Well, it’s official. Today marks the launch of Michigan Ryusyokai Karate Club’s new website. You can find out all you need to know about the Ryusyokai in general terms, as well as our club activities and training opportunities.
Special thanks to Paul Babladelis sensei, my teacher since 1986 and a critical partner in ensuring the site is true to the spirit of our intent. Operating a dojo is a huge undertaking and Sensei has shepherded ours through many iterations and locations all the way from its humble beginnings at the Ebersole Environmental Center in Wayland Michigan.
For several years, we have gathered a couple times weekly to train together and “shut off the outside”. The focus has always been on learning and sharing, with the side effect of a good workout. Some days, we feel the pressures of work around the house, an important deadline at the office, or the enticement of some downtime. These distractions are the same ones that we find everywhere an important goal or project has been established. Overcoming the temptation to distract ourselves with “more important things” or “because I deserve a break today” requires discipline and maturity. But dedicating time to furthering my own journey in karate pays its own dividends and I have never once regretted a class after it was done.
If you have always wanted to try a martial art, I would encourage you to take the first step and hit the “Contact Us” button on our home page. Better yet, call me directly, at (618) 335-6654 and arrange a time to visit the class. No matter what your goal, you have to take your first step past contemplation and each day you wait makes it harder to get started.
Let’s Train!
– Jonathon Hallberg