Hiiiiiiiiiii Yaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!

When most people picture karate, movies such as the Karate Kid and the Last Dragon, or anything with Bruce Lee or Jackie Chan in it, come to mind. The flicks are filled with chopping, kicking, and quick blows that leave the bad guy wheezing on the ground. While watching, (well, Kung Fu Panda that is….we do monitor their TV intake…geesh) my nephews jump off couches, fly into the air, and shout hiiiii yaaa as they beat up their opponent (me!) So I asked them if they wanted to take a real karate class and surprisingly they said no. I investigated like any seasoned journalist would and found out their reason. They (thought) already knew karate (or as some pronounce it karatay.) They’re not alone. Many of us claim to know the ancient art, but we haven’t got a clue! That’s why I called Sensi Greg at CASK Karate. I was sure he could teach us a thing or two (heck, he can do a split with someone standing on top of his legs at age 50! He’s not afraid to announce his age) But he wasn’t always a black belt. For forty years, he studied and taught the sport. A few of my coworkers sat in on a class and found out karate is more about focus, visualization, flexibility, and balance than jumping gangsters in a dark alley. For me, it was empowering. I learned that I am my biggest enemy. If I believe in myself and dedicate time and energy, I can excel in the sport as well. And even if I am never jumped in an alley, I will have the confidence knowing that I can protect myself!