One of the very popular pastimes I remember as a kid, growing up in the fifties was…bowling. Not sure what the trends are on the mainland, but in Hawaii, there used to be so many bowling alleys throughout Oahu. These were great gathering places for co-workers, friends, family, etc to spend several enjoyable hours together. Except for the really competitive ones, the score wasn’t so important, as having a good time spent in fellowship. Over the years, just like the once popular drive-in theaters, one by one, the bowling alleys have shut down, leaving a precious few.

Boy, there was a whole regimen associated with the sport, including: bowling gloves, bowling shoes, powder, customized bowling ball and bag (unless you were willing to use a pink or orange marble alley ball) bowling rag, the neat-o automatic bowling ball cleaning machine, not to mention the usually great snack shop right there in the establishment. One of the not so great things was the opportunity to catch a lot of second-hand smoke. Hard to beat being immersed in the sights and sounds that only the bowling alley has. In Hawaii, one of the few bastions of bowling are the military installations, where these are still going strong.

I guess I’m spending time writing about this declining sport because I often use aspects of bowling in the various (and sometimes dumb) analogies I use during karate practice. Most times, it’s because when one is trying to deliver a 16 lb ball, it’s very important to coordinate the swing with the rest of one’s body and steps. Also, it’s not all about power but requires accuracy and consistency. I also like to talk about follow through after the ball has already left one’s hand, balance, not lofting, adjusting as the body tires from game 1 to game 5, and so on. It’s also not just about stringing strikes (though that’s a nice feeling!), but learning how to be flexible enough to pick up the pins (and ocassional split) to avoid the open frame. Of course, doing a lot of bowling (like golf) develops the body parts and coordination in a one-sided fashion. It also is not the most strenous activity, as the local newspaper recently featured my wife’s 91-year-old uncle, still bowling several times a week, though he’s not able to quite match his former 185 average.

I don’t bowl much nowadays, mostly because my fingers kind of swell up and hurt (and tingle) for several days after such an outing. I never was a great bowler… about a 150 average, but I enjoyed it a lot. I’d make a terrible bowling coach…which makes me think about how very fortunate I am that you allow me to share my karate-do knowledge with you all. Remember, every sensei, at his or her best, is a guide, trying to help you follow a true path…it’s up to you to learn from your mistakes (and triumphs), to listen to your guide if you trust him/her, and most important…to continue walking along the path and take time to enjoy the sights and sounds along the way.