Most think of Karate as a tool for fighting opponents, either competitively or for self-defense. Karate can actually be an excellent social sport. Classes and tournaments offer plenty of opportunities to meet new people and make friends that share a common interest. Karate can also be a form of discipline: training your body and mind to work together in stressful situations. This is beneficial because one can achieve more self-control, awareness of surroundings, and ability to think clearly in situations where immediate or reflexed action usually prevails. Incorporate meditation into your karate routine by setting aside at least 5 minutes before or after your work out, tournament, or training session, you can achieve piece-of-mind, balance, and discipline.

*It would probably be best to meditate in the comfort of your own home.

• Step 1: Find a quiet place to sit. Either sit with our back straight in an “Indian” style position or in a straight backed chair. Like in Karate, meditation has the best results with good posture. This allows the meditative calm to pass through your body unobstructed. The quieter the area the better, silence will allow you to concentrate better.
• Step 2: Close your eyes and regulate your breathing. When you inhale your diaphragm should expand, when you exhale it should deflate. Controlling your breathing is important, and it might take a few sessions before you get it down, but persist and you shall prevail!
• Step 3: Clear your mind and focus attention inward. Concentrating on nothing sounds like a difficult task but it is achievable. Use some type of timer (such as an application on your phone, there are many that assist with meditation) and only meditate for five minute at a time if you’re a beginner. You can work yourself up to longer sessions.

Maintain the discipline to implement a meditation schedule will definitely translate to your karate skills. Karate is one of the best activities to take part of, enhancing social, mental and physical skills. Try to add meditation to your karate lifestyle, and see a positive change today!

For more information or to register, call Kyoshi Karen at 410-499-2476 or email at pamfiliskarate@gmail.com