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KYOKUSHIN
WOMEN
Why I train
in
Kyokushin Karate?
From the
event program of
the Vancouver Cup 2005 |
 
Michelle Hignell
Green Belt / 5 Years of Experience
It never fails, people
are astounded to learn I practice Kyokushin karate. Yes, skinny,
female me does a contact sport. Learning the weak points and
realistically sparring is awesome self-defense training. The
strength, flexibility, coordination and cardio fitness I've achieved
couldn't have been possible without my fellow club members
motivating me. In every class it's apparent that I'm learning an art
that has been passed down for generations, by people that have
dedicated their lives to it. My reasons for practicing have changed
over the years, and I hope I continue to find new motivations. As a
woman, and especially now as a higher belt, my contributions make a
difference to the club. |
Debbie Tyacke
Green Belt / 5 Years of Experience
I train in Kyokushin Karate
for great workouts, self defense and a feeling of community.
Training that pushes me physically as well as mentally as I strive
to improve what I've learned over the years to achieve my personal
goals. In the beginning I was unsure if full contact karate
was right for me but knowing that I can defend myself if needed and
not just in theory is very important to me. I enjoy training
with people that want to be there as much as I do and really like
how we all support each other. |
Azy Behnam
Blue Belt / 3
Years of Experience
I have trained in several types of martial arts over the last
fifteen years, none of which truly captured my interest. About three
years ago, I was determined to start a sport in which I could
challenge both my physical and mental strengths. In addition to this
challenge I discovered a martial art rich in culture, history and
tradition. Kyokushin is a truly unique, invigorating and passionate
way of life. I have met an amazing array of people, whose unwavering
dedication has been a true inspiration. As a woman, I also greatly
appreciate the confidence Kyokushin Karate has instilled within me. |
Chi Hsi
Green Belt / 4 Years of Experience
The martial art I started with, at the age of 9, did not include any
contact fighting, only Forms. I have always wanted to fight in
competitions but could not learn with the style I was in. I joined
Kyokushin when I was 12. Enduring the training each class and
techniques made with force and focus, getting up the next day is
tiring but well worth it. I have gained more confidence from the
friendships of my fellow classmates. Training in Kyokushin Karate
has helped me build more endurance, speed, strength and improving my
techniques. I know I can improve much more, with the spirit of
Kyokushin. |
Esther Nathe
Green Belt / 4 Years of Experience
About fours years ago, I wanted to try out a martial art just simply
to learn some self defense. I randomly chose Kyokushin, not knowing
what to expect. But within the first couple weeks of classes, I
realized Kyokushin wasn't simply learning a few self defense moves
here and there. I was completely hooked. I love every aspect of
Kyokushin from the physical and mental challenges and full contact
fighting, to the katas and the self-confidence and discipline that
it gives me. As well, I have developed many friendships and am
motivated by the people I train with. |
Adrianna Teoh
Green Belt / 4 Years of Experience
Ever since I was a little girl, my favorite TV show was 'Walker
Texas Ranger'. I became more interested in learning martial arts. I
figured that I would try something new, then one day I looked
through the Killarney Community Centre brochure and found Kyokushin
Karate. I joined and I started to really enjoy it. Over the years,
It helped me build my confidence and self esteem and I had the
opportunity to meet new people that shared the same interest and
hobbies. It has given me self discipline and being apart of
Kyokushin Karate has been a great experience for me. |
Lalena Desautels
Blue
Belt / 2Years of Experience
Two years ago I was
introduced to Kyokushin Karate and honestly didn't know a lot about
the style but I was quickly captivated by everything it had to
offer. Kyokushin pushes me, both physically and mentally to achieve
things that I never believed I'd be capable of. It gives me focus
and continues to give me the confidence to work hard at the things
that are important, even if it is a difficult journey. The values I
learn in my training I also apply to my personal life and it has
strengthened me. The friends and people I have met have been
inspirational and I value the camaraderie. For these reasons I take
great pride training in Kyokushin Karate. |
Wynne Li,
Blue Belt / 3 Years of Experience
I was never really interested
in karate to begin with, however, my cousin joined Kyokushin karate
and dragged me along with her. I was not happy about that, but
somehow, I gradually grew to enjoy taking the karate lessons. I've
met quite a lot of people through karate, and they quickly became my
friends. Everybody seems so nice there, and it's very easy to talk
to the people there. It's easier to talk to the people there than at
school or elsewhere. Maybe it's because we share the same interest
and goal - to push ourselves so we can earn that black belt, and
wear it proudly and confidently. |
Selena Zhing,
Yellow Belt / 3 Years
of Experience
I've always wanted to learn a type of martial arts ever since I was
a kid, however, I never had the opportunity to. When I found out
that several of my friends were training in Kyokushin karate, I
decided that I would join with them. It was quite hard at first, but
gradually, my body accepted the arduous training
without as much complaint as before. There were times when I wanted
to give up, but I never did. I didn't want to be a loser. I was
already a loser when it came to self-confidence, but somehow,
Kyokushin karate placed in me a confidence I never had before, and
for that I am grateful, for that confidence will help me greatly in
life.
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Cassandra Savage
Blue Belt /
3Years of Experience
I attended the 2001 Vancouver Cup
to support a friend who was competing in the event. Although
competitive fighting didn't appeal to me, there was a strong sense
of community, camaraderie and general well-being in the gym that
year and I knew right away I wanted to be part of it. A month later
I joined the club and it's become an important part of my life. It's
important to me to live a balanced life and I believe Kyokushin
karate promotes balance. Karate is a great way to stay physically
fit but it's also a way to build mental and spiritual strength. It's
a way to achieve personal goals through belt tests and competitions
but it also promotes a sense of community and respect for the whole
group. |
Katrina Michelle
Black
Belt / 17 Years of Experience
When I first started training Kyokushin, I was nine years old and it
was a challenge! I was not very coordinated, flexible or athletic. I
couldn't do simple blocks or even touch my toes. It was also very
frustrating for me, because it came very easily for my brother and
sister. However, I had a great instructor who guided me along the
way, kept encouraging me, and after a few months I was hooked.
For me, it became about far more than
just going to a class to get some exercise. It became about
challenging myself and pushing myself beyond what I thought I was
capable of. I started to get more flexible and certainly a lot more
coordinated. I built confidence both inside and outside the dojo and
over time, I set my sights on getting a black belt.
I had known for a long time that
Kyokushin Karate was far more than just a "sport" that you did once
or twice a week. It really did become a way of life, that the
lessons you learned in class also applied to the world outside. When
I got my black belt, I also recognized that the commitment you have
also becomes more about others than yourself. The only way that
Kyokushin will stay vibrant is having good instructors to pass that
information on to students. That those students will then become
teachers and pass it on to the next generation and so on it goes Osu!
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Marina Roudenskaia
Green Belt / 5 Years of Experience
I train in Kyokushin Karate
because it helps to relieve stress I feel from everyday life. It
also brings me self-esteem. I really enjoy training with people in
my class and appreciate our sensei's efforts in teaching us. Through
his instruction, I've learned Karate is not merely a sport, it is an
Art. It trains my mind and keeps my body in shape. It helps me to
engage in a process of self-exploration and spiritual growth.
Training Karate also teaches me how to overcome the fear, fatigue
and distraction that I experience in the real life. Since I joined
the downtown dojo, it has kept me go through my life more easily and
confidently! |
Bronwen Mosher
Orange Belt / 1 Year of Experience
For me, motivation to
train in Kyokushin begins at the physical level but extends well
beyond that. I am definitely seeing myself get stronger and gain
stamina, but I also feel a new commitment to myself. My Sensei has
taught me to push beyond where I believe the limit of my endurance
is, and to create a new limit every day. I am learning that
anything is possible with patience, persistence, and a whole lot of
effort. The focus that I have found and the pride which I take in
every kihon I execute has spilled over into all areas of my life.
Kyokushin makes me a better person, inside and out. My motivation
to train in Kyokushin is a reflection of my desire to live the best
possible life that I can. Osu! |
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