What Karate Means To Me

After visiting Japan in October 2016, Dad was enthusiastic to start Karate and I joined with him as it would be a new and different experience. Little did I know how much it would influence the person I am today.

Eight months into my Karate journey as a white belt, I filmed a ‘pep talk’ for a school assignment about the importance of persistence and being the best, you can be no matter your belt colour. Now, re-watching it whilst preparing for my black belt grading, I have realised how much I have grown as a person and as a member of Shushin Kai Goju Ryu Karate-do.

The club has provided me with confidence and life skills, no other sport or activity I have participated in has given me. It has also taught me about my strength and what I am capable of. I have always been a quiet person, and whilst being a safe and welcoming environment, our karate club has educated me about the importance of self-awareness, using my voice, sharing my learning by teaching others, and protecting myself. Members, especially of the Westmeadows dojo have become an important aspect of my karate journey as they have mentored me and are the reason learning and coming to karate is so enjoyable.

Karate has kept me going. I have realised going to karate on days when I am tired or down, I feel uplifted and in a better mood. Karate has provided me with grounding and discipline which has assisted me in high school with my attitude and focus towards my learning. It has taught me to focus on one task and always put my best effort in which is especially important as I am starting VCE next year and can now get a part-time job.

Training has also made me a healthier person, helping with my fitness and flexibility. I have always had asthma and I didn’t believe Shihan when he said karate could cure it. Now, after four years of kata and breathing exercises, I rarely get exercise induced asthma. Karate has improved my lung capacity and taught me how to breathe properly. I can now go for a run, do rowing or go to PE classes without any breathing difficulties.

One of the most important messages I have taken from my karate journey which I can apply to my everyday life, is ‘Spirit Before Technique’. It has taught me that having passion and putting in your best effort is what gets you over the line and is the key to success.

Even at the age of 15, karate has changed my outlook on life. I believe Karate has not only taught me about my strength and capabilities but has made me better as a whole person.

I need to ensure as my academic workload increases, I continue training as coming to karate allows me to centre myself and release stress.

Overall, the reason karate means so much to me is because Shihan and Sensei Lincoln’s passion and knowledge means I can constantly improve my karate, myself spiritually, and there is always more to learn.

Tara Balia began training at karatedo on 17th October, 2016, at age 10 years. She was graded to Shodan on 16th December, 2021, aged 15 years.