March 9th, 2014

From Kim Garon, Ni-Dan, Ueshiro Midtown Karate Dojo

"Weight loss, self-discipline and Karate-do"

Imagine if every time you left your ego at the dojo door, you also got rid of a few excess pounds. Several studies show that for each pound of body weight lost there is a 4-pound reduction in knee joint stress. Even modest weight loss may significantly lighten the load on your joints. After losing 30lbs I can perform numerous deep knee bends with minimal pain. My kicks are more fluid now that I'm able to get my heel all the way back because there is LESS of me to contend with. I am faster overall during the evasive moves of pre-arranged fighting and my balance has improved along with my confidence.

There is no guarantee that joint pain will ebb with weight loss, or that your front-snap kick will become faster than the speed of light. But I do know it is working for me and is worth a try, considering all the potential benefits both on and off the deck.

As in karate, there is no quick fix for losing weight. If you truly want to lose weight and keep it off you have to be prepared for an attitude shift and a bunch of small lifestyle changes: ditch that extra cup of coffee if it means more sugar and cream intake every day; say "No" to late night evil snacks; eat lightly on days when you know you're going out for a big meal later, or heading down to the dojo for a monster workout . It's hard staying on track and you will slip up now and again. But as long as you keep at it you will succeed, just like karate. As Hanshi says, “You never fail until you stop trying.”

It's taken me just over a year and a half to lose those 30 pounds and I still have a ways to go. I'm in no rush. Losing weight and staying fit is, like all aspects of karate, a lifelong marathon.

Domo arigato gozaimasu, Hanshi,

Kim Garon, Ni-Dan, Ueshiro Midtown Karate Dojo