Well, it’s a new year and one of the times of the season where one reflects on the past and sets one’s eyes on the future. We had a terrific holiday party a couple of weeks ago, thanks in large part, to the huge efforts of Sensei Trish, who planned and executed the whole event. Good food, games, prizes and treats were had by all…after all, the karate ministry isn’t merely about punching and kicking; it’s also about fellowship and enjoying the good things in life that we often take for granted. Talk about new, it was really good seeing the newest addition to the Nakasue family, Krislyn – and in a few years, a future karateka? It was also a time to realize how many new members have joined the ministry since our last party, a year ago. Let’s pray the 2009 brings more of the same and that we get to share our ministry with others.

Talking about the old (haha), yesterday, we were graced by the presence of my old sensei, Ed Fujiwara, who graciously served as guest instructor. A great practice was had by all (“More down! Down, down, down!…”) Amazingly, Sensei Wayne also came for his first training session of the year – and the first one in 4 months. I was also very happy to see Sensei Joel, whom I hadn’t trained with for perhaps, a dozen years. Sensei Joel helps Sensei Ed with the New Hope Mililani Karate Ministry. It was a great time to talk story about the old days. I experienced that familiar feeling of “time standing still” while we worked out and learned together…it’s as if all of the years just melted away, and the decades rolled back to when we were years younger, and pounds lighter.

Since this is the time of year when one makes New Year’s Resolutions, I wish you’d add just a couple more to your list: That you try your best to attend practice whenever you can – the hardest part about karate training is…getting there. And number two – that when you make it to practice, please try your best to learn at least one new thing while you’re there. If you can be faithful to these two simple resolutions, you will be very surprised (and happy) with your progress over this new year of 2009. Don’t forget, the basis of the word “resolution”, is the word – “resolve”. I’m not talking about resolving a problem….this kind of resolve is something you must possess. This type of resolve is an attitude of holding true to something and not giving up. The really great thing about this kind of resolve is that it enables one to persevere through all kinds of trials and problems in all kinds of situations; and you will find, that as you build up your resolve-type of attitude towards your karate practice, it will spill over to other areas in your life. You’ll experience a lot less frustration and a good deal more success in all endeavors. At least, that’s what I’ve discovered over the years.

So, while I thoroughly enjoyed seeing and practicing with my old karate buddies yesterday, I equally enjoyed practicing with all of my new karate acquaintances (those I’ve known less than 10 years, haha) too. Don’t forget, the dojo is the place where the Do is practiced (Do is translated as the Way, or the Path), not just punching and kicking. We get to gather together and practice a better attitude towards Life – and after training, outside of the dojo, we all get to do it…for real.