Written by Kusanku & kata @ 7100′
A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to spend a week up at our family cabin; I immensely enjoyed the solitude, filling my lungs with the alpine air while getting some kata practice in on the cabin deck. A few chipmunks seemed to watch with interest, as did a Blue Jay that loves to hang out in one of the pine trees right next to the deck.
During my 6-day solo stay I was able to get in a few hours of kata practice though I must admit I was a bit tired from doing kata at altitude (and with attitude, too)! But the challenge of it and the additional practice I gained was well-worth the effort. These actions paired with the splendor of the surrounding wilderness and mountain’s visible in the distance also made it a somewhat spiritual experience as well.
I am grateful for having these moments and what training in our dojo (and on a cabin deck) and karate has brought to me and my life; the challenges of training, the mindset to learn and the ongoing physical and mental growth I derive from being a black-belt candidate.