shoka / BBSL All Ages & All Ranks
6p Brown and Black Belts All Ages
7p Black Belt Exam
Saturday, April 29th
9a Shoka / BBSL Age 7 and Up, Green Belt & Up
10a All Level One Students (Trial, Shoka, BBSL) of all ages
NOTE: All Shotokan Karate Leadership School® students are expected to attend. Attendance at this event will help your child achieve their goals and demonstrate the support they have for their dojo-mates and the school.
Your child will perform on stage. Please arrive by 5:30 pm to allow them time to prepare. This will be a great opportunity for your child to show you what they have learned and for you to let them know how proud you are of them. They will remember this event for many years to come.
Potluck: Please bring a dish of your choosing to share.
❖ Logan Purtill, Jovanni Garcia, Alejandro Rojas, Jacob Fertino, Riley Stanbro, Elliot Zapadinsky, Juliann Finn, Avery Finn, Liam Finn, Patrick Finn, Ed Estrada
Upcoming Events and Activities
Saturday, April 1st next Santa Rosa Invitational Karate Tournament: 10:30a-12:30p
April 10-17th Sensei Callahan’s Japan Trip
Friday and Saturday, April 28-29 Sensei Kevin Warner back to teach classes
Saturday, May 6th – Spring 2023 Award Ceremony and Potluck Dinner
Santa Rosa Invitational Karate Tournament – Saturday, April 1, 2023
You are probably receiving the Shoka Magazine and Shoka News after this tournament. The results will be available in the dojo. Not everyone will want to compete but those who do generally progress faster through the ranks. We’re hoping to hold the next tournament in October.
Japan Trip – April 10 to 17, 2023
I will be travelling to Japan and joining our friends from Shotokan International Alliance to do some sightseeing and karate training. I will have a full report when I get back. You’ll hear all about it in the May issue of Shoka Magazine.
April 28-29 – The Return of Sensei Kevin Warner, 7th Degree Black Belt from Riverside
Sensei Kevin Warner, Instructor Extraordinaire will be here to teach classes and give a Black Belt Exam on Friday evening, April 28. Then on Saturday, April 29, he’ll teach a few more classes. Space is limited so be sure to sign up in advance. Sign-up sheets will be on the front counter.
Spring 2023 Award Ceremony and Potluck Dinner, Saturday, May 6th from 5:30p to 8p.
Our semi-annual Award Ceremony, Potluck Dinner and Samurai Sword Cake Cutting will be held at the Finley Center on Saturday May 6th.
Shoka Magazine:
We’re mailing it to your house. We hope you’re getting it. If not let us know. It’s also coming by email in an electronic format that we recently discovered called Issuu. Check it out and let us know what you think… good or bad. And don’t worry, you won’t offend us. We’re probably more critical of our selves than you might be of us. We accepted a long time ago that we’re not perfect and that the way to get better is to recognize this and fix whatever we can when we can. We’ll teach your kids to do the same. This will serve them well the rest of their lives.
Our Covid Policy
Wear a mask if you are unvaccinated. Decide for yourself if you are vaccinated. We will never ask you to do anything that will put you or your family at risk. You always have the opportunity to opt-out of any activity or event that you deem is unsafe.
“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and success of liberty.” – John F. Kennedy 35th President of the United States
Parents, families, students and friends,
Last month I traveled to Clearwater Florida to learn from some of the most knowledgeable and successful martial art schools around. There is a lot more to it than you might imagine. I’ve been studying with these school owners and developers for several years and I always come away with good stuff. During the pandemic more than 60% of all martial art programs across the country were wiped out but with their guidance the schools in their group not only survived but grew at the fastest rate they ever have. Our school is in the strongest position it has ever been in. Your family benefits from this because we have what it takes to thrive in a hostile environment and we’re going to teach your child and your family how to do that.
One of the take-a-ways from my trip to Clearwater Florida last month was a video from the Gottman Institute titled the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. You can Google it. It’s only about 2½ minutes long and it goes on to explain the four negative communication patterns that if not fixed can predict the end to 90% of all relationships. These negative communication patterns are criticism, contempt, defensiveness and stonewalling. The video goes on to explain the antidotes to these negative patterns. Check it out. You’ll be glad you did. I’ll include more on this in May issue of Shoka News.
Here’s what’s in it this month’s Shoka Magazine:
Shoka News (our newsletter)
May Award Ceremony Announcement
Sensei Kevin Warner’s Return Announcement
Article: 2 Opposing Attitudes – Oh No! and Come On!
Cynthia Kohl
Hero’s Journey and SKLS Training – Our new book titled The Hero’s Journey-Act I the Separation will be out in the next couple of months. You’re welcome to a copy when it does. • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Self-Defeating Rules 1-5 out of 14
By Shotokan Karate Leadership School in Santa Rosa, CA
Have you ever dreamed of learning karate but assumed it was too late for you to start? Think again! Karate can be beneficial for anyone at any age and there are classes available for beginners of all ages. There’s no such thing as being too old—in fact, many people take up martial arts in midlife or later in life and find much success at it! All you need is dedication and enthusiasm for the practice—which can be cultivated regardless of how old you are.
Let’s look into why karate is a great choice no matter how old you are.
The Benefits of Karate No Matter Your Age
Physical Fitness: One major benefit is improved physical health and fitness. Karate involves physical conditioning that strengthens the body and increases endurance while also helping with weight loss or maintenance.
Regardless of your current state of physical fitness, you can find that karate will benefit you. Karate offers both aerobic and anaerobic exercise which helps build strength and endurance. Moreover, karate focuses on flexibility and muscle control which can help reduce the risk of injury from everyday activities like carrying groceries or washing dishes.
Self-Defense Skills: There’s nothing quite like knowing how to defend yourself and loved ones when needed—and this is especially true as we get older. Learning self-defense techniques can give us increased confidence in our abilities; plus, if an attacker has never seen someone over 40 throw a punch before, they might think twice about messing with us!
Learning self-defense techniques is another great reason to practice martial arts as an adult. Knowing how to protect yourself in dangerous situations can be empowering and make you feel more confident when walking around alone or in unfamiliar places. Furthermore, mastering self-defense techniques will give you peace of mind knowing that if anything were ever to happen, you would have the skills necessary to protect yourself from harm.
Mental Acuity: Mental alertness is often the first thing to go as we age. But with regular practice in karate, elderly practitioners have noticed improved mental clarity and agility. This could be due to enhanced concentration offered by the highly structured nature of karate or simply because they are learning new skills that challenge their brains in different ways. Either way, studies have found that long-term practitioners maintain sharper minds than those who do not practice regularly.
Learning karate can help adults combat stress and anxiety by providing an outlet for them to channel their emotions into something positive and productive. Practicing karate stimulates both mental relaxation and physical activity, which can help reduce stress levels significantly over time.
For those who are a bit older, the benefits of karate can be even more significant. Studies have shown that practicing karate improves physical health among older adults—decreasing pain levels and increasing bone density. It also helps reduce anxiety and depression while improving cognitive abilities like memory retention and problem-solving skills. In addition to all this, it’s a great way to meet new people in your community!
Whatever Your Age…
When taking on any physical activity at an advanced age (or younger!), it’s always important to check with your doctor first before beginning any exercise program. Once cleared by your doctor as safe to do so, find a class that is best suited for you whether that means starting with a beginner class or something more intense depending on your level of fitness. Many schools offer private classes that provide personalized instruction tailored specifically for you if group classes feel intimidating or overwhelming at first. And remember—it’s never too late to get started!
No matter what age you are, now is the perfect time to give karate a try! Whether you’re looking for ways to stay fit or just want something new in life to keep things interesting, the rewards of studying karate can be tremendous no matter what age you are when starting out! With the right instructor and determination on your part, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish in the realm of karate training! So go ahead and get started today—you won’t regret it!
Please visit askaboutkarate.com for information about our school in Santa Rosa, CA!
By Shotokan Karate Leadership School in Santa Rosa, CA
Are you looking for a way to help your child develop strength, agility, and confidence? Look no further! Karate can help your child reach their full potential in all areas of life. Karate can be a great way to teach kids the importance of discipline, physical activity, and respect. Let’s explore some of the benefits that karate can offer children.
Physical Benefits of Karate Classes
From improved coordination to increased flexibility, karate classes offer plenty of physical benefits for children. During a typical class, students will practice different exercises that focus on improving physical fitness such as running, jumping, and kicking. These activities also help children learn self-discipline and respect while developing their motor skills at the same time. Additionally, through karate classes, your child will become more aware of their body and its capabilities.
Mental Benefits of Karate Classes
Karate classes have been known to have positive effects on a person’s mental health. Through karate training, children learn how to stay focused and concentrate on tasks at hand while having fun at the same time. Moreover, they learn how to think logically and make smart decisions under pressure which is essential for them in the future when facing difficult situations outside the dojo. In addition, karat encourages personal growth by encouraging children to set goals for themselves which helps build self-confidence over time.
Social Benefits of Karate Classes
Karate provides an excellent opportunity for children to socialize with other kids their age in a safe environment where they can learn from each other without feeling judged or intimidated. Karate is also great for teaching teamwork as it encourages children to work together towards common goals like mastering techniques or completing drills. Through this collaboration, children learn how to communicate effectively with one another which is an invaluable skill that can be used in any situation throughout adulthood.
Life Skills
Karate can also help teach kids important life lessons such as respect for themselves and others; understanding the importance of hard work; being humble enough to accept that you may not always win or come out ahead; developing perseverance; having integrity; and learning control over emotions like anger or frustration. These are all valuable skills that will serve your child well throughout their life no matter what path they choose later!
Karate is an excellent choice if you want your child to gain valuable skills in both physical and mental development, and life lessons such as respect and perseverance while making friends along the way! These are all important skills that will stay with your child throughout their life—no matter what path they choose later! So why not try enrolling your child into a karate class today? You never know what kind of amazing things they could achieve! With the right guidance and encouragement, who knows where their journey could take them? It could even lead them down the path of becoming a professional karate leader one day! So don’t wait — start making lifelong memories with your child today by signing up for a karate class!
Please visit askaboutkarate.com for information about our school in Santa Rosa, CA!
By Shotokan Karate Leadership School in Santa Rosa, CA
So, you’ve decided to take up karate training. That’s great news! There are many benefits to learning karate, both physical and mental. But if you’re like most people, you probably don’t have all the time in the world to devote to your newfound passion. You may be wondering if it is enough to train twice a week—or if you should try for more to become a true karate master. Let’s look at the pros and cons of twice-a-week training and help you figure out what works best for you.
The Pros of Twice-a-Week Training
Twice-a-week training can be an effective way to learn karate and stay on top of your skills. For starters, it gives you enough time to learn new techniques without getting overwhelmed or overworked. It also provides enough time for your body and mind to rest in between sessions so that you can come back feeling refreshed and ready for more instruction. This can help ensure that every session is focused on learning something new rather than having to spend too much time reviewing material from prior lessons.
another benefit of twice-a-week training is that it allows plenty of time outside of class for practice. Being able to hone your skills outside the dojo helps ensure that when it comes time for testing, you will be prepared with the right moves and reflexes needed for success. Plus, with additional practice sessions outside of class, there will be less pressure during class sessions because everything will already be familiar and easy to recall when needed.
The Cons of Twice-a-Week Training
Although there are several benefits associated with twice-a-week training, there are some drawbacks as well. First off, twice a week isn’t necessarily enough time to master all aspects of karate-especially if your goal is black belt-level expertise or higher levels of achievement. The truth is that mastering any skill requires dedication and consistency; two days a week simply may not cut it if you want real results in the long run.
But perhaps one of the biggest disadvantages associated with twice-weekly classes is that they might not provide enough motivation or accountability when it comes to staying on track with your goals or pushing yourself harder each day in class. Having an instructor present during every session helps keep students focused on their goals as well as providing feedback about how they’re progressing throughout their journey towards mastery.
Other Considerations
Of course, there are other considerations that should be considered when deciding how often to train in karate. For example, how much time do you have available to devote to training? If your schedule only allows for two days of practice per week, then that’s all the time you have available—but if you can squeeze in three or four days of practice each week, then it might be worth considering adding an extra class or two into your schedule. Similarly, consider whether it would be more beneficial for you to focus on one style at a time rather than trying to learn multiple styles simultaneously—this way, you can get deeper into each style without spreading yourself too thin.
It’s clear that twice weekly classes have their advantages but also come with some drawbacks too – especially when it comes down to mastering higher levels of expertise or pushing yourself further each day during class sessions In general though, twice weekly classes are certainly a great place start – provided that you supplement them with regular practice outside the dojo – and can make a big difference when it comes down achieving progress in karate overall! Ultimately though, what really matters is finding what works best for YOU – so make sure to test out different schedules until finding something that fits into YOUR lifestyle while also helping reach YOUR goals! Good luck!
Please visit askaboutkarate.com for information about our school in Santa Rosa, CA!
