Rediscovering Karate: Alisha’s Story

For many, martial arts offers’ a path to both physical fitness and mental discipline. For Alisha, her journey with karate started at a young age but evolved into something much deeper over time.

Early years

Alisha’s karate journey began at the age of 13. Having a gymnastics background, she found that her passion for it was fading. Her mother, eager to keep her active, suggested karate as a means of self-defence, and Alisha soon found herself immersed in Goju-Ryu karate at New Forest Martial Arts. She progressed through the ranks and earned her 4th Kyu (purple belt) by August 2010.

However, as life became busier, karate took a backseat. “At 16, I had to step away from karate due to other commitments, like work,” Alisha recalls. But even as she left the dojo, karate was never far from her mind.

A new beginning

Fast forward to January 2023, after years of absence, Alisha found herself craving the discipline and challenge that karate once offered. A chance encounter with the Netflix series *Cobra Kai* reignited her desire to train. “Watching the kata sequences in the show brought back memories,” she says. But it wasn’t just nostalgia driving her; she wanted a form of exercise that felt meaningful and enjoyable, something she wasn’t getting from her regular gym routine.

After searching for local dojos, Alisha found Kyudokan. Unlike her previous dojo, Kyudokan offered a flexible training schedule, a supportive community, and a grading system that continually assesses students’ progress. “There’s an app to track your sessions and progress, which I find really helpful,” she says.

In the class we also focus on ground work. I find these lessons fun and sometimes out of my comfort zone as they are outside of the ‘traditional’ way of karate but the truth is, what does happen if a fight is taken to the floor? Do I know how to defend myself? These extra lessons are another bonus to being part of kyudokan.

Overcoming personal challenges

For Alisha, kumite (sparring) presented the greatest challenge. “I used to struggle with a lack of confidence, feeling apprehensive and defeated during sparring sessions,” she admits. But thanks to the supportive instructors at Kyudokan, who tailored the sessions to her needs, she regained her confidence. Now, she proudly faces off against higher-level practitioners without hesitation.

On the flip side, she finds recognition from her peers and Sensei’s to be one of the most rewarding aspects of her practice. “It’s incredibly motivating when others notice your progress. The positive atmosphere at Kyudokan pushes everyone to improve, and that’s something I cherish.”

Memorable milestones

Alisha’s most memorable achievement came recently when she earned her 4th Kyu once again. Despite having the option to resume training at her previous grade, she chose to start over, beginning at the 9th Kyu (white belt). “When I found out that I’d been assessed and was close to achieving my 4th Kyu but wasn’t quite there, I felt disheartened. However, I realised it was because they saw potential in me to push beyond my personal goals, and then the feeling when I did achieve it was incredible!”

Another significant moment in her karate journey was being asked to become a senpai (a sensei’s teaching assistant). “Being able to teach others and help them grow is something I’m really proud of. As a teacher by profession, I love sharing my knowledge and passion for karate.”

Looking ahead

For Alisha, karate is more than just a sport, it’s a lifestyle. “I want to deepen my understanding of karate, not just in terms of performing katas but in understanding their purpose and how they work.” She credits her Sensei’s, particularly Sensei Morris and Sensei Strong, for their guidance and mentorship. “Sensei Morris is an incredible role model; he’s like this wise master, always learning and evolving with karate, and Sensei Strong is a role model for me as a woman in martial arts; kind and supportive, but dangerous when she wants to be!”

Advice for newcomers

To anyone considering taking up or returning to karate, Alisha offers this advice: “Once you start training in martial arts, you never really quit. Those lessons stay with you for life. Karate has given me discipline, control and balance, and I believe it’s a lifestyle, not just a sport.”

For Alisha, the journey continues, and with her passion for learning and growth, there’s no doubt she’ll keep moving though the grades!

Interviewed & written by Clair