April 11th, 2016

This week's thought is from Sensei Daniel Gobillot, shihan
denshi, shichidan - Northampton Ueshiro Karate dojo


Moving Forward

Life like our Karate training has many ups and downs. However, whatever
either one might offer us we should "Keep moving forward".

I tell my students that when they are on the spot testing and something
should happen that they did not expect, like blanking out on a kata, they
should attempt to continue and move back to the beginning spot and then bow.

An incorrect move in a kata or prearranged fight is not the end of that
exercise. There is always a way to salvage the situation.
It is important to not loose heart and keep moving forward, do the next
thing then do another thing.

This same situation can happen in your life. You could loose a friend or
family member or experience financial or health problems. These things
happen to everyone all of the time. If you stop moving forward you are
defeated. Once you give up it is the end.

Often we train using a three point movement or technique as a simulated
fight. While this is good for honing technique do not be lured into the
finality of this in a real fight situation. There is always another block
or strike required until it is TRUELY over. You can practice this in your
imagination while doing the yakusoku.

Domo arigato gozaimasu Hanshi,

Daniel Gobillot, shihan
denshi, shichidan - Northampton Ueshiro Karate dojo