Practicing classical Japanese karate in a safe and collegial setting.



My Karate

Beyond Taking Down Bad Guys

As a boy growing up in the 70s and 80s, it appeared to me that society was being overrun by martial artists. From Bruce Lee to Billy Jack, from the Ninja Turtles to the Power Rangers, and from Mr. Miyagi’s “wax on” to Daniel San’s “wax off”, it seemed that everybody was kung-fu fighting. And I wanted a piece of it.

There was something really cool and graceful about those punches and kicks, and there was something heroic and even romantic about the idea of taking down bad guys who tried to lay a finger on me or a loved one. But the reality was that I was too busy playing squash to take karate lessons, and, once my schedule opened up, I discovered that karate lessons were way too expensive – until I got to university.

What I discovered was far from what I had seen in the movies…

Being a university student is all about trying out new things and expanding one’s horizons both inside and outside the classroom. As luck would have it, a buddy of mine had seen a poster advertising the university karate club, and was on his way to practice, so I tagged along. What I discovered was far from what I had seen in the movies (ruthless masters beat on students and where aspiring black belts subjected themselves to unimaginable tortures for hours on end). On the contrary, I was welcomed by a community of men and women dedicated to fitness, camaraderie, personal growth, and the teaching and learning of martial skills. I was immediately hooked (and it was really inexpensive).

Many years later, I have yet to take down any bad guys, but I have learned some valuable skills, honed my abilities, met some fascinating people, and travelled across the country and around the world to train. If you are interested in learning new skills, meeting fascinating people, and travelling across the country and around the world, I invite you to visit the Charles Fink Karate Dojo. I predict that you will find, as I have, great value here.

On your first visit:

  • arrive early
  • wear comfortable clothes
  • keep an open mind and prepare to have fun
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