That old song (sung to Auld Lang Syne) “We’re here because we’re here…”  always runs through my head at this time of year.  It does have some extra meaning to me, and speaks to me of perseverance.  Four decades ago when Sensei Wayne, Peter and I were part of the KAH, it contained some of the best karateka in Hawaii and I daresay, in the US.  We were proud to be a part of the organization and while we could hold our own with our fellow black belts, there were definitely some that were better than us.  Recently, we reminisced about the old days and the quickness of one, or the power and technique of another and so on.  You know, for every hundred white belts who started training in the old days, one or two might make it to black belt.  Out of these, just a few would ever be selected for the old KAH’s special training.  And within that elite group, there were a few who were quite amazing to us.  As we were talking story, we also acknowledged how few of these gifted and tempered karateka were still involved in the art.  I suppose that it’s only natural that most would drift away to other hobbies or have their time and energy taken up by other responsibilities of life.

Looking back, while I still admire power and skill, I now believe that perseverance is perhaps, one of the greatest strengths that one can possess.  Think about the recent movie, “Unbroken”, or my old favorite, “Rudy”.  In “Unbroken”, the main character was an Olympian who later suffered years of tortuous imprisonment; while in “Rudy”, the hero was of mediocre ability, barely making the scout football team at Notre Dame, but is likely, its most famous football player.  Both of their stories are true, but it wasn’t about winning championships.  What made each saga compelling was the gut-wrenching perseverance and endurance it took to hang in there and not give up.  In our dojo, I get to witness such strength and endurance each week – when I see Sempai James, at nearly 80 years old, still actually training in the lineup, I see the same kind of determination and quiet power.  I believe that this is the heart of Karate-Do; a life-long journey that can only be accomplished by oneself, one zenkutsu-dachi step after another.

2016 marks 46 years since Sensei Peter and I first began our walk with the Do (Way) and 47 years since Sensei Wayne began his.  My hope for all of you “youngsters” is that you get to train as long, and prosper.  In their prime, Senseis Wayne and Peter were really excellent karateka.  Yet, what makes them really special in my eyes, is the fact that they’re still faithfully sharing the art of Karate-Do with you all – even as we’re about ready to put in for Medicare;   The reality is…You’re here because they’re (still) here.  “We’re here, because we’re (still) here, because we’re (still) here….” 🙂