Aratana Hajimari – New Beginnings

This past week was a monumental achievement for me. I received my Shodan (Black Belt) in Kyokushin Karate. It has been a long path, but it only seems like yesterday when I stepped into a Kyokushin Karate Dojo.

My first blog entry began with that beginning, and I called it Hottan, which means start or origin.

I started Kyokushin later in life, in my 40’s. In my youth, I studied ITF Tae Kwon-do and in an American style of Kenpo Karate (plus dabbling in some other styles), but I never felt “legitimate”. The forms I had studied lacked realism. Meaning there was very limited contact, or none at all. I was lacking confidence in this area. I sought out styles and teachers and landed upon Kyokushin, a style known for its rigorous training and full-contact fighting. I had always remembered a documentary from my youth called Fighting Black Kings that had such an influence on me.

I still remember my first time going to the dojo, Contact Kicks Martial Arts, like it was yesterday. It was a Friday evening and as I pulled up outside I thought to myself, what am I doing? You’re old and out of shape! it isn’t too late. You can still turn around and go home! I decided to go in, and my life changed from that moment.

They were sparring that night, and though I came in as a white belt, the teacher, who would become my mentor, Sensei Steve Fogarasi, allowed me to spar, because of my background in other arts. I didn’t last long. I was exhausted in no time, and though they were taking it easy on me, I was not used to being hit.

While I was packing up to leave that evening, the class had gathered on the mats in a circle. It was Sensei’s birthday and cake and drinks were brought out. Though I was new, they invited me to stay. I felt so welcomed and knew from that moment this was my new home.

Over the years there have been plenty of ups and downs, lessons learned and challenges I faced. Many I have written about, many I haven’t. There were times I felt like throwing the towel in, but something always kept me returning. In great part to Sensei Steve. He has been around for a long time and has seen it all. He would always recognize when I was going through something and have words of advice.

The most challenging has been the past two years. Many personal struggles, including the loss of my beloved dog Lemon, ending a long relationship, losing a job, health issues, etc. At times it felt too much. But the dojo always called me, and I never felt complete unless I was training.

I knew the time was approaching for my shodan grading, and I stepped up my training. Attending every class I could, attending CrossFit on alternate days, plus extra training at the dojo with my good friend Pavel, who has become very accomplished and a natural coach who pushed me hard.

All of this culminated this past weekend, Dec 15th, when I spent a grueling day testing.

Beginning in the morning with conditioning, pushups, sit-ups, squats, etc., intermixed with Kihon, Syllabus, and Kata. Mid-afternoon kumite commenced. I had to do 30 rounds of sparring with fresh fighters each round. By round 20 I was really feeling it, but persevered through.

After the 30th round I was exhausted physically, but more so psychologically. So much emotion welled through me, and tears came to my eyes. I did it! We did it! There is so much reverence with the Kyokushin Black Belt, and I couldn’t believe I had achieved it. It was incredibly overwhelming.

It’s been over a week now, and we closed for the holiday season, but I can’t wait to return. It’s strange, but I feel different. I can’t explain it. It isn’t the belt per say, it is the feeling of accomplishment. I know Shodan (初段) literally means “beginning degree,” and is the lowest black belt rank in Japanese martial arts and the game of Go, but it feels special, in a way my other did not feel.

There truly is a difference with Kyokushin, much of it tied up in the meaning of the word we use continually. Osu! To preserve. I have learnt through Kyokushin to overcome challenges, not only in karate, but in life. For me, my Kyokushin Shodan means “a new beginning”.

I have already begun formulating new training goals and look forward to the challenge. I will turn fifty in May 2020, but my goal is to stay young, healthy, and fit.

None of this would be possible without my dojo mates and friends I found there. I want to personally thank Oleg Vainshtein for being the best training partner a guy could have, though we sound like an old married couple at times lol. Senpai Mici Fogarasi for inspiring me, being an amazing friend and spending time on extra training. My good friend Pavel Patrushev for always being there, pushing me and spending so much of his personal time coaching me. My girlfriend Ariel for not only encouraging me, but putting up with me these pasts months as I prepared. And, of course, Sensei Steve Fogarasi. None of this could be possible without Sensei. I have never met anyone with such a deep passion and love for Kyokushin. He has such a deep commitment to his art and his students. Someone who not only became my teacher and mentor but a great friend as well. Sensei Steve, thank you for everything you have done for me!

I thank everyone who has followed my journey on here, my articles on Kyokushin and sent me emails and commented. I am so glad you have enjoyed it. I haven’t been posting as much this past year, but I have lots planned for next year. So stick around!

With that, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Merry whatever you’re celebrating, and a very Happy Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

Here’s to New Beginnings!

OSU!