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Dedication and Focus—Using Karate in My Life

Enjoying the benefits

I've had to learn how to teach class, plan ahead, and adapt to changes. I've also learned how to deal with various people, their personalities, and concerns.

1117_5
Click to see my Sai Kata.
Karate has taught me how to be self-disciplined. I'm home-schooled, and I have to be very self-disciplined to regulate and get through my studies.

I'm a part of Keystone National High School and my school work is done online and through correspondence courses that I regulate and complete at my own pace.

Without learning how to discipline myself in karate I'd fail to get through my school work.

There are many more benefits. For example, you:

So far I've never had to use karate to defend myself, and I hope I never have to do so. But if I'm ever put in a position that requires self-defense I think I'd be able to take care of myself!

Using my skills

Just recently I've started two after-school classes with some special kids who go to a school up in the mountains about 30 minutes from where I live. 1117_6
I'm helping my student learn the correct stance.
When I teach my after-school classes, I'm able to watch my students grow in so many ways.

I've seen some students physically improve, and I've seen their self-confidence grow incredibly.

They're still learning how to be respectful, but I'm sure they'll get the hang of it soon enough!

It's been a blast working with them and it's an interesting learning experience for me.

Get involved

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Click to see a black belt and her student work on a weapons fighting form.
I recommend that you get involved in karate or martial arts no matter what the style is!

Isshinryu is the style that fits me. I know that sounds crazy, but I feel that the style connects with my height and my abilities, and it keeps me in shape.

Since it's not a flashy style, I don't have to kick a six-foot man in the head to defend myself! Its techniques and movements are pretty straightforward.

Being able to teach this style to my students and watching them grow makes me feel really good, because I know I've made a small difference in their lives.

I also hope that I'll be able to gain even more knowledge and rank, and pass it along in my future teaching.

True or False: Franklin contributed to oceanography by recording good observations of ocean currents in off California. Click Ben's head for the answer.
FALSE: Franklin contributed to oceanography in the mid- to late 1700s by making and compiling good observations of ocean currents off the US East Coast.

age 18
Oakridge, TN
WRITTEN BY:
Whitney
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"I enjoyed your story and learned some interesting facts. I think it's great that you are willing to share your talents with others especially special needs students. Sometimes people think special needs students are limited and don't want to take the time the student needs to learn because they can learn. I think you could have captured more interest if you would have had an interactive short video/clip...JaneaP PS. Stay strong and never give up. "
JaneaP, 16, Tallahassee, FL
04/16/09
"The article was interesting. It was nice to know how you got involved and that you are willing to share your talents with others. I think you could capture more interest if you add a short video so that we can see you in action. JaneP...P.S. Stay strong and never give up "
JaneaP, 16, Tallahassee, FL
04/16/09
"This is a great article, but I would love to hear more about the history of this martial art."
thorcat101, 14, Tucson, AZ
04/11/09
"Wow! That's awesome that you have such motivation and dedication toward Karate. I understand what you mean by how martial arts (Karate) gives you focus and confidence, as I practice Choy Lay Fut Kung Fu. I also found your style particularly interesting, because I have taken a fair amount of classes in Isshinryu Karate's ancestor: Shorin-Ryu Karate. It would be fun to compare the two styles. Anyways, it's also quite amazing that you already have a third degree black belt at 18 years old. You should stick to it and keep practicing! Although I'm sure you're already motivated enough and don't need the extra motivation from me (but extra motivation never hurts.) GOOD LUCK AND KEEP PRACTICING :D! P.S. Hello Kitty, you said that "..I would have liked if Whitney would have stated a down side of competing." If you click on the words "low points" in the "Competing" section, it opens an internal link in a brown box; in which Whitney (or rather her mom) talks about some of the down sides. "
Juice, 16, West Palm Beach, Fl
04/08/09
"I Loved the story i think you should continue on that and start a whole website about the stuff your doing and ways people like me could Get involved. Thanx for the information."
caugust, 13, Ocean Park, WA
04/08/09
"''The story was interesting and explained what karate in really about. Although I would have liked if Whitney would have stated a down side of competing. "
hello kitty, 13, Peoria, Il
04/07/09
""Its kind of boring to me.""
hello kitty, 13, Peoria, Il
04/07/09
"This story was interesting, but a bit incomplete because Whitney didn't explain enough about the down sides of competing. I would have liked a more well rounded review. "
He Man, 15, Edgewater, Md
04/05/09
"Whitney did a great job in writing her article on Karate that made it appealing to people who were not familiar with the subject, like myself, and to those who were. I love how she related the skills and characteristics that benefited her in karate to her everyday life. It was very useful that Whitney included background information on Isshinryu karate for those who were unfamiliar with the topic to help us understand where she is coming from. I am interested in reading more from Whitney on this topic or any other hobbies or interests she would like to write about. "
busybee123, 15, Stafford, VA
04/03/09
"Martial arts has always interested me. Reading this article made me want to learn more about it and maybe even look into signing up for it. It is fun to read about other people's intersts and goals and compare them to my interests. "
Journey, 14, Janesville, WI
04/02/09
"Being unfamiliar with Karate, this article has really helped me understand it much better. Thank you Whitney! I especially like how it improves your leadership skills. That's an important trait that everyone should have. "
KevO, 17, San Marcos, TX
03/24/09
"This story was very interesting. I used to take Karate, and I loved it. After reading this story, I think i want to try karate agani! Good Job!"
Seansinga, 13, Merrimack, NH
03/24/09
"Nice article, have you ever had to use self defense though? either way still good article."
Draemonix, 14, Green Valley, AZ
03/17/09
"I love this story and how you are taking the time to share your talents with others. Very inspiring."
moloko528, 13, fort myers, fl
03/15/09
"i love the power and dedication that the author described in this story."
Katie, 15, gibraltar, mi
01/03/09
" This is an interesting story. I like that karate is your favorite thing to do."
misa09, 16, Sahuarita, Az
12/14/08
"I think it's great that karate is your hobby. The skills you learn will be with you for all you life. Keep at it!"
IsisMollyO, 17, Spokane Valley, WA
12/10/08
"It's wonderful how you are teaching younger students your knowledge."
Jesse, 14, Clinton, WI
12/10/08
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