RIKKI HITATSU

Last February 7, 2009, we were in Panama City for the Yoshukai Karate Winter Camp. This event was enjoyed by numerous students from white belts to Shihans.

In the afternoon, after the beach work out and traditional immersion in the freezing waters of the Gulf - I passed on that part - teams and individuals competed by demonstrating various Martial Arts.

Cody Ray and I placed first in our group, and Grand Champions of the overall competition by performing Kendo Kata Odachi, and Tameshigiri.

Kendo Kata includes 2 parts - Odachi, performed by both opponents with long swords (O-tachi) ; and Kodachi, where Uchidachi uses the long sword, and Shidachi a short sword (Ko-tachi).

Cody and I had worked for a long time to perfect this kata. Undoubtedly, we still could improve it, and we will. This victory was the result of a year and a half of study and practice, and it shows once again that hard work pays, and results occur.

If you do not succeed the first time, keep training, you might succeed the second time. If you do not succeed the second time, keep training...

Eventually, it is about keeping trying, keeping coming to class, even when one would rather stay home watching TV, go party with friends or fishing on the lake.

It applies to everything in life, to Kendo, Karate, Cooking, Zen, Math, Finance, Professional matters, Love... And it maybe why the practice of Martial Arts is such a good one for young, and not so young people.

RIKKI HITATSU - Try and you will achieve