I wrote this essay for a written segment of one of my Black belt tests many years ago... _________________________________________________________________________________
The impact of Karate in my life
By: Yousef Claycomb
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| 1997 - Kanzen Budo Kai (WKBKF - Glendora) |
I've been involved in the martial arts since I was a seven-year-old kid. However, it was not until I was sixteen years of age that I became really serious about training. I always had a fascination for Karate while growing up in a culture that was very different from what I was used.
I needed to have something to belong to. I was always involved in Soccer and Basketball, but those sports never fulfilled the things I needed to make it in a place where I was considered an outsider.
I was targeted and picked on because of it. As I started Karate, I began to enjoy it increasingly. My main concern at first was to learn self-defense to be able to protect myself. As I progressed, I began to learn that there was much more to it than that. The more I trained, the more I felt the effect it had on me.
I began to learn how to adapt to different surroundings and situations. I began to mature in ways that allowed me to be recognized amongst my peers and elders, not just in the Dojo, but in society as well. To this day I still grow with karate by my side. I believe that Karate is not just a sport or and art, but a way of life also.
It has no barriers of ethnicity, gender, religion or age and it promotes a positive influence and energy to everyone it embraces.
The main aspect Karate has touched in my life is my inner-self. Physically it has kept me growing healthier and stronger. I realized that I was developing my mind, body and spirit all at the same time.
Karate-do has given me not only a guide to a better path in life and a way to develop my character, but, much more. Almost everything that has happened in my life has been directly related to my Karate training somehow.
Even my current place of employment hired me because of my Karate background. My boss told me I had the discipline, confidence and the structure in a person that he needed for the job.
Throughout my life, the people I've met, the friends I've made, and the relationships I've kept are mostly because of Karate.
Karate has affected me in many more ways than I could have ever imagined, more than any school, university or institute could have ever taught me. It has taught me how to deal with life’s hardships and challenges. It has taught me how to be responsible and it taught me the discipline I needed to succeed. Karate has enlightened my awareness about myself, which has helped me to understand others.
For the most part, Karate-do has provided me a livelihood of ambition, perseverance, courage and love. It is there for me through thick and thin and will never abandon me.
Along with my faith in God, Karate has given me hope and a sense of root and belonging.
This is why I consider Karate my passion in life. I would not be the person I am today without it and all the wonderful people I have met along the way and the CARING and nurturing Sensei's I've had the privilege to learn from.
My ending quote: We were all born into this life naked and empty. At the end of the road, we will all leave this world with our memories, knowledge and good deeds… I am also proud to say I will leave this world with Karate-Do.
