It was some time this past first semester, and I walked into senoras classroom and saw these bright red mats scattered across the classroom floor, and the tables piled high up to make room for them- and thought to myself- “Okay so what the CRAP are we doing today.” Little did I know if I didn’t show up to class that day, my life would be so much different. 

 

This guy with an accent walked in fully in his gi and began teaching us basic karate skills, and it just felt right to me- I still couldn’t explain to you- but I just really enjoyed it. It felt right to me, in a way that you know you can’t stay away from something without longing for the feeling of stepping back in. 

 

That’s when I met sensei, who is now in my top 10 for favorite people. I knew I wanted to go farther with this than that 1 class where all of us were piled together trying to figure out how to punch. I wanted to see if I could go anywhere with this- did I have any talent for the martial arts? Yes. Yes I did. 

 

Weeks later I sat in my room watching my TV completely zoned out, not a thought in my mind. “Hey Viv, you're going to want to hear this” my mom said as she walked into my room. “Senoras Husband, he’s going to be offering Karate classes after school” No Way- there was no way that this was actually happening. “ARE YOU SERIOUS?!” I yelled. “Yes, do you want me to sign you up? My mom asked. “YES MOM PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE SIGN ME UP!” And I couldn’t be happier that I said yes. 

 

That next week I walked into Mr D’s room, in normal clothes when I finally got to meet sensei for the first time. Amazing guy, best advice giver, best motivator I’ve ever met. I was learning, so getting the basics took a few classes, but with those basics, I was also learning the foundation of my emotions, managing them, and making them into tools. Sensei is also a life coach, so being able to take karate is basically a 2 for 1 deal, and the way he connects karate to life changing advice, and words of wisdom is one of his biggest skills. I strongly believe that’s what helps me the most. I’ve matured significantly since I began, and even I can tell that to myself confidently.

 

Then one of the class days sensei brought me my own gi. It fit perfectly, and felt like it was meant to be. Then I was given a white belt, which quickly leveled up to a yellow belt, and I’m hungry for more. Almost every day I think “teach me more!” 

 

 In Karate, each person has their own set of personal skills that they can perform better than anything else they do, sensei called them “My Arsenal” I'm confident I’ve already developed 1 of them, and that’s my round kick. Sensei connects my “weapon” to emotions, situations, feelings, school, and life experiences. These help me look at everything in a different way- and they really make you think about how your mind and body are connected. He has a powerful way with words, and he can see things that you can’t even see in yourself. His way with words is special. 

 

Ever since starting Karate, my self esteem, confidence, and self control has gotten significantly better only in a few months of training. I can’t explain how much I can thank sensei for all the work he’s put into making me the best possible version of myself. I’ve also been guided more into my faith journey with God, and the way that sensei also connects scripture with karate is a beautiful thing.

 

Before starting- I thought that I would just be learning how to defend myself, and how to use skills that I was taught- but really it’s so much more than that. Sensei completely turns it on its heels and turns it into concrete life lessons that will make you think in ways that you’ve never before. I never imagined that I’d be getting so much more than just learning to punch and defend.

 

I cannot explain to you the passion I’ve developed for this sport, I think about it everyday, one of my first thoughts in the morning is “Yes! I have karate today!” 

I am so eager to be fed new things and learn them as quickly as possible. I’m always wondering what’s next, and how I will climb the ranks, and become better everyday. I love karate, it’s changed my life, and the passion and love I have for this runs farther than words explain. 

 

When I first saw those red mats, I was scared and worried about the mistakes I made. Now when I see them, I confidently step onto them with a bow. I’m calm when I’m there. I found peace in myself, and I’ve learnt how to help others find peace. Sensei talks about how important it is to have inner peace within yourself, and how “If you're going to make a mistake, make a big one.” He’s shown me that not getting something right the first time is okay - And “It will flow eventually” 

 

I’ve been taught in pieces of a puzzle, and that’s how I go by everything now. Karate and life are connected, and it would be amazing for students to have the option to really see those 2 align. 

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So to sum everything up- Karate has changed my life, and I strongly believe it can change others’ lives as well. When you see it, it’s not just an arm moment, it’s not just the kicks we throw- there is fire, passion, love, and peace  into every step. There is something behind every moment. 

 

And now I don’t just step on those red mats. I set them up, piece by piece building confidence. I perform with peace instead of fear. I look at myself now and myself 3 months ago and only see improvements that I never thought I could make. Those mats don’t scare me anymore. 

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By Vivian Megalizzi