“Continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition.”
“I want my child to get a little more disciplined and I heard karate will do that.” Would you believe I couldn’t count the number of times I have heard this on one hand? It’s our practice and our sport that has always been the “go-to” when it comes to building character and discipline in a person.
The question is… does it?
Absolutely!
So long as you have the right instructor to teach you.
If I were to share my personal story, you would hear about how I had to overcome my sexuality when I was 11, you would hear about the obstacles I faced trying to get into College and being told to leave my old dojo without fully understanding why I had to. Building two businesses and managing most of it on my own, but luckily I have had the loving support of my partner. And now, facing the challenge of running a business during the BIG move we made on April 1, 2020 during the toughest time for small businesses, our community, and the world!
My point is, I’ve had to persevere through some tough moments in my life…
But why am I telling you this?
While observing the response my students are giving me during the pandemic, I thought I would share with you my current perspective on things. After each lockdown I find myself facing a new mental struggle.
Lockdown #1: I struggled to comprehend how I was going to handle things financially. People who are self-employed don’t exactly have EI.
Lockdown #2: Again? Really?? We just managed through the first one, we’ve grown as a business, and our members are happy… why??
Lockdown #3: Ok… Ok! I understand why we are locking down… if that’s what you want to call this one. But this is starting to effect everyone mentally.
And that’s just me…
My students are having a hard time sticking with online learning, and I don’t blame them, but it’s leading them the wrong way. Either they are thinking “what’s the point?” or not moving around enough. Grades are dropping or socially they are disconnected.
It’s scary.
So this is why I am encouraging a Call to Action.
If you have been living in Ontario, you would now be behind by 6 months. I’m not saying this to make you feel bad, however, it’s a harsh realization I would like you to understand. We are not expecting you to join us online for training, but there are online elements (like our Student Portal) and other means for you to keep up with your practice so you don’t fall behind.
Why should we do this?
Because … in the end, it’s not about karate. It’s about teaching our children and ourselves how to persevere through struggle; especially when it’s still our reality. And I know everybody has a different way to handle this or a tolerance level towards stress, and I whole-heartedly respect that.
I merely hope that we can band together as Dojo to show just how strong we are to get through this together.
Hopefully… just not much longer.
