Karate helps me use emotional and physical strength to confront unexpected challenges. This time, totally unexpectelly, my challenge was a heart attack, a leaky mitral valve, and a diagnosis of heart failure. The meditation techinques helped me prepare and recover from open heart surgery and the physical training I have been doing for the last ten years certainly was a main factor in getting me back on my feet.

Less than six months after surgery I plan to participate in several hour long events during the first week of May: kata, staff techniques, board breaking, (harmony) sparring. I also will attempt to raise 1,000 for our dojo for the first time. The money raised during Spirit Challenge supports scholarships for those who cannot afford tuition for our school, violence prevention programs throughout the city, and the Adapted Seido Karate program for children with disabilities. 

Please help me reach my goal.