It's a new year and that means a chance to reboot and recharge! Getting outdoors is a big part of staying healthy, both physically and mentally. Studies show that connecting with nature can help our mood, and what better way than to do some karate in the mountains, or at the beach, or just about anywhere! Even better in bare feet!
We all have those indelible moments in life, and mine happened in Taos when I was on a ski trip. I got to the top at about 12,000 feet altitude, took off my skis, and under a crisp blue sky, boot deep in equally crisp snow, started to do my San Chin Kata. This is a rooted and slow breathing exercise, paired with slow and powerful karate movements. I heard a "whoosh" behind me, and looked up to see a gleaming, bright white glider plane pass over my head, and it seemed that if I had jumped, I could have touched it. Of course, I finished my kata, because that's what you do.
These special moments that imprint themselves on you don't happen at your desk, or even in the dojo. Consider making it your New Year's resolution to get outdoors more, and to use your karate to interact with nature. When you are in the water, kick the waves. Or challenge your horse stance against them. Try a flying kick in the water! Take a break on your hike to do some kata. And remember that karate is exercise too, so include it in your weekly exercise regimen. It also helps to invite a friend to train with you, which will give you further motivation and accountability. But, watch out... you are going to get awfully good at this stuff!
Ganbatte!
We all have those indelible moments in life, and mine happened in Taos when I was on a ski trip. I got to the top at about 12,000 feet altitude, took off my skis, and under a crisp blue sky, boot deep in equally crisp snow, started to do my San Chin Kata. This is a rooted and slow breathing exercise, paired with slow and powerful karate movements. I heard a "whoosh" behind me, and looked up to see a gleaming, bright white glider plane pass over my head, and it seemed that if I had jumped, I could have touched it. Of course, I finished my kata, because that's what you do.
These special moments that imprint themselves on you don't happen at your desk, or even in the dojo. Consider making it your New Year's resolution to get outdoors more, and to use your karate to interact with nature. When you are in the water, kick the waves. Or challenge your horse stance against them. Try a flying kick in the water! Take a break on your hike to do some kata. And remember that karate is exercise too, so include it in your weekly exercise regimen. It also helps to invite a friend to train with you, which will give you further motivation and accountability. But, watch out... you are going to get awfully good at this stuff!
Ganbatte!
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