Karate Makes Me Happy

"Karate Makes Me Happy" by Dave Thomas, 8th Dan

AKS Assistant Chief Instructor

Some years ago, Mr. Lieb hosted a training seminar in which Master Tadashi Yamashita was the guest instructor.  The local media came to interview Sensei Yamashita, who at the time was making feature length movies and television shows.  During the course of his interview, he explained karate’s influence on his life and he summed it up by telling the reporter “Karate makes me happy.”  I found this statement elegant in its simplicity and profound in its depth of meaning.

Over the years, I have often pondered that statement and the depth of its implication.  The term “happy” is replete with definitions.  And there are many aspects in life, which can make us “happy.”  But for karate practitioners, I believe his assertion has special significance.

Endorphins - The first and most obvious form of elation in karate is through physical exercise.  When we work out, the brain releases endorphins, which heighten our sense of joy and exhilaration.  There have been times when I was too tired or had a bad day and I thought I would skip class, but reluctantly, I would go anyway.  I noticed that after class I always felt better both emotionally and physically.  I tell my students to come to class especially on the bad days, karate is great exercise and stress relief, and they will feel better by the end of class than before they came in.

Fraternity - In karate, those we train with often become our closest friends.  When we walk on the floor there are bows, handshakes and even hugs in tandem with warm greetings.  We have a bond of shared goals and experiences, which connects us as a very close-knit group.  I tell new students that if they will come to class and train hard they will be accepted as members of our AKS family; a family that supports and nurtures each member without exception.  This connection transcends time and distance, it is always exciting to meet or hear from a fellow AKS member even though months or years have passed.

Friends - I have seen strangers meet on the dojo floor and quickly become close friends.  Common interests, common goals, and shared experiences can make steadfast friends of us all.  Most of my closest friends are AKS students and Black Belts.  The security of having a true friend you can trust and confide in is immeasurable; they know you will be there for them as well.

Freedom from fear - I joined karate in my late teens, because I was tired of being afraid.  Fear of verbal threats that might escalate to physical assault is a painful way to live.  But as I trained, I gained the confidence in my skills and techniques, which diminished those fears.  Karate gave me the confidence to walk down the street and not have to look at each stranger as a potential threat.  The years of training took away the fear and replaced it with appropriate circumspection, and made me a more confident and a happier person.

Personal growth - When students join our class, we tell them that by training in karate they will learn self-discipline, improve their self-confidence and develop a better and more accurate self-image.  For the students that stay and train, this intrinsic personal growth follows the kicks, punches and katas.  It is practically unavoidable.  It is usually about green belt level when you can tell that this student actually begins to like himself or herself better as a person.  The growth and joy come from the accomplishment of learning the many aspects of martial arts.

Teaching – As students get the opportunity to teach beginners, almost always they tell me how much they enjoyed the opportunity to share their knowledge.  Instructing students perpetuates our style and helps us become better instructors.  It is very gratifying to watch a student execute precise movements, and personally rewarding to know we made a contribution to their learning values that will impact the rest of their lives.

Spiritual growth – As karatekas learn and grow, their personal and ethical beliefs often taken on deeper conviction.  With time, all of the attributes previously discussed strengthen their personal choices and values.  Because of their accomplishments in karate, they have the confidence to achieve whatever goals they may set for themselves.   Self-confidence and strength in principles are life-long qualities.  Long term, this may be the most important part of our contribution to our students.

I am sure there are more elements of happiness than I have listed here, but Sensei Yamashita said it best “Karate makes me happy.”