8 Virtues of a Black Belt (Part 4)
The 8 Virtues of a Black Belt
When students come to the dojo, they’re not just learning kicks, punches, and self-defense, they’re also training their mind and learning how to become better people. The 8 Virtues of a Black Belt are guides for students, to be used both in the dojo and in everyday life. These are skills that can used everywhere –– at home, at school, and in the world around them.
Every time you bow in, you’re practicing more than martial arts. You’re practicing how to live with respect and be the best version of yourself that you can be.
7. Perseverance
“Don’t give up!”
In the dojo: Training can be difficult — learning a new kata or practicing an advanced technique takes time and patience. You’re patient with yourself and you understand that success comes from continuing to try, even when it’s hard.
In life: Perseverance matters at school, in sports, and in your own personal goals. Everyone faces obstacles. The difference is whether you quit or keep going. So keep going!
8. Indomitable Spirit
“Have a spirit that can never be broken”
In the dojo: “Knocked down seven times, get up eight!” Setbacks are part of life — but so is resilience. No matter the circumstances, you strive to succeed, even if that means trying a new method or asking for help.
In life: Believing in yourself, even when things feel difficult. Indomitable spirit is the voice inside you that says, “Yes, I can!” Don’t let hard times break your sprit.
8 Virtues of a Black Belt
Modesty
Courtesy
Integrity
Compassion
Gratitude
Self-Control
Perseverance
Indomitable Spirit
8 Virtues of a Black Belt (Part 3)
The 8 Virtues of a Black Belt
When students come to the dojo, they’re not just learning kicks, punches, and self-defense, they’re also training their mind and learning how to become better people. The 8 Virtues of a Black Belt are guides for students, to be used both in the dojo and in everyday life. These are skills that can used everywhere –– at home, at school, and in the world around them.
Every time you bow in, you’re practicing more than martial arts. You’re practicing how to live with respect and be the best version of yourself that you can be.
5. Gratitude
“Be thankful.”
In the dojo: You show gratitude to instructors who teach you and classmates who train with you. Remember, everyone here knows karate –– it’s good to be grateful we’re all using it to help each other become stronger!
In life: Gratitude helps us appreciate what we already have and the people who help us along the way. Saying “thank you” and showing appreciation to family members and friends builds a positive attitude and makes their day more positive too.
6. Self-Control
“Do what you know you should.”
In the dojo: You show self-control by doing what you know you’re supposed to do… even before you’re asked! By sitting like a black belt with your hands on your knees, raising your hand if you have a question, and following instruction the first time you’re asked to do something, you’re showing great focus and self-control.
In life: At school, it could be raising your hand if you have a question. At home, it could be making your bed or putting away your dishes before someone asks you to. In everyday life, self-control means doing what you know you should, and it’s one of the strongest skills a person can develop.
8 Virtues of a Black Belt
Modesty
Courtesy
Integrity
Compassion
Gratitude
Self-Control
Perseverance
Indomitable Spirit
8 Virtues of a Black Belt (Part 2)
The 8 Virtues of a Black Belt
When students come to the dojo, they’re not just learning kicks, punches, and self-defense, they’re also training their mind and learning how to become better people. The 8 Virtues of a Black Belt are guides for students, to be used both in the dojo and in everyday life. These are skills that can used everywhere –– at home, at school, and in the world around them.
Every time you bow in, you’re practicing more than martial arts. You’re practicing how to live with respect and be the best version of yourself that you can be.
3. Integrity
“Be honest.”
In the dojo: Integrity means doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. When you train, you do your best to listen to advice, put in the time and energy, and put your best foot forward from the moment you bow in.
In life: Integrity means being truthful and being someone that others can trust. Whether it’s finishing your homework like you promised to, being honest with your family, or admitting when you made a mistake, integrity helps build strong character and strong relationships.
4. Compassion
“Show that you care.”
In the dojo: Compassion means helping a younger student, encouraging someone who is struggling, or being patient when a classmate is learning something new. Your strength should be used to support others, not to put them down.
In life: Compassion means caring about how other people feel. You can show kindness through your actions by listening, trying to understand someone else’s point of view, and treating others how you would want to be treated.
8 Virtues of a Black Belt
Modesty
Courtesy
Integrity
Compassion
Gratitude
Self-Control
Perseverance
Indomitable Spirit
8 Virtues of a Black Belt (Part 1)
The 8 Virtues of a Black Belt
When students come to the dojo, they’re not just learning kicks, punches, and self-defense, they’re also training their mind and learning how to become better people. The 8 Virtues of a Black Belt are guides for students, to be used both in the dojo and in everyday life. These are skills that can used everywhere –– at home, at school, and in the world around them.
Every time you bow in, you’re practicing more than martial arts. You’re practicing how to live with respect and be the best version of yourself that you can be.
1. Modesty
“Don’t brag.”
In the dojo: Modesty means being proud of your progress without showing off. It’s understanding that no matter what belt you wear, there’s always more to learn. Every student — beginner or advanced — is on a journey of improvement. Being humble and modest helps you constantly get stronger.
In life: Whether you accomplish something in school, sports, or friendships, you don’t need to brag. True confidence is quiet. Let your actions speak for you and continue doing your best.
2. Courtesy
“Be polite.”
In the Dojo: Bowing is a sign of a respect, and it’s one of the first things students learn in the dojo. Calling your teachers “Mr.” or “Mrs.” or “Miss” or “Sensei” is an easy way to be courteous to them. Treating all students respectfully is a great way to show that you care about others in our dojo family.
In Life: Good manners and general kindness like saying “please” and “thank you” go a long way. Treating people the way you want to be treated, even when you’re frustrated or tired, is the key. Choose respect as your first response.
8 Virtues of a Black Belt
Modesty
Courtesy
Integrity
Compassion
Gratitude
Self-Control
Perseverance
Indomitable Spirit
5-Step Success Plan
This is a roadmap to help you set goals and stay on track so you can accomplish them successfully. It’s a flexible template that can be used for any achievable, measurable goal!
Step 1: Know What You Want
Desire is the key to motivation! If you want something a lot, you’ll work hard to get it.
“I want to earn my Black Belt.”
“I want an A in math class.”
“I want to get a new video game.”
Step 2: Have a Plan
Make sure your goal is something you can reasonably do. Studying for 20 hours every day isn’t possible! Some plans will be simple, while others may involve many steps — but once you’ve made your plan, give it a try!
“I’ll come to class to practice with my senseis.”
“I’ll study math for an hour every day.”
“I’m going to save up my allowance.”
Step 3: Have a Success Coach
Pick a trusted adult (or more than one!) to help you. This could be a parent, a relative, a teacher, or a friend. It helps to have someone you trust cheering you on, helping you create a plan, and making adjustments so it works best for you.
“Sensei, can you watch my kata, please?”
“Teacher, can you help me with the questions I couldn’t get?”
“Mom and Dad, can you teach me how to save for this?”
Step 4: Practice, Practice, Practice
It can take more than 21 days to build a new habit. Stick with your plan every day! Once something becomes a habit, it gets easier.
“I’ll come to class twice a week!”
“I’ll study for an hour before dinner all week.”
“I won’t buy candy because I want this game instead.”
Step 5: Always Review
If your plan is working, great! Keep going until you reach your goal. If it’s not working, it’s time to come up with a new plan — that’s part of the review process. It’s better to try something new than to force a plan that isn’t working.
“Am I getting stronger? I earned my next rank, so I’m closer to my Black Belt!”
“Is my grade improving? My homework score is higher!”
“If I save for one more week, I can buy my game!”
The Best Class Ever (And Why Every Class is Like This)
Everyone will have a different opinion on what makes the best karate class. Sometimes, this opinion will even change from day to day, but there are always five things that will be achieved in the best class. These five things help martial artists not only learn, but excel in their karate training.
Something Physical
Whether it be punches, kicks, pushups, or exercises, every class at Buzz Durkin’s Karate School will involve something active and physical. An active class is great for exercise as well as burning energy in our younger students. There are many other physical benefits to doing karate, as mentioned earlier in our Karate and Fitness blog post. The physical exercise gives a feeling of catharsis after a long day.
Something Abstract
Martial arts does not focus solely on the body. We teach our students about focus, self control, perseverance, and how they can use these skills outside of the dojo. In addition to their physical control, our students are able to achieve an important discipline of their mind and emotions. This helps students to feel more in control of themselves and the situations they find themselves in outside of the dojo.
Something Practical
It is crucial that our students know how to use their techniques in effective, practical ways. We teach our students not only how to apply their blocks and strikes, but how to analyze and adapt to different body types and different types of attacks. This builds confidence in students, so that they feel like they can take care of themselves in a bad situation. I hope that none of my students will ever be forced to use their karate to defend themselves, but I know that their martial arts training will help them make the best decisions during a dangerous situation.
A Sense of Accomplishment
A sense of accomplishment separates a good class from a great class. At Buzz Durkin’s Karate School, we strive to ensure that each student in class is able to achieve something they were not able to in their last class. Sometimes it may be something small, like being able to keep their hands up to protect themselves while throwing a kick. Other times, it may be something bigger, such as being able to complete a new technique without assistance from the instructor. Whatever the case may be, our students are able to achieve more with each class, and this helps to inspire them to do whatever they set their mind to.
A Sense of Completion
It is important to know that martial arts training is a journey, not a destination. There is no true completion, as there is always more to learn and improve on. When a student goes home, they feel like they have worked hard, had fun, and achieved progress in their training. This brings a feeling of success to the end of each class and has our students looking forward to the next time they can work out at the dojo. This sense of completion is what turns a great class at Buzz Durkin’s Karate School into the best class ever.
Stephanie Rodenhiser is a 4th Degree Black Belt at Buzz Durkin’s Karate School, having trained since she was eight years old. She teaches students of all ages and especially enjoys teaching kids and adults who work hard and develop great outlooks on life.
The Benefits of Being a Karate Mom
Did you know that many of our students are parents of children who study at our school? Here are some of the benefits that mothers of student’s have gained from their karate training.
Physical Development
Learning martial arts is a great way to stay in shape and learn how to defend yourself. Through training, a karate mom will become stronger, have better coordination, and even have more energy. At Buzz Durkin’s Karate School, we teach our students to have a balance of power and coordination in their karate. As they progress in their training our students find that they become stronger, better balanced, and recover faster from injuries.
Emotional Balance
It is becoming well known that karate is not just about punching and kicking. At Buzz Durkin’s Karate School, we strive to emphasize the importance of self control and patience necessary for martial artists. We find that our Karate Moms are some of the most hard working and positive students we encounter! They learn to be more confident in themselves and their abilities and become comfortable with being politely assertive. All of our students find that they will have a place to de-stress after a long day and can learn how to protect themselves and their loved ones.
One of our karate moms, Adrienne, is training to receive her black belt with her son Connor. She says that Uechi Ryu, “Has increased both mine and my son's self-confidence… Two years ago, he wouldn't have been able to get in front of a room of people… In addition to increased self-confidence and focus, Connor has learned more about respect, discipline, and social skills; skills that are needed in all aspects of life.”
Family Bonding
With the differences in ages and interests, it can sometimes be difficult for parents to connect with their children. Being able to share something with your kids can be great for bonding over something fun that everyone enjoys. If you and your children are practicing martial arts together, it can lead to a better understanding of your kids. This better understanding leads to an easier time helping them through hardships and challenges they may otherwise have decided to tackle alone.It’s often joked about how children would never be caught willingly hanging out with their parents. But practicing martial arts together builds a sense of trust and camaraderie that comes naturally. The trust that is built when working through challenges together is priceless. After seeing Mom following her dream and persevering through challenges, her kids will gain the confidence to follow their own dreams and will be less likely to give up at their first challenge. Kids will have more confidence in their parents, and more confidence in themselves.
One of our karate moms, Diana, received her blackbelt with her son Iain. She says that, “The commitment with which my son approached his karate was amazing! I watched as my son became stronger in body, more driven in school and inspired to help others. Iain’s enthusiasm was absolutely motivating. When my determination would waver, Iain was MY biggest cheerleader. We conquered many pain barriers together, physical ones, mental ones, and emotional ones.”
Stephanie Rodenhiser is a 4th Degree Black Belt at Buzz Durkin’s Karate School, having trained since she was eight years old. She teaches students of all ages and especially enjoys teaching kids and adults who work hard and develop great outlooks on life.
A Message From Buzz Durkin
I am happy to be writing to you and love keeping you part of our dojo family by letting you know what is going on.
This has been an exciting spring time for us. We recently (May 6th) had our annual Black Belt graduation and 150 students were elevated to their next rank from among all the Association dojo. Each dojo put on a demonstration, and they were all spectacular.
On May 5th, we had seminars conducted by George Mattson and our seniors. Over 80 Black Belts enjoyed the training and the overwhelming comradery. At 81 years of age, George Mattson still moves gracefully and his understanding and experience are second to none. He loved being with our students!
Our seniors, Judy Durkin, Leyn Burrows, Paul Trickett, and Neil Stone are preparing for their testing which will be held at SummerFest the first weekend in August. Check out how they are getting ready by watching their training videos on Youtube – Uechi Ryu Butokukai. I think you will enjoy them and hopefully become inspired.In our never-ending quest to improve out teaching skills, several weeks ago we conducted a multi-dojo STORM training session. We developed and practiced teaching skills and drills to make learning even more educational and fun.
Please try to attend our Adult Alumni Workout on Saturday, June 9 at 11:00. These workouts are always fun and a great time to reconnect with former classmates.
All the best,
Buzz Durkin
The Black Belt Graduation
This past weekend, Buzz Durkin’s Karate School and the Uechiryu Butokukai hosted a graduation for it’s black belt candidates. This is a momentous occasion in a martial artist’s career and is an achievement in hard work and determination. To all of our new black belts and to our next-rank black belts, congratulations! The black belt graduation celebrates and honors the hard work and dedication these martial artists have put forth. There were demonstrations from multiple dojos participating in showcasing the skills and techniques of their individual students.
Earning a black belt in any style of martial arts is a huge achievement in perseverance. The process of earning a black belt differs by the style of martial arts and the school that teaches it, but martial artists must have determination to reach their goal of black belt. At Buzz Durkin’s Karate School, it takes years of dedicated training and hard work before a student can earn their black belt. We strive to teach our martial arts to show excellent self control and determination.
High-ranking black belts fondly refer to the first degree of black belt as a stepping stone. The martial artist is now a serious student. There is still so much to learn and to perfect and a person could spend a lifetime mastering Uechi Ryu. Enjoy the journey as you progress.
Karate Instills Integrity and Honesty
Honesty is an important virtue for martial artists. They strive to say what they believe and treat others respectfully and straightforwardly. This sense of integrity helps to build trust and friendship with those they train with, including instructors, peers, and high-ranking students. Their strong moral standing also builds trust with those they interact with outside the dojo, such as colleagues, friends, and family.
Just as martial artists should be honest with others, they must be honest with themselves as well. If you know you have an injury or a physical limitation, do not push yourself to the point of hurting yourself or becoming unsafe. Or if you know you have not worked as hard as you could have, admit it and work harder next time. Honesty with yourself is crucial for improving yourself and your martial arts.
If you can admit your shortcomings or mistakes, you are able to learn from them and even begin to avoid making those mistakes in the first place. This skill is important for training in the dojo and living outside it, but it can only be accomplished by having integrity. Admitting your shortcomings is important, but so is acknowledging your successes. If you have successfully learned a difficult technique, you should give yourself a pat on the back and feel proud of what you have accomplished.
Children who are martial artists should strive to be as honest as the adult martial artists. It is common in children to focus on their positives and forget about what they must work on. Children who study martial arts at Buzz Durkin’s Karate School are exposed to an atmosphere where honesty is the best policy, and it is expected that they will be truthful in return. They will learn to be honest with themselves and with others through their training. When they grow up, they will have an important understanding of what it means to have integrity.
Stephanie Rodenhiser is a 4th Degree Black Belt at Buzz Durkin’s Karate School, having trained since she was eight years old. She teaches students of all ages and especially enjoys teaching kids and adults who work hard and develop great outlooks on life.
The Karate Dojo
A dojo is a place of learning. Every martial arts school will focus on something different, but at Buzz Durkin’s Karate School, we strive to have a productive and cooperative atmosphere.
The word dojo translates to mean way place. The general understanding of this definition is that the dojo is a place where the way of karate is studied and practiced. Practice is not only based upon physical development, but also mental and spiritual development. Every martial artist’s reason for practicing karate may be unique, but though training in the way of karate each student will better their discipline, concentration, compassion and understanding of themselves and others.
The dojo is a place where you can leave your worries and frustrations at the door. You can clear your head and enjoy a positive learning experience. In the dojo, classes are active and focus on a variety of methods of improvement, from exercise to practical application of technique. Instructors and peers help you and learn alongside you. There is a camaraderie in the class as everyone works to further their training together. This constructive and supportive atmosphere creates a unique community in the dojo. At the end of class, frustrations and stress are often eased and a sense of accomplishment is gained. After a karate class, students leave feeling recharged and ready to face the next day.
Stephanie Rodenhiser is a 4th Degree Black Belt at Buzz Durkin’s Karate School, having trained since she was eight years old. She teaches students of all ages and especially enjoys teaching kids and adults who work hard and develop great outlooks on life.
Why I Love to Teach
As an instructor, I love to help my students reach their goals and hone their skills. Seeing them improve and surpass their own expectations is very rewarding. When teaching martial arts, I want to help my students become better trained to defend themselves. I hope they never find themselves in a physical confrontation, but I am honored to prepare them for such a situation. Seeing my students’ growth as martial artists and as people reminds me why I love to teach. My favorite moments of teaching are those ‘aha!’ moments, where a technique a student has had difficulty with finally clicks with them.
Though the physical techniques are important (I am a stickler for good form), I also focus on teaching the emotional side of martial arts. Enthusiasm and a positive attitude are very important, but I also expect good self-control from my students. This self-control develops with training and is amplified through the support and instruction of the teachers at the dojo and the parents at home. I strive to help my students find confidence and patience with themselves, as this will give them the emotional skills they need to succeed.
“Who dares to teach must never cease to learn.”
John Cotton Dana I learned a very important lesson when I first began teaching. I needed to know my own martial arts inside and out to be able to fully explain it to those I was teaching. I had to reexamine my techniques for those I was teaching. When I started doing this, I found that my martial arts began improving faster than it ever had before. I was no longer improving for my own sake, I was improving to better help others learn. This has a very powerful impact on how I view myself and my abilities. The sense of responsibility towards my students adds a new layer of appreciation of my karate.
Stephanie Rodenhiser is a 4th Degree Black Belt at Buzz Durkin’s Karate School, having trained since she was eight years old. She teaches students of all ages and especially enjoys teaching kids and adults who work hard and develop great outlooks on life.
Five Ways Karate Improves Fitness
Strength
Karate is an excellent way to build strength. Even without lifting weights, a student will naturally gain muscle through practicing their karate. Working with a peer or a higher-ranked martial artist is also a great way to get stronger. Their advice and experience will improve your form, which will pave the way for increasing power and strength.
Flexibility
Martial arts will focus on stretching to improve the effectiveness of your kicks and strikes. Stretching improves balance and can often ease joint and muscle pain. Being more flexible will increase your overall fitness and allow you to perform day-to-day activities with greater ease.
Energy Level
Karate will increase your day-to-day energy level. As a karate student progresses with their training, they will become accustomed to the pace of class and naturally begin to build better endurance. Soon, they can practice more techniques without becoming as tired as they once did. This leads to more energy in their lives outside of the dojo as well. For kids, the dojo is a fantastic place to burn off extra energy in a productive, healthy manner that does not involve bothering their siblings or parents.
Coordination
Karate greatly improves hand-eye coordination. With training students become familiarized with how their body moves and what it is capable of. This understanding of how their body works soon progresses to furthering their skills and reaction speed. Before long, the student will find that they are better coordinated and better able to block strikes they would not have been able to when first starting. For kids, this is very important, as their bodies are constantly growing and changing. The coordination gained will help them inside and outside of the dojo.
Long-Term Health
Karate practice has positive long-term effects on health and fitness, which leads to a happier and healthier life. With proper training, karate students are less likely to suffer from common age-related injuries. When they do become injured many students report that they are able to recover much quicker than if they were not training. I have met many older martial artists that report that karate has improved their fitness so much that they feel twenty years younger than they did before they started.
Stephanie Rodenhiser is a 4th Degree Black Belt at Buzz Durkin’s Karate School, having trained since she was eight years old. She teaches students of all ages and especially enjoys teaching kids and adults who work hard and develop great outlooks on life.
5 Reasons to Start Karate Today
Exercise
Working out in class is a great way to exercise and reduce stress. Through training, a martial arts student can build more strength and power. Over time, a student’s stamina will improve, which will increase their base energy level. For those who already have good power and endurance, karate also improves flexibility, which can help to minimize joint pain. Karate is something practical that can improve both short-term and long-term health.
Self-Defense
A martial arts student will develop an awareness of what is around them and how to best use it to his or her advantage. This awareness is the first step to avoiding a physical confrontation, and the part of developing is confidence in oneself. Karate is excellent at building confidence and assertiveness, which is crucial when standing up for yourself. Finally, karate teaches the techniques and skills necessary to defend yourself in a physical confrontation.
Personal Connections
Karate can improve the social skills of a person. When in class, students not only work with their instructor, but also with their peers. Meeting people who share a passion with you can be an excellent way to make new friends. These people will also come from varying backgrounds and social niches and their new perspectives can be very valuable. With younger students especially, karate is an excellent way to develop teamwork.
Family Activity
Buzz Durkin’s Karate School has a very family-oriented atmosphere, which has the benefit making everyone feel connected and part of something bigger than themselves. Kids enjoy having fun and learning with their family while the adults enjoy getting stronger and seeing their family become closer. Even siblings who do not get along well have found a new appreciation of each other when practicing martial arts. When an entire family practices karate together, they share a passion that everyone can appreciate.
Learn Something New
There are a million excuses to avoid going out and doing something new; however, learning martial arts should not be avoided. It may take you out of your comfort zone – but that is a good thing! The new skills you have learned will make you more confident with meeting new people, speaking in front of strangers, and standing up for yourself. Start karate today and see how it will help you mentally, physically, emotionally, and even spiritually.
Stephanie Rodenhiser is a 4th Degree Black Belt at Buzz Durkin’s Karate School, having trained since she was eight years old. She teaches students of all ages and especially enjoys teaching kids and adults who work hard and develop great outlooks on life.
The Importance of Martial Awareness
Development of awareness is crucial for a martial artist. That is because awareness of ourselves, others, and our environment is the first step in self-defense. By developing a keen sense of awareness, a student of the martial arts will be better equipped to defend themselves, more able to understand the actions and emotions of others, and will have a better understanding of him or herself. Using constant awareness, a karate student is better prepared to acknowledge and handle threats before they occur. That being said, karate should only be used as a last resort, when avoidance is impossible and talking things out will not work.
Awareness of your environment is incredibly important. A busy environment, such as a mall can be a place where you may find safety in numbers, but it can also be a place of distraction with so many people. A quiet environment, such as an abandoned park can be dangerous when no one is around if there is trouble, but it is also much easier to see someone coming when there is no one else around. It is important to know the strengths and weaknesses of your surroundings and how to work with your environment.
Just as it is important to be aware of our surroundings, it is important to be aware of other people. If you know the strengths and weaknesses of other people, you will be better prepared to defend yourself. If a small person needed to defend themselves against a larger, more muscular opponent, they would have to look for their opponent’s weaknesses. Knowing the limits of other people can also help in self-defense. If an opponent does not have stamina, it may be easier to outrun them and get to safety than to stay and fight.
When someone is self-aware, they know their own strengths and weakness. A muscular man might know that he has strength and endurance, but that his balance is lacking. A slender woman could be aware that she has speed and accuracy, but that her power is lacking. Every individual has their own unique strengths and weaknesses and it is important to know what you are good at and what weaknesses you need to work around. This way they will not only be better prepared to defend themselves, but will also have a better idea of where to improve in their training.
Stephanie Rodenhiser is a 4th Degree Black Belt at Buzz Durkin’s Karate School, having trained since she was eight years old. She teaches students of all ages and especially enjoys teaching kids and adults who work hard and develop great outlooks on life.
Why I Train
People practice martial arts for many different reasons. Personally, I have two primary motivations for training; improving myself and to more effectively help others train.
I am an instructor at Buzz Durkin’s Karate School and I teach children, teens, and adults Uechiryu karate. When I am teaching someone, I strive to help them improve their karate and get stronger. It is unbelievably rewarding to see the transformation in my students from shy or uncertain to confident and assertive. I can only do this if I keep up with my own training and self-improvement.
Though I train to better my skills at teaching, I also train to improve my own karate. It is always a moment of success when I learn a more effective way of performing a certain technique or find a more practical approach to a series of techniques. When training at Buzz Durkin’s Karate School, I work alongside people I would never have a chance to meet in other circumstances. I have trained with judges and police officers, school teachers and stay-at-home moms, and everything in between. All these people have a unique perspective to offer – and I value their friendships.
Even after a dozen years of practice, I still strive to further my training and continue learning new things each class. I have learned many helpful things from my martial arts training, but I have also learned important new skills through working with people of such varied experiences. I have achieved a better self confidence through my martial arts training and it has helped me at the dojo, at school, and at home. My interpersonal abilities to meet and interact with different types of people have improved beyond what I ever imagined. Karate has better prepared me for my future.
Stephanie Rodenhiser is a 4th Degree Black Belt at Buzz Durkin’s Karate School, having trained since she was eight years old. She teaches students of all ages and especially enjoys teaching kids and adults who work hard and develop great outlooks on life.
Three Reasons Families Should Practice Karate Together
Three Reasons Families Should Practice Karate Together
We talk a lot about the benefits of individual karate practice, but one thing we have not touched upon is how many families study at the dojo. It’s not just siblings – many of parents are getting involved too! Students love their training so much that they pass it on to their children and to their grandchildren. Here are three reasons why.
1. Sharing a Common Interest
When a family practices karate together they can enjoy a similar interest that everyone can do together. This promotes a strong, positive bond. Family members learn to appreciate each other’s different perspective on what they learn in class – gaining a respect for the opinions of others.
2. Learning to Get Along
I was watching a brother and sister practicing the other day and something dawned on me: When they first started training they wouldn’t even stand next to each other in line, and now they are working together and giving each other tips on how to improve! The discipline, compassion, and gratitude learn in the dojo certainly go a long way in improve the relationship between family members – as does knowing that someone is going through the same challenges that you are.
3. Everyone Shares the Benefits
The best thing about practicing karate as a family is how everyone helps each other get better. Not only is this how a family should work – it’s how a dojo should work too. Every person shares the benefits of training. Every person gets in better shape from an awesome workout. Every person gains better focus and confidence. And every person learns a skill that could someday save their lives or a loved one’s. Every student who walks through the doors of a dojo learns to help others and learns to help each other grow as a family.
Why Women Should Train in the Martial Arts
More women than ever before have begun learning how to defend themselves through the martial arts. Gone are the stereotypes of woman as weak, dependent, and helpless. Today’s woman is stronger, more independent, and more proactive in achieving her goals – many thanks to their training.The reason women begin practicing martial arts will vary. Some want a good work out, others want to learn practical ways to protect themselves, and other women will want a place to relieve their stress and frustration. They all will find physical benefits such as increased flexibility and strength as well as decreased joint pain and stress.
Many women continue martial arts for the emotional benefits as well as the physical benefits. Women who begin practicing martial arts find that they become more positive in their mentality and their attitude as well as experiencing better confidence and improved self-esteem. With a solid foundation of confidence, women find that they are more comfortable asserting themselves. Not only is this crucial when it comes to self-defense, it is also incredibly beneficial in day-to-day life.
The knowledge of how to defend oneself can be freeing for a woman. As a woman who personally has benefited from training in the martial arts – I recommend every female give it a try.
Stephanie Rodenhiser is a 4th Degree Black Belt at Buzz Durkin’s Karate School, having trained since she was eight years old. She teaches students of all ages and especially enjoys teaching kids and adults who work hard and develop great outlooks on life.
Why Girls Need Martial Arts - It's Not Only Self-Defense!
All girls, no matter what age, should give martial arts a try. While there are some misconceptions that martial arts is about violence, girls who begin learning martial arts find that they are encouraged to be assertive, not aggressive. They learn to work together with other children their age and make new friends. Girls can get stronger and have fun exercising, as well as learn focus and self-control. The focus they learn from practicing martial arts can be applied in all aspects of their lives including school, hobbies, and at home.
Women who started practicing karate as children are shown to be more confident, assertive, and have better self-esteem. They grow up in a positive learning environment that encourages them to speak up and be themselves. The confidence that this brings makes them better equipped to defend themselves verbally and physically. With their training, they are better informed as to how to avoid a dangerous situation in the first place.
I started my martial arts training at the age of eight at Buzz Durkin’s Karate School. I was nervous and shy, but the instructors helped me to see my own potential. They helped me build the confidence and ability to achieve my goals and to believe in myself. I had never dreamed of getting a blackbelt before, but with their guidance, not only did I achieve black belt, I continued up through the ranks. I learned how to defend myself, but I also learned how to persevere, how to believe in myself, and how to help others discover their own potential.
Stephanie Rodenhiser is a 4th Degree Black Belt at Buzz Durkin’s Karate School, having trained since she was eight years old. She teaches students of all ages and especially enjoys teaching kids and adults who work hard and develop great outlooks on life.
An Update from Sensei Durkin
To all students, parents, alumni, and dojo family,
I hope you are having a great start to the New Year. Things here at the dojo have been very busy, but all in a good way.
Our Black Belt testing cycle is in full bloom and we have 148 students in the Butokukai testing for advanced Black Belt ranks. The Graduation this year will be held May 6th at the Performing Arts Center at Timberlane High School. If you haven’t attended a graduation recently, please make it this year. We are planning a great show as we continue to celebrate our Uechi Ryu.
We recently sponsored a Blood Drive for the American Red Cross and it was an overwhelming success. The Red Cross personnel were amazed at the amount of contributions they received and the attitude of our donors. The Red Cross director said, “it was the nicest group of donors I have ever worked with.” As in the past, our student body continues to be supportive, contributing members of our community.
On March 16th, we are having a very special event at the school and I would encourage you to attend. We will be teaching “Five Self-Defense Techniques Every Person Should Know.” This class will be followed by a wine tasting sponsored by the Prime Butcher in Hampstead. I strongly encourage you to bring your spouse, friend, and/or significant other to this event. Participants will learn valuable life skills and also enjoy a relaxing night of wine sampling and cheese. Just call or email the dojo to let us know you will be coming and we will reserve your spaces.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Buzz Durkin