Personal Statement

As I reflect on my accomplishments, I am blinded by the headlights of martial arts in my rear view mirror. The shimmers of light engulf and adhere to my memories. I find it difficult to locate an aspect of my past in which it is not intertwined.

To the untrained eye, karate is viewed as throwing yourself into battle in the name of self-defence. Hands and feet are thrown without rhyme or reason with the intent of displaying raw power. Though martial arts is a physical sport, mental prosperity is the underlying purpose. When viewing it from within, martial arts is quite similar to the education system, teaching and expanding students’ knowledge while simultaneously laying the foundation for their mental endeavors. A beginner student is taught technique: how to stand, to position the hands, and to properly throw a punch, in much the way that an elementary student learns to read, write, and count. The children also learn basic

They are forced to their breaking point in order to prove they are deserving of a higher degree of rank. High school is identical with its intent. A whirlpool of emotions and hesitance, with the question looming in the distance: do you pursue true passion or settle for satisfaction? Students may reach expert ranking, where all previous techniques must be refined to perfection and new techniques are taught, mastered in the like. Despite the rigorous physical training, a martial arts expert is defined by his or her mental strength and awareness of self, as opposed to ability or strength. College students pursue the highest level of education, they master the skills they have learned and build on them. A college student has hopefully found answers to some of their philosophical questions. They may not meet the standards of others, but meeting their own is all that matters. Personal satisfaction grows far more valuable than the opinion of one's