I do karate. I've been doing it for years and years. THANKS, MOM, for enrolling me in that first class back when I was six or seven.
But some day, it will all be over. I'll take off my gi and black belt for the last time, and collapse into the rocking chair on the porch — with a knowing smile on my face. Thinking back on my martial arts journey, perhaps flipping through an old photo album, I'll remember all the years of tough training, belt examinations, and tournaments. The long trips, triumphs, defeats, and injuries, too. Ahh, the good ol' days...
But more than any of that, I'll remember my friends — my teachers, dojo mates, and students — who took the journey with me, and helped me to grow.
The martial arts are more than just knife hand chops. Everybody knows that. But it's only "really" true if we make it so through our words, thinking, and acting. The martial arts have the power to transform us, but only if we're actively — and constantly — looking for the "other" lessons. I've come to realize that it doesn't really matter what you "do." It's about what you do WITH what you do that matters.
I do karate. Your particular vehicle could be yoga, or African dance, or music, or golf, NASCAR, basket weaving, or ... whatever. I've come to realize that in the end, it doesn't really matter what we're doing — if we seek deeper meaning, value, contribution, and transformation, we will eventually find it. So, where does "your thing" take you?
Today, I can't help but wonder, "What is my 'karate legacy' going to be?" While I've certainly thrown a lot of kicks and punches, the story doesn't end there. (Actually, the story only starts with the physical stuff... it loses its importance eventually!) Karate has connected me to community, to teamwork, to self-knowledge, to making a difference in the world and in people's lives.
I do karate. But, when I'm done with all of this... When I've thrown that last roundhouse kick… When I finally bow into the Big Dojo In The Sky... What will it all MEAN? Will people remember me for my kata performances, board breaking ability, or my side kick?
Geez, I really hope not.
