Students today give up too easily. They expect everything to be perfect or effortless, and when it’s not, they quit. That’s a mistake. Sometimes you have to take a step back to move forward.
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The most important thing is this: whatever you decide to do, take it seriously and do your best.
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As Kenyu Chinen, 10th dan Shorin-Ryu (1944-2024), once said: “Techniques were not taught at first. It was about persistent basic things, building the body, getting to know the character, and teaching perseverance. Perhaps such discipline is necessary, until you have the motivation to train.”
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This mindset reflects a truth that applies to many areas of life, but especially to karate. Progress comes to those who train and practice. However, you can’t convince students to keep coming to the dojo if they aren’t committed.
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Missing a class might seem unimportant to some, who think they can always make it up another time. But when you skip training, you miss more than just a lesson – you miss an opportunity to improve, and an opportunity to show how much karate means to you.
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Instructors often lament the lack of commitment and regular attendance from their students. Why? Because we’re not “in it” for ourselves. We don’t teach karate just to pass on techniques; we do it to guide students who genuinely want to learn and grow. Unfortunately, that initial enthusiasm we see in some students tends to fade after a few months. Missed classes become routine, and excuses begin to pile up.
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But then, there are always one or two students who stand out. They’re the ones who are always present, who show up early, who cancel other plans because they know they have a karate class. They’re committed, passionate, and determined to improve – not just for themselves, but for others. We should celebrate them, and we do, because they will undoubtedly learn and achieve more.
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Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress. Working hard for something we love is called passion.
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So be passionate. Turn up for class. Learn. Show us how much it means to you. It’s that simple.
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Written by AC.
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Photo Credit: Oshukai – Kenyu Chinen with Master Matayoshi. – Chinen sensei passed away on September 30th 2024