The Challenge

In life a person can be offered many things. I have found that no amount of offers can stir a person into action like a challenge.

In our modern society our youth are faced with numerous challenges every day. Many of these challenges are not positive ones. Gang related crime is on the rise. Drug and alcohol abuse among teenagers has skyrocketed in the recent past. Every day in this country hundreds of teens and children are abused, assaulted, and abducted.

In our modern age we have seen terrorist strike fear at the very heart and soul of our nation. We have witnessed a serious lack in positive role models and our youth become disassociated with our society.

The picture is not as bleak as it may appear. There is hope. There are positive influences and role models that our children can look to. There are worth while activities our youth can participate in after school during what have been termed as the "danger hours".

Many have said that the martial arts are dead. Many have said that karate has nothing to offer today’s society. I disagree.

Not only do I disagree, I strongly disagree. So I make this challenge. I challenge you to try it. I challenge you to prove me wrong. I challenge you to take the first step at becoming healthier, more confident, less stressful, more aware, and safer. People say that one out of every ten people who begin classes in karate make it to black belt level. I challenge you to prove that wrong.

And most importantly, I challenge you to make yourself a better person.

                                                                                               J. White Sensei

                                                                               Rocky Mountain Shito-Ryu Karate-Do