Nico Velasquez

Merced Dojo, California

Shodan Essay

What Have I Learned from Uechi-Ryu?

At this point, Uechi-Ryu Karate has been a part of my life for about eight years. I began practicing Uechi-Ryu when I was eight years old. At first, it was no more than an activity for me, simply something to do. However, as time has passed, I have grown to appreciate Uechi-Ryu as much more than just another activity. I was extremely fortunate to have had Uechi-Ryu in my life during a very important time of personal growth. Having Uechi-Ryu as a part of my childhood, and now as a part of my transference into adulthood, has meant that I have had the benefit of many valuable learning experiences. Among the many lessons I have learned from Uechi-Ryu are the importance of perseverance, the value of respect, and the importance of discipline.

Without perseverance, nothing could ever be achieved. I first began to really understand this lesson as a young child in the dojo. When I began my training, I was surprised and frustrated to discover that skill does not come quickly and easily. It has been my experience in life that if I work hard for something I really want, I can achieve my goal in a relatively short time. So, naturally, I became even more frustrated when I worked hard, but still could not achieve the level of skill I felt I should possess. It has taken time, but I have come to realize that, although giving up is the easy way out, it means that no benefit can be reaped from the hard work already put in. When one sets out on a journey, it is expected that travel will soon become difficult and tiresome. If one turns back immediately after becoming tired, the destination will never be reached. It is the same with all aspects of life. Skill does not come freely; it must be earned with hard work and perseverance. The possession of these traits is essential if one hopes to excel. Hard work alone is not enough; one must also have the perseverance to persist in hard work over a long period of time, to continue training after setbacks, and to work on the same thing over and over. I have learned that although perseverance does not always guarantee total success, it does guarantee improvement. This lesson has been very valuable to me, not only on the dojo floor, but also in everyday life. Although it is easy, with many difficult aspects of life, to become exasperated and give up, I have learned that the same perseverance that works in the dojo can also be effectively applied to other situations. The patience and persistence that I have learned in the dojo have helped me deal with anxieties at school and at home. Overall, my outlook on my training has changed because I now recognize that training and self-betterment take time, and that complete understanding does not come instantly.

Respect (for one’s self, for others, and for the martial arts) is a central part of Uehi-Ryu Karate. With respect for others comes self-respect. In karate training, the student must respect the effort of other students and the authority of the teacher. When this level of respect exists, it produces respect for one’s self, which is instrumental in the personal drive to put forth the effort necessary to bring about improvement. Over the years, I have learned that mutual respect is a key part of the operation and function of “the dojo” as a group of people working to improve and help each other. Respect between all people creates an atmosphere in which teaching and learning can take place. The first to set the example of respect are the instructors. By teaching with patience and respect, instructors actually encourage these traits among their students. It has been my experience that this attitude grows into a deep respect for the martial arts, which Master Kanei Uechi said, in his “Principle of Practice,” is a necessity for any and all Uechi-Ryu students. Respect for the martial arts becomes the driving force behind the need to teach, because no one who respects the art wants it to die out. Respect for the martial arts has created within me a greater sense of responsibility for my personal conduct outside the dojo. I have come to recognize that I, like all Uechi-Ryu students, represent my dojo and the art through my behavior in everyday life. For Uechi-Ryu practitioners, to dishonor one’s self is to dishonor the art. It is for this reason that students must strive to be exemplary members of society. As a student, I have the duty of constantly asking myself, “What kind of an example am I setting for others?” If I set a bad example, I must correct myself so as not to reflect poorly on Uechi-Ryu. In this way, respect for the martial arts becomes self-respect and respect for others in everyday life. This lesson is important to me because it is something that will affect me no matter where I go or what I do. Respecting others in everyday situations leads to being respected by others. This principle is another one that applies to real life just as it does to life in the Dojo. In his “Principles of Practice,” Master Kanei Uechi said, “A karate practitioner should be well-mannered and modest, value courtesy, always wear decent clothing, pay attention to his speech and actions…” Overall, respect for one’s self, for others, and for the martial arts leads to a karate practitioner who conforms to these standards.

Discipline is key to success in Uechi-Ryu. Although a level of discipline is necessary for a student to do well in karate, the art itself instills discipline in students. The set courtesies and formalities of the dojo have brought me an understanding of order and decorum that is hard to find in today’s society. Discipline in the dojo allows me to train diligently and work through problems, even if they take longer than I would like for me to correct. Outside the dojo, discipline gives me the ability to do things that I do not enjoy very much. The discipline I have learned in the dojo helps me when it comes to my academic studies. Although I do not enjoy many aspects of school, the discipline I have gained from karate training ensures that I give every task my best effort. I am very grateful for this lesson, because I think it is one whose understanding will lead to success throughout life. Discipline has also helped me in a much deeper way. My personality is one that favors preparedness and control. I am uneasy when it comes to things of which I know very little, or which I cannot control. Furthermore, I am extremely hesitant to attempt anything until I am absolutely certain that I am ready for all possible problems that may arise. Unfortunately, life does not look kindly on this kind of behavior (which many would deem overly cautious). Although it has taken time, I have begun to learn that I cannot control everything I would like to, and that I must solve problems without obsessing over them. When it comes to karate training, one cannot control what the opponent will do. However, if one has enough control over oneself, it is almost as good as having control over the opponent (because one can dominate the situation and decide the outcome). This lesson, like the others, can be transferred to real life. I have realized that I cannot control everything that is going to happen in my life. However, by controlling my own actions, I can influence the outcomes of different situations. By applying this lesson to my life, I can overcome the petty fears and anxieties that sometimes control me. Karate has taught me that I must be in control of myself, and not let any other distraction break my concentration or disrupt my discipline. One of my biggest reasons for studying Uechi-Ryu is to develop self-discipline. Master Kanei Uechi said, “The purpose of karate training is to discipline the mind and body…” I have found that Karate is very effective when it comes to this. The study of Uechi-Ryu affects the fitness of the mind just as much as it affects the fitness of the body, which makes it a valuable tool in improving overall health.

Uechi-Ryu is an art that is rich with life lessons. To uncover these lessons one

must be willing to devote time and effort to the never-ending pursuit of improvement. One of the most important lessons that I have learned from studying Uechi-Ryu is that learning never ends. As a Uechi-Ryu student, I recognize that I must always seek to continue learning and improving myself, no matter what it takes. I have learned that it is futile to become frustrated, because frustration only leads to anger and apathy. To overcome my frustration, I think I must recognize what has been taught to me all along; no two people are alike. I have been told many times that I cannot measure myself against others, because no one is the same. I think the only way for me to succeed is to approach my training with patience. I have accepted that ability must be paid for, now I must accept that everyone likely pays a different price. I am willing to work on improvement, even if it takes longer for me than for others, because I think it is worth it. I feel that the benefits I have taken from karate are well worth the work I have put in. I hope that karate will continue to teach me more as time goes by, and I hope that I continue to look for the lessons. Uechi-Ryu has definitely played a part in forming me into the person I am today. It has shaped my character in many positive ways, and I am very grateful for that. Looking back, I see that, in the process of learning Uechi-Ryu, I have learned more about myself, and more about life.