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from the October, 2014 issue of Kiai!
Two New Black Belts at Thousand Waves:
Photos and Essay Excerpts
On Saturday, September 27, 2014 Denise Zaccardi and Natalie Kendall tested for first degree black belt at Thousand Waves. The community gathered to challenge and appreciate them as they showed their martial art. As part of the requirements of their test, Senpai Natalie and Senpai Denise wrote about the role of Seido Karate in their lives. Excerpts from their essays are presented here, along with photos from their test.
The Thousand Waves community was, as always, very supportive of the black belt test. At this test, the candidates were literally supported by their community!
Senpai Denise Zaccardi
I appreciate every aspect of the physical training: the aerobic part, the agility training and building core strength. As I am now in the senior years I believe there will soon be physical issues that I will need to face. …
Karate has helped me spiritually by encouraging, inspiring me and training me to be more centered. Before I practiced karate … I would often become agitated and would lash out verbally at people who cut my place in line at the grocery store, or anytime I was waiting in a line. Now I am able to remain calm and centered in that type of situation. Now I am so gracious to persons in this type of situation that they are caught off guard and we usually end up exchanging a few pleasantries – instead of an angry scene.
Karate has taught me not to be reactive. Practicing karate has helped me think more deeply about the practice of non- violence. It does this by articulating how to behave in everyday situations. The idea that “conflict is resolved with words and direct respectful communication” is very helpful on many levels. This description from the Thousand Waves Adult Study Guide is a very useful everyday tool to deal with all types of people and situations in my personal and professional life. |
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Senpai Natalie Kendall
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Seido karate has helped me to understand that if I connect with people I disagree with, change can happen and justice can prevail. And, someone who was once an enemy can become a friend.
Everything is a choice. Karate. Where I work. Who I work for. Where I walk at night. Who I associate with. How I treat others. How I allow others to treat me. All choices. This is an important life lesson.
Today I will keep it simple and focus on my commitments. My family, my home and karate. When I say karate, I don’t mean the Black Belt Test in September. I just mean the here and now. The karate I can and will do today, on my own and in class. Not the emotions. Just the karate.
One thing that’s cool about Seido Karate is that it’s Karate for everybody…weak and strong, fit and not fit, able and disabled. Part of the journey is accepting where I am on the path. It’s natural that this process would bring out and highlight my weaknesses. I’ve been noticing those weaknesses and hating them. But, I didn’t quit. I’m still on the path. It’s time to breath, accept where I am and accept myself. |
With their test complete, Senpai Denise and Senpai Natalie pose between Sei Shihan Nancy and Jun Shihan Sarah.
To see one last black belt promotion portrait of Senpai Denise and Senpai Natalie, click here.