S H O W . S P I R I T .

There is a thing called “The Spirit of the Dojo,” which, in a broad standpoint, means speaking up loudly, doing your best, and being honest. After every move during class, the students must “Kiai,” which, in the context of karate, is the scream that immediately follows every move. It emphasizes strength, power, and most of all, spirit; the louder your kiai, the more spirit you have because it is a form of dedication. Even if you’re sweating profusely throughout a karate workout and completely out of breath, you always kiai to your fullest to show how hard you’re working.

Now this is not to say that I apply this “spirit” by yelling my way through life to show my power. But it IS to say that I try to give a little extra. The kiai to my life is the added “umph” that gets me where I want/need to go. It’s the spirit that pushes me to complete an assignment or try a little harder in physical activity even if I’m already doing my absolute best. My kiai that I use every day is a lot like my conscience: it forces me to do things to its entirety and to not give up.

Borrowed from google images.
               

Andre Dulce Black Belt Dojo Kun Do Your Best Sensei Show Spirit