Self Defense?

 

When I began my study it was not because I wanted to defend myself, I did not want sport or even physical fitness. I knew of karate’s existence because of a roommate at University who was studying Shotokan, and thought that the study would be interesting.

 

Then in time I working in construction, I became aware that there was a karate club outside of town. No idea what Isshinryu was nor looking for any specific system. Sheer serendipity as it turned out.

 

So one evening I went and watched a class. The next night there was not a class, but I talked to Tom Lewis. He was agreeable that I could try it out.

 

I went, quickly discovering I was probably the least beginner that ever existed, and I stayed and learned.

 

Now much, much, much latar. I am still uninterested in self defense, sport of physical fitness from training.

 

I train as I can because that is what I have become.

 

Much resembling the worst karate student I started as, even less competent.

 

If need arose, I would just use karate as I have worked at it.

No pre-conceived idea what I would do, just do.