It is always a very humbling experience for me when teaching karatedo. Witnessing a student take their first steps fills me with hope for the future of the art I love so much.
I always endeavour to encourage a student to develop an interest in the origins of the art. For me it has always been inspiring to learn about those who have trodden the path before me, and I hope that this too will encourage a student to try a little harder, and dig a little deeper in an effort to improve in their abilities.
To only ever take is not fair, and an effort should be made to give back in equal amounts. This is true of life in general, and also of the budo. For an art to survive and grow, a conscious effort must be made to pass it on to the best of your ability.
Each generation of practitioner becomes a link in a chain, and it is important to try to make your link as strong as you can during your lifetime. The link that comes before you will help you to achieve this. In order to repay your debt you must also endeavour to help the next link along from you so that the chain continues to grow and remain strong.
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