What Karate Means To Me

Hi my name is Erjan. I started karate in 2012. I decided to take up karate so I could learn how to defend myself and become a better person.

I remember my first grading. I had butterflies in my stomach. I felt like I couldn't do it, I kept having all these thoughts saying what if I don't do well and what if I mess up.

To overcome my thoughts and fears I practiced and I trained really hard twice a week.

Over the years that I have been doing karate I have learnt how to punch and kick. I have learnt how to teach younger students. I have become a better person. I have learnt discipline and respect.

Karate has changed me in lots of ways, I am now stronger, healthier, and I am less angry. I am calmer and I can defend myself. My confidence has grown over the years. I have made new friends in the class. I am able to be social and be myself, as I couldn't do this before.

I still have a lot more to learn to improve my skills in karate. I have to remember the names of the katas, improve my kicking, concentrate more in class and listen to sensei.

I would like to do karate for the rest of my life. It has become part of my life. I enjoy doing and learning karate as I still have a lot learn.

By Erjan Rustim 28th September, 2016

Erjan Rustim began training at karatedo on 24th July, 2012 aged 10 years. He was graded to Shodan on 8th October, 2016 at age 14 years.