Author Archives: Shawn Roberts

  The kanji depicted above reads “Shu ha ri.”  The term references the journey of the karateka as he or she moves from beginner to black belt to advanced student and how the relationship with one’s Sensei may change along … Continue reading →

We have an L shaped sectional couch in our living room. My son, Isaac, usually rests at one end of the L, I at the other, and my wife, Sue, in the middle. Inevitably, at some point in the evening, … Continue reading →

      Feet together, eyes down, use both hands to shake hands with your training partner. Say “Onegaishimasu.”  This ritual begins every partner drill in our dojo.  Why?  Well, to avoid nuclear Armageddon of course.  …  Perhaps I should … Continue reading →

Why do I want to obtain my black belt? I don’t. When I started studying karate several years ago, I, like many non-martial artists, thought the black belt symbolized absolute expertise and marked the holder as a person with whom … Continue reading →

Let me tell you about Sophia.   Sophia is a beautiful young teen with long brown hair, a dark complexion, and a bright smile that will melt your heart if you are fortunate enough to catch it.  She is tall and … Continue reading →

Do you ever just have one of those days? …. No, not that kind – the other kind.  Well, I’m having one of those. The fiercest, most terrifying enemy I have ever faced stealthily approaches.  I can feel it even … Continue reading →

The tiger knows only the earth. The crane knows the earth, the sky, and the sea.   The tiger roars with anger and defiance. The crane merely flies away. Poem by Ronald Lindsey.  Artwork by Shifu Hwang. (Used by permission. … Continue reading →

Okay, I’m cheating a little on this one as I had already written most of it for the our philosophy section of our webpage.  With an influx of new students, I thought now would be a good time to impress … Continue reading →