Written by “A true friend doesn’t have guts; they beat you up and later plead with you to beat them back.”
― Michael Bassey Johnson
Today I am going to write about friendship and camaraderie. I believe both of these are interwoven and for me they have been a significant part of my karate training (and black belt) experience. In the dojo there are times we compete, yet through this competition we support and encourage one another and as such we ALL become better for it. Over the years I have formed some relatively tight bonds and outright friendship with several people I have had the privilege to train with in our dojo; one person I respect and admire who has pushed me as he pushes himself is Dirk-san. Since we have started our black-belt candidacy we have spent many hours together training, practicing kata, sparring, teaching class and in my case seeing an example in someone else that makes me want to push harder…be better. We have gotten to know one another and while our upbringing and earlier life experiences were very different, I feel we have a lot in common in respect our perspectives with the world around us, seeking to improve ourselves where we can (as fathers, martial artists, employees and citizens). We, as friends and training partners seeking a common goal, hold each other accountable.
Training in karate is on one hand a test of individual tenacity and mindset to overcome the multitude of things that often challenge many of us; fear, doubt, frustration and the ups and down of life itself. Competition can be both singular and within oneself and between us. But with this competition there is also a strong camaraderie in our dojo, training and pushing others to reach their full potential.
I value my friendship with Dirk-san and am every day very grateful to have this opportunity and learning experience by way of our Sensei, Mike Oliver. Without our Sensei and his teachings (not just the physical stuff, but the mental and spiritual aspects that are very much at the core of Isshinryu as a discipline), the experience and outcomes may not have been what they are, as they are, today. In other words, the camaraderie that is foundational to our dojo family and those that train, and the friendships that have blossomed are only because we have fertile soil, sun, water and nutrients (in a metaphorical sense) that allow us to thrive. Thank you, Sensei Oliver.
Dirk-san, thanks for being my friend and training partner. Today we added a few more miles on our black-belt 1,000 mile journey–I could not be more proud to be on this journey with you and our dojo family.
p.s. Dirk-san may be taller and has more facial hair, but no doubt who is better looking. Just saying.
That was a good ride, sir. Let’s do it again this weekend!