Taking a deep breath and concentrating with all my might, I envision myself chopping my hand cleanly through the pile, then imagining the satisfaction in knowing that I had done something I didn't think I could ever do.

Sensei has always taught us that if we believe, we can achieve.  We can do the impossible.  All it takes is a lot of practice, endurance, and faith (or is it all three? I'm not so sure!).  I have learned much from Mr. Yanamoto in the six weeks I have been in his karate class.

I am taking karate because I want to be able to defend myself against bad people and protect my little brother, Willie, who has autism and learning problems.  He is teased at school by a lot of the kids at my school and it truly angers me to no end.

Karate is more than just chopping blocks of wood and learning to pin or throw your opponant: it's about discipline, form, and controlling your mind, willing yourself to do something you don't think you are capable of doing.  It is very interesting, and it is good for the body and mind (unless, of course, you happen to be the person who is getting karate chopped, kicked, or thrown).

I step up to the pile of wood blocks, take a deep, cleansing breath, clear my mind from any distractions, and will myself to bust the pile with a good, hard karate chop.  Emitting a loud, strong cry, I arc my hand, palm facing me, down to the pile of wood with all my strength, slam my hand into the wood ... and lo, and behold, it BUSTS into pieces!

I DID it!!  

I DID IT!!

A feeling of euphoic joy bursts out of me as I start jumping around, pumping my fists into the air.  The class (and Sensei) erupts into cries of equal joy as they share in celebrating my success.  I feel light, airy, happy.  I feel as if it is my birthday, Christmas, and the fourth of July all in one.  

It is an amazing feeling.

Sensei picks me up into his arms as he whirls me around and congratulates me.  My friends pound me on the back and shake my free hand, offering their congratulatory wishes.

I look into the stands and see my parents (and little brother) cheering, along with the rest of the audience who came to see me do my newly acquired karate skills.  Suddenly I am very popular and I feel that I can handle anybody who dares come in the way of myself, my family, and esepecially little Lucas, my kid brother.

I guess you can say I totally ROCKED.