(Diary note, rewritten here)
23rd Sep, 2024.
Today I formally heard that I had cleared my Black Belt exam (though, from the expressions of the examiner on 19th, I had made out that I will get through 🙂
I feel elated beyond measure. This was the conclusion of 7 years of effort, or remaining committed, of hundreds of early-mornings, of thousands of punches and kicks, of endless drops of sweat (thankfully, no blood!), of fun times with new friends I’d meet in every new batch and session.
During dinner, my father asked me this question – so Anya, how do you think Karate has impacted your life ?
I knew exactly how – and was quick to answer. Karate helped me learn discipline – our coach ensured that every min of delay costed dearly in additional rounds of running & stairs as punishment – and we learn to be always 5-min before time.
It helped me develop focus. While practising fights – if we get distracted even for a second, we’re done for.
It developed my inner strength as much as my outer strength and stamina.
I gained appreciation for value of perfection. We had to learn to hold our positions like squat down to perfect form and posture. Any weakness there would mean losing to the opponent.
Karate also taught self-control and restraint. We had to learn to be able to punch or kick perfectly, but be able to hold so as to not hurt the opponent.
But, beyond everything else, it gave me self-confidence. And this is what I valued the most. It gave me a sense of security – something I would otherwise only feel with my parents. I was able to visit various places, pursue many activities – without someone to accompany me all the time – something I could never think of when I was younger and so timid.