Karate

For over 8 years I have been practicing Karate. It involves a great amount of discipline as well as dedication to improving the basics and skills that comprise of the martial art. Recently, I have just received my black belt from last summer's karate exam and that shows my dedication in a sport that I enjoy doing. It involved hours of practice each week in order to memorize and perfect the katas that are going to be assessed in the exam. As well the form is extremely important in terms of where one's arms are positioned and how the legs form a stance. If the stance is not there, then the upper body is unable to generate any power in the punches and offensive attacks.

The learning outcomes that I have gained from this experience involved me increasing my awareness of my own strengths and areas for growth, undertaken new challenges, worked collaboratively with others, shown perseverance and commitment in my activity, considered ethical implications of my actions and developed new skills. When practicing Karate I am aware that I am strong in transitions and hip movement; however, my stances and form are areas for growth. I undertook a new challenge by participating in the Shito-Ryu Karate-do Kai International 2011 Championships where I was able to showcase my abilities and my handwork. Karate also requires me to apply your techniques to another person's attack; therefore, I not only work collaboratively with others but I also have to control the amount of power I apply to the person, showing my consideration of the ethical implications of my actions. Everytime I complete a kata there is always another one to learn which shows the development of my skills. Overall, practicing Karate for 8 years and receiving my black belt strongly shows my perseverance and commitment in my activity.

Before I practiced Karate I was a lazy child who did not enjoy any sports. My mother brought me to a karate class one day and it somehow made me like it. My goal when I was in Grade 4 was to work towards a black belt and I am happy to say that I have accomplished that after 8 years of solid effort.

The difficulties while practicing Karate was my frustration with my teacher's criticism. However, I realized that they were going to help shape me into a better karate practitioner and I took the advice. The advice helped prepare me for the black belt test.

I interacted with numerous people at the start of Karate. Within the dojo, we grew up together over the years and developed solid friendships. We had a common goal we were trying to accomplish; therefore, the support from peers inspired me to put more energy into practicing.

A thing that I learned from Karate was that no matter whether if you are quiet or introverted, anyone can practice it. It will help build your confidence and be more assure of yourself. It also brings you great discipline and exercise. 

The skills, attitudes and abilities that I developed from engaging in the activity would be that I got more flexible. As well, before I did Karate I was unable to do a push-up; however, I eventually got to do one once the teacher made us do push-ups every week while we warmed up. It also gave me a hard-working attitude which, I think, benefitted me academically.

I would not change my experience in terms of Karate, I put an extraordinary amount of effort into obtaining that black belt and I feel extremely proud to accomplish that.

Again, my hard-working attitude and discipline that comes form Karate, can be applied to my school work where I can diligently work in the Diploma Programme.