Gee, what a strange title for this karate note eh? Actually, there’s a jingle from an old 1960s commercial that often plays in my head – “There are Smiles”, sung by the Dutch Masters singers. Dutch Masters was the name of a cigar company in the old days. It was a marketing tool – their symbol was a painting by Rembrandt of a group representing the old Dutch master painters from centuries ago. Anyways, they had a series of popular commercials with what must have been a barbershop sextet (6 men) singing the catchy song that was in my head, extolling the potentially different meanings behind a smile. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1645197482410899. So long ago that it was in black and white but as a kid, I always enjoyed their singing about what could be behind a simple smile. I actually used to join in and sing along with them, haha.

Which brings me as to how this relates to karate and the drills that you practice in every class. As you must realize by now, Sensei Peter, Wayne, and I, each has our own particular flavor of drills that we teach. Sensei Wayne tends to run drills that are practical and are applicable to self-defense. Sensei Peter’s drills are usually relevant to kihon/pre-arranged kumite that you must be competent in to pass your exams along with the required katas so you can refine/progress and not forget these. My drills are usually designed to help you understand your own body dynamics, improve coordination, and expose weaknesses that you need to work on. All of the drills are important. However, like the smiles in the song, our drills have a deeper meaning and intent behind each, that mindless practice will not unlock. Once you recognize this, you will be better able to learn the underlying lessons you’re meant to receive from each type of drill. Always feel free to ask your senpais and senseis any questions or help you need – we’re all readily available to work with you. Remember, exams coming up in September and November.