The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Just about every time I watch a martial arts flick, my interest in getting involved returns. Remember The Karate Kid? Mr. Miyagi was great teaching Daniel the technique of "wax on, wax off." A few months ago I silenced the talk and took advantage of a few free karate classes with the North of 54 Karate Club. One thing I learned quickly is that trying to do the moves is more difficult than watching someone do each motion. One thing that works against you is thinking too much Ð just do it. Thinking too much reminds me of when I was doing my internship between the first and second year journalism school and my former publisher, Al Kirkwood, would say, "Fez, what did I tell you about thinking Ð don't think. Leave that to me." In case you're wondering, Al figured I looked like Fez from That '70s Show (but Fez is better looking). When it comes to martial arts and learning the techniques Ð which moves you must do Ð not thinking is definitely the right approach. If you're taking on an opponent, you don't have time to think. Karate is an art that forces you to react quickly. It will get you in shape and forces you to break a sweat. The only thing that doesn't come quickly is learning the moves. Karate is like any other sport Ð you always have to continue working on your skills. Even those with natural talents have to continue to working on them to achieve their highest potential. What's interesting about karate is that the name means "empty hands", which makes sense because no weapons are used. Despite getting mixed up with some of the moves, I enjoyed it. However, because of financial reasons, it will have to wait for me to consider becoming a regular. If trying karate is something that you're interested in, contact the North of 54 Karate Club. If it's taekwondo, then contact Kang's Taekwondo Academy. Both artistic sports provide a way of staying active without having to play the usual sports.
