| Press
Karate and
Me As soon as I entered the program, I knew that it was something special. The fact that I had to write a letter to Sensei John to request admission was my first clue. A personal interview and a subsequent probationary period followed. I was impressed with the fact that I couldn't just walk in with my checkbook and sign up. I felt that I was joining something more that just another aerobics class; I was becoming a part of something really unique. The real depth of the program though, didn’t become evident until a few months later, when I was diagnosed with kidney cancer. The resulting surgical procedure was extremely invasive and almost completely debilitating. Resigned to the likelihood that any aggressive physical training would be beyond my ability for quite some time, I was a little bewildered when Sensei John appeared in my hospital room, telling me to get back to the dojo as soon as I was up and walking around. So, mostly out a sense of duty to my Sensei, I limped into the dojo a few weeks later. I am not sure what I was expecting, but I can assure you that it wasn't much. I ended up being very surprised. It was during the next few months that I realized the true potential of the program. Sensei John took me aside and assessed my physical condition. Then, working very closely with me, he created a specialized routing for me that allowed me to do really challenging workouts, with virtually no impact. The routine was composed entirely of Karate stances and movements. These exercises were done very, very slowly or without moving at all. I couldn't believe that he had me sweating on my first day back? But sweat I did! Profusely. I must admit, the next few months were long and difficult. I attended classes regularly and participated as much as my abilities would allow. Sensei John remained close by my side and my physical recovery progressed at a rate that surprised not only me, but my surgeon as well. As my abilities improved rapidly, so did my overall outlook on life. It was during this period that I came to another realization. This Karate program, unlike so many others, isn't just about punching and kicking and fighting. It's about gaining philosophical insights through our "Philosophy Of The Week,” a practice of discussing a different aphorism in class each week. In addition, Sensei John's practice of holding a tea ceremony, where students sit together, sip tea and talk, creates a sense of community that is not present in most exercise classes. These characteristics of the program create and environment that allows for personal growth in areas other than just strength and endurance. The unique qualities of the program, as well as the intense personal concern of Sensei John for his students, proved to be a real source of strength for me during a very arduous time. I really would not have expected so much from a simple exercise class. Of course, now I realize that the Harmony By Karate program is not merely a way to get into better physical shape; it is a way to develop personal character, foster a sense of community, and to discover our own hidden strengths ~By Richard Miner
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| Enrollment Form Harmony By Karate at the Reebok Sports Club/NY |
