Internship

「空手に先手なし。」

"There is no first move in Karate."

For my internship, I chose to talk about Wado Kai Karate. I have been taking these Karate classes consistently ever since the summer of 2018, and originally it was because I needed something to do for ACLC’s Independent P.E. program, which was required. Throughout our sessions in spring, fall, and winter throughout these years, I would take the class twice a week for two hours each class, or four hours every week.

When I started, I admit that I was quite puny. I was pale, weak, and experiencing physical and mental consequences from not exercising as much as a normal person should. However, as I progressed through the classes, I progressively got physically and mentally stronger, as well as more agile and dexterous. My health improved drastically as well! In the class, I learned many Japanese martial arts techniques that are used in fighting and self-defense, as well as moves that are only exclusive to the art of Karate and nothing else. I also learned much about Japan, Japanese culture and language, and the history of Karate as a whole.

In these classes, I believe I’ve done my best to learn the content that was in it. My sensei was impressed by my ability to learn new moves very quickly, as well as being able to memorize Kata (different sets of moves) well. I was also shown to have lots of discipline and respect for others. When I passed my blue belt test, I was also awarded a special gift for representing all four principles of Karate: Heart, Focus, Strength, and Speed. I might remember my Sensei telling me that he was impressed by my skills, and that he, along with his assistants, had carefully chosen me as one to receive such an award.

I currently own a green belt in the class. Though belt colors by level vary by each dojo, in our dojo a green belt is the 5th level (gokyu) and is equivalent to 3 - 4 years in training. As much as I want to practice more, I am currently taking a break in Karate classes due to my studies and my current health conditions.

I am proud of myself for learning in this class because of the positive effects that being in this class has brought me. Being stronger, flexible, and sharper than I ever was before is very rewarding, and wanting to be better than you were yesterday makes it worth it.

My current certificate in the Wadokai Karatedo Federation.

First starting Karate in 2018

The reward I received in 2019 for representing the four principles of Karate: Heart, Focus, Strength, and Speed.

Logs

These logs are excerpts from reflections I had to write for Independent P.E. from 2018 to 2020. I discussed my Karate classes in them to show my P.E. facilitator what I'm doing so that I stay in shape.

December 18, 2018

"Throughout the 3 months I spent in Karate class, I have made many small accomplishments, such as learning how to fight with just your hands and legs and making new friends. However, a big accomplishment I have made in the class is that I recently went up one level, from White Belt (beginner) to Yellow Belt, in just 3 months. ... I got stronger, my reaction time got slightly quicker, and I think I also got a little more flexible. I also learned more of discipline, because students in these kind of classes are required to learn discipline. Lastly, my physical health improved as well, seeing that I currently feel less like 'I’m gonna die soon' compared to when I started, and I feel more of 'I’m alive,' and it made me think that exercising is, in fact, important for your health."

May 26, 2019

"From the beginning of 2nd semester to now, Karate has improved some of my physical health. It made me stronger, more flexible, and faster in reaction time. It also improved some of my mood and sleep quality now that I’m at least exercising at my own pace. Recently, I have also received my Orange Belt and certificate, meaning I get to learn more advanced material. Overall, I believe I have achieved new things and most of the the goals that I have set for myself since the end of the fall semester.
My instructor for the class, who the students refer to as the Sensei (先生), was very thorough in explaining how to do certain moves such as punches, kicks, and blocks, and allows us to practice doing those moves with him. Whenever one of us would make a mistake in these moves, he would help us in correcting it so that we learn the proper ways and stances of the moves. He also teaches us vocabulary, commands, and phrases that are supposed to be used in Wado Kai Karate, all in Japanese."

December 13, 2019

"...I also struggled in Karate classes, as it is a requirement for me, a past Orange Belt, to memorize several Kata (型, a specific series of moves used against imaginary enemies) and several new moves. But now, I believe I’ve memorized all the required Kata and moves in order to pass on to Blue Belt.

Some goals that I have in the future for 2nd Semester is that I would continue my Wado Kai Karate classes. I cannot pass on to another belt since the time frame for practice gets longer for each belt, so now I have to take an entire year to pass from Blue Belt to Green Belt, but I have to work hard to at least get the credit."

January 6, 2020

"Unlike previous belts, where I would get a belt every half-year, this time, for the Blue Belt and beyond, I have to complete a full year in order to obtain the next belt, the Green Belt. I don’t plan on stopping until I get to achieve the Green Belt, because I feel that there are many important things to learn in order to get it, such as new techniques, blocks, and Kata, seeing that the time frame of practice has changed. I also want to continue because it is fun, it has improved my agility, strength, confidence, and overall health, and I still want these areas to grow so that I could use these abilities in the future, if needed.
In contrast with traditional high school P.E. classes, these classes usually focus on health and activities such as sports, and sometimes focus on hand-eye coordination, core strength, speed, and more. Karate does offer similar exercises, but it also works on flexibility, stamina, endurance, self-defense, and strength; essentially utilizing your body to be your weapon."