My Family In Karate

by Joe Berger, 1st Gup

In present day society, it is harder and harder to find something that can be shared by all members of a family that will improve everyone in the areas of mind, body, and spirit. My children and I have found just that in Tang Soo Do at the Dubuque Karate Club. We work towards our goals of becoming Black Belts in this traditional martial arts school. A school with a very high standard of what is meant by Black Belt Excellence and challenges us to become the best we can be.

We share our progression up the belt system from first gup through Cho Dan Bo until we will all eventually reach Black Belt. Along this path we have all had our challenges. Some with physical ailments, while others have become impatient with their progress towards this goal. We realize that all of us can reach our goals if we will just keep trying and never give up. Our school is always there for support; from the other students, to the finest instructors in the world of martial arts.

Weekly we are involved with our classes. Here we work to perfect different self defense techniques. Initially, they are not too complex, but as we advance they become more challenging. These physical movements keep everyone in shape and help to develop coordination while also helping us acquire skills to protect us in the world. At home, we often hone these techniques via unexpected surprise attacks on each other. I think this certainly strengthens our family bonds and I hope that if my children were ever attacked that they would instinctively be able to ward off an attack.

Twice a year the Dubuque Karate Club holds open tournaments. We all participate in these events. We assist in the running of the event and also compete in areas of weapons, forms, and free sparring. It is fun to see if you can improve to the point of being recognized with a trophy. But the real reward is stepping out of your comfort zone in front of hundreds of people and demonstrating to the best of your ability what you have learned. By helping run the event, my children are learning the importance of supporting your club or organization. We are not paid for this participation, it is a chance for us to give something back to our school for all the good it does.

The Club also sponsors a number of social events during the year. Opportunities to meet other families and friends at something other than working out or competing in a tournament. These help children and adults to interact on another level hopefully learning good socialization skills. One more way of helping develop a more rounded person.

I truly believe that my children and I have something that we will all be able to share for the rest of our lives. Something that has and will continue to challenge us physically and mentally to pursue excellence in our lives. I am so glad we are involved with such a positive force and that my children have such good role models as the Black Belts of the Dubuque Karate Club to emulate. Together, we can't help but be better people.

Tang Soo!!!