I welcome you to Epping Shotokan Karate Club (Dojo) and to the Art of Karate.
Epping Dojo was established in November 2000 with a handful of keen juniors. It has grown into a great family club and now has more than 100 registered members which is a testament to the commitment & support of our senior grades and, the parents of all our Juniors.
Your standard and rate of progress will be determined by your commitment and attitude towards each lesson and, most importantly by the effort applied to each technique. I encourage you to train hard and strive for perfection of both technique and character, but always remain a student, even when the time comes that what you once thought was impossible to achieve, is achieved daily. Do not become despondent - persevere! Fighting Spirit! We are often our own greatest enemy.
Remember, "the difference between a Master and a Novice is, a Novice thinks it's easy but, performs it clumsily. A Master understands its complexity and just makes it look easy". I therefore urge you to study the Art of Karate but, keep an open mind to all Martial Arts. One key philosophy and goal is to enjoy everything that 'modern' day Karate-do offers (Budo & Sport) but, never loose sight of the essence of Karate. An Instructor once said to me, "Karate is not for everyone. Only those who eat, breathe & live Karate will succeed" - I disagree, Karate is for everyone but, not everyone is for Karate. Karate is a way of life, not your whole life. Strive for balance and harmony with all aspects of Karate-do, your life, your Family. I hope the journey is as rewarding and beneficial to you as it has been for me.
Doug Rouessart
Instructor, S.K.I.A.