Below you can find a link to an empowering story by Anna-Stina Johansson from Sweden. Stina has social phobia and this is her story of how she began training in Kyokushin karate and the article is called “Kyokushin Karate Teaches ‘Spirit of Perseverance'”. Stina and I have exchanged emails and she has kindly allowed me to post the link to her article here:
http://newsblaze.com/story/20110731130018iasj.nb/topstory.html
I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did.
All the best,
Iain
I love the Kyokushin.
They always turn up prepared, respectful, skillful and displaying a high degree of spirit of perserverance
There's more to karate than fighting and this is a good example. Way to go Anna.
In a time when it's fashionable for anyone who wears combats to criticise karate, it's great to be reminded of the values of personal challenge and self-discipline that hard karate training provides.
When people ask me - with a grin - if karate 'works', my standard reply is, "It always has for me". Tends to stop the "But MMA is more realistic" etc etc in it's tracks. My meaning of course is twofold. It has helped me get out of sticky situations with a physical response, but also to control my temper and walk on.
Well done to Anna. If she's training in Stockholm under Brian Fitkin she won't go far wrong.
Gary
I've never fully resolved whether I think a style like Kyokushin gives people resolve and perseverence OR the training is so hard only the people that have resolve and perseverence stick with it.
I've a feeling it's a little bit of both. :)
I would say the story shows a bit more than 50:50 PA.
I don't get the impression that Anna was big on resolve and perserverence before she walked in to the dojo.
I do know what you mean though...
PASmith,
as with so many things, it depends on the dojo.
Karate is not about fighting, but building strong individuals using the mind, body and spirit a day at a time.....Remarkable story!!
Osu No Seishin
Awesome, Its a story fitting to most people, from all walks of life but its true about what Knockdown Karateka have in their souls
OSU!!!