There Was a Time...

There was a time when students approached masters and were accepted on the basis of their desire and tenacity. The master would accept students, one at a time, to be taught over a lifetime. Because the history of the system was to be handed down (verbally and demonstrated physically) by the chosen student, the master taught not only the striking, kicking, kata and kumite, but the values of an honorable life.

There was a time when students studied one kata for five years, learning the intricacies of bunkai, mechanics, physics, pressure points, breathing and striking, without questioning the repetition. There was a time when rank and knowledge were points along your life’s journey to perfect the martial arts. And since life is a journey, not a destination, there was no rush to perfect, just a need to persevere. There was a time when karateka lived the martial way with no hidden agenda. This time should be now. There was a time when rank was obtained because of ability and desire, not politics and longevity. This time should be now.

There was a time when the greatest accomplishment was not a trophy, but the praise obtained from your sensei for a well-performed kata. There was a time when your greatest asset was your reputation; when honor was held above all things except loyalty; when rank was carried in your heart, not around your waist; when the greatest honor was to be bested by your student. There was a time when you evaluated yourself not on your strengths, but on how well you improved upon your weaknesses.

This time should be now. And there is a time when one earns the honor not to merely be called an instructor, teacher, warrior or competitor, but to be called Sensei. This is the time for which to strive.   Written by - Tim Boykin