HIS Karate-Do

Before every training session of the karate-do ministry, as with other ministries, we begin with prayer in fellowship. Though each prayer is unique, most contain an invitation to the Lord’s presence, a thankfulness for the health and time, and place to train, asking for protection over the fellowship, as well as a blessing over those members who can’t share that day’s session. I have realized over time, that no matter who leads the particular prayer, before we line up, before that first “Shomen Ni Rei!”, a simple request is heard again and again…that we might learn the unique lessons that He has in store for each of us during that training session. The Do and the ministry are so much more than just conditioning, stretching, movement, self-defense, or cultural history. As a Christian, if you are Saved…why wouldn’t the Lord take you from your temporal existence immediately? No one can answer for the Lord, but it’s generally thought that the reason each of us continues our mortal existence is because we have more to do and more to learn, here on earth, before we are called forward in His time. I know I’ve mentioned before, that prior to starting in [...]

This Saturday (16 Sept), will be exam time for some of our white, green and brown belts. It’ll go by faster than one would imagine. Please show up on time or earlier, if possible. I plan on being there by about 08:40 am. This way, we can finish sweeping, placing down the position tape and answer any last minute questions anyone may have. I intend to have sempais James and Doreen help me with grading on the exam (six eyes is better than two). Sempai Wes (recovering from back surgery) is standing by to help with any brand new beginners out by the grill area. For those of you who are just watching… please take this opportunity to learn about how you might do even better, the next time you take an exam (a strong spirit and loud kiai are very important). We’ll start right at 09:00 am, have a quick warm-up, and commence with the exam. Don’t forget, during exam time, the kata is done facing in a different direction (towards the left of where we normally face), so try not to get mixed up in your orientation, especially when you finish. After the exam, we will continue with [...]

When we go to the doctor’s, we might undergo any of a wide range of diagnostic testing and examinations. All of these methods are designed to determine the state of our health. We take for granted that a drop of our blood might reveal things about our internal organs, or a low-grade infection, etc. We stand in front of an X-ray machine or have a CAT scan taken or even experience an MRI…accepting the fact that x-rays or ultrasound waves or magnetic resonance will somehow probe through our bodies and create pictures (sometimes even three-dimensional moving images) of our normally invisible insides. Then there’s the old-fashioned, tried and true methods used by physicians ever since the beginnings of medicine… a stethoscope, a little hammer, a tongue depressor, a little focused light, a few appropriate questions… guided by the basic knowledge gained in medical school, and developed by years of practice and observation. Whatever the method is, whether it employs high technology or just old “country doctor” wisdom, or a real gift of discernment… these externalities can be a true window into the internal. Karate-do can be like that. Most students, whether young or old, will inevitably, after a period of [...]