November 23rd, 2014

From Sempai Dennis Flynn, Co-Shihan Ueshiro Cocoa Dojo
Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate USA

Joy and Vigor

Onegai Shimasu Hanshi, Kyoshi, Sensei and SRKUSA Deshi,

One of the first things I heard on the deck as a new white belt was the phrase “joy and vigor”. Since then I have repeated it on many occasions; not only at the dojo; but at work, at home and many other places as well.

Those two words can mean so much if we apply them to our lives; not only on the deck but in everything we do.

So, I thought it would be a good idea to take a look at what these two words really mean and how we can apply them to all areas of our lives.

The dictionary describes the word “joy” as: The emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying.

For me, I look forward to each and every karate class. I may be tired from a long day at work, or I may be getting up at 4:30am every Friday to attend a 6:00am class at the Merritt Island Dojo, but I know that each and every class is going to be exceptionally good and satisfying! I am delighted and happy to be there, spending time and training with other students attending that class. I leave every class feeling great and happy that I came, even though I was tired when I got there; because I approached the class with lots of joy.

The dictionary describes the word “vigor” as: Physical strength and good health. Hardiness. Sturdiness.

The exercise we get from karate is outstanding and beneficial in so many ways: we get cardiovascular exercise, strength training exercise, stretching exercise, improved balance, improved stamina…I could keep going. Bottom line is karate keeps us in good health, it keeps us physically strong, it improves our sturdiness; and karate makes us more hardy…able to withstand more challenging circumstances!

So, when you hear the phrase “joy and vigor”, it certainly applies to everything we do at the dojo; but if we approach everything we do in life with “joy and vigor”, we can have more fulfilling and rewarding experiences than we ever thought possible.

Thank you all for the “joy and vigor” you have brought to my life!

Domo Arigato

Sempai Dennis Flynn, Co-Shihan Ueshiro Cocoa Dojo

Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate USA