May 28th , 2018

This week’s TOTW is submitted by Sensei Daniel Gobillot, Shichi-Dan, Denshi/Shihan Northampton Ueshiro Pine Forest Karate Dojo

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KARATE-DO

My life was different before I started practicing karate. I stumbled into it through a business situation. Having a new family and kids I thought it might be a good way to work out and stay physically active, but also I was intrigued by the martial aspect which I had no experience with.
I trained hard for many years and learned how to move, protect myself and fight if need be.

Fast forward 30 years…. I can still do all those things and more only better and without thought. However, I developed other helpful things like “do”, KARATE DO. This is the way.

What is karate do? It is hard to say with words, it is a feeling - a way of life. Form is emptiness, emptiness is form.

* You solve problems in your everyday life - Automatically.

* You analyze situations immediately and respond appropriately.

* By living your life with a template of karate do, many things are easier.

* Even if it must be 10 million foes, I go.

We try not to stumble into and through our lives - we "Step First".

The Creed
I come to you with only karate
My hands are empty
But I fear no man
Should I be forced to defend myself
My honor or my principles
Should it be a matter of right or wrong
Life or death
Then here are my weapons
My empty hands

Domo arigato Hanshi, your instruction has been valuable to me.

Daniel W. Gobillot, Shichi-Dan
Denshi/Shihan
Northampton Ueshiro Pine Forest Karate
dwgobillot5@gmail.com