Here’s the beginning of a note I started in late August…then, got so busy at work that I actually didn’t pick up my “virtual pen” to continue until this Columbus Day weekend.  The first paragraph began –

“Well, over years of training and teaching, there is an interesting phenomenon that sometimes – not always – occurs in a karateka….he/she finally gets to the point where they take their eyes off of themselves.  Let’s face it, the average person who joins a dojo wants to improve his/her conditioning, self-defense abilities, strength, coordination, knowledge of karate-do, and so on.  This is a natural thing; and naturally, we will see folks drift away when these particular needs or metrics are no longer met or seem unattainable.  Once in a while, however, an individual will reach a level of perception that goes outside of the self-ego and he/she will begin to look more at how they can help the overall group, as well as keeping the art alive.  At that point, the karateka begins to think of others and not just his or herself.  Oh, the striving to become better never goes away, it’s just that it becomes enhanced or multi-dimensional.  Quitting and walking away from the dojo becomes less of an option because of a feeling of being a contributing member of an ohana.”

And that was as far as I got.  Coincidentally (or, perhaps by a greater design, in early September, Sempai James seemed to read my mind, and passed to me, a very nice note.  I depend upon James a whole lot; as our Head Sempai, he is usually the first to arrive, opening up, setting up tables, sweeping, and even placing the cones that mark the uneven and slippery areas of the floor.  In addition, he will jump in to help the newer white belts on the side until they’re ready to participate with the rest of the general class.  I try not to take him for granted and often apologize for “cheating” him out of valuable training time for himself.  In response to my frequent apologies, he passed me the note that said in part, “…whenever you feel that I am “cheated” when I’m helping other students or taking over the class during your absence.  I truly try to live by the principles of this pledge….I would gain a whole lot more mentally and spiritually by helping others and the club.”  Sempai, of course, was a black belt long before he ever joined our group as a green belt.  In fact, he was a sempai at another karate organization and the pledge he refers to was one he took many years ago, and continues to live by.  It states, “I pledge myself to be worthy of the honor of sempai by setting a proper example for my fellow students to follow.  Recognizing the value of working together, I will volunteer my time and skills to assist in helping others.  Further, I will strive each day to strengthen my character, nourish my spirit, and extend my capabilities.  Respecting the purpose and principles of _____, I resolve to uphold my new responsibilities with humbleness and pride.”  These are fine and universal ideals, applicable not just to any karate club, but to life in general.  I think you’ll recognize that Sempai James is a living embodiment of these principles and we are truly fortunate to have him with us.  As such, he has something to teach each of you – and me as well.  The next time you see him, you might think about how, in his quiet way, he tries to help each of us in our efforts to learn the art of karate-do.

My hope for each of you is that, in time, through the practice of the art of karate-do, you may reach the attainment of another level.  I don’t mean just in the technical sense, but in the sense of looking out for and after those around you, doing what you can in your own way, whether it is ever recognized or not.  It is by taking one’s eye off of onself and extending a look, and a hand to others that you take the giant step towards being not just blessed, but being a blessing.