MY FIRST DAY AT TRAINING - MY PASSION FOR SHOTOKAN KARATE 2

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Memories last forever, passion drives ambitions, goals are achievable only if we strive. My fist day at Uniyo Shotokan Club was a memorable one, I was excited to join up with young persons and be subjected to training sessions meant to model me into a martial artist. My passion for the art was strong, enthusiastically I was careful to take with me training wears, at this point a white T-shirt and a track suit. I took with my a note book to write out different demonstrations, katas, kicks, blocks, stands and movements as shotokan karate uses Japanese language where the sport originates. My spirit was high my drive and desire was huge, I was highly motivated to learn, I was conservative and proactive this was the only way I could escape some punishments even as a new member.

Few steps into the mini-stadium and a little walk closes to the dojo, there was a call "start running from there" the class provost shouted. 'Pascal' has to run or face punishments, every lacy trainee was punished,nonchalant attitudes were unacceptable, push ups and other tedious were used to shape trainees, this did shape our minds. We ran till we got to the dojo, of course the last person had to give the instructor 20 pushups, I was asked to change up at once, thereafter I we took some exercises to articulate our systems before joining the training.

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As a new trainee, I was made to join a class where I could learn the basic fundamentals of shotokan karate. Having brought with me writing materials I was able to write so I wouldn't forget that which I was taught. I noticed the instructor did not rush into the art but took time to impact our psychological view and orintate us on characteristics and attitudinal conformity expected of every trainee. Our mental perspective and general view point were made to alien with expectations and requirements,this session wasn't a fromarlity, we were carefully monitored and checked for compliance every training day.

Dojo Kun

The Dojo Kun is a creed every Karater must memorize, recite, practise and imbibe, and they are:

1. I will strive for the Perfection of Character
2. I will defend the Path of Truth
3. I will forster the Spirit of Effort
4. I will honor the Principles of Etiquette
5. I will guide against impetuous courage

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This creed was to reflect in our characters and attitudes towards Karate and basic life in general, because there were very many fallacy and pseudo ideology surrounding Shotokan Karate and martial art in general. I couldn't ask for more, very many things changed months after my first day at the club. Aside the creed, we did many more before rounding off the days' session. I was taught the basic words, terms and their meaning. these words cuts cross basic call for attention to basic actions in blocks, kicks, punches and others. It wasn't all rosy, my shoulders hurt, my legs tired as I learn to punch, block and kick. My love for Karate was tested when I was made to split, I must confess that it was very painful but my passion for martial art swallowed it.

After hour of rigorous training, the Presiding Black Belter called for a joint session which lasted for about 30 minutes before announcements and thereafter benediction. Every training session ended the the Dojo Kun recitation and the days training session was not an exception.

Many thanks to @uyobong.sports for encouraging my writing,
I hope I can be a writer as good as he is, till I write you again sharing my passion for sport