Hey friends, Kaylee here. 👋

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I’ve been attempting to reflect a bit on what I’m thankful for.

The commonplace things come to mind: family, friends, freedom, and of course, PDQ’s apple pie filling milkshakes. But after running into my grade-school karate teacher a couple weeks ago, I started to think more introspectively on the topic of gratefulness. This included a deep-dive into figuring out why I am who I am, and the things that shape us from childhood, into the unique individuals that we are today. Wax on, wax off.

For me, karate was (and still remains to be) one of those mold formations. Practicing martial arts from 6 – 12 didn’t just teach how to kick or punch fluidly enough to reach the next colorful belt. It changed my entire character, taught me to think about views I found meaningful, as well as, be comfortable with my body, myself, and in turn, other people.

Recently attending Master Jae Choe’s class as an adult (at Choe’s Karate Beyond) immediately brought me back to my own experience as a child. (For more on Master Choe’s journey, check out this Lakelander article written by Sally Barcelo.

Master Jae's words about intentionality aren’t only teaching moments to learn the art. They are the building blocks that assist in personal growth – a growth which spans from childhood to adulthood.

Statistically, adults who practice martial arts as children are more self-aware, have better focus + a higher level of commitment.

But really, don’t take my word for it. (I am only but a mere green belt, after all).

Learn from the master himself. Here Master Jae Choe speaks on the benefits children gain (as well as adults) from practicing martial arts, his definition of what in life is meaningful, the future of Karate Beyond, and of course, a little bit of raving on Christopher Nolan’s Batman.

Q: What do you feel are the benefits of learning martial arts as a child?

A: There are many ways to give you an answer to this question. Each will vary from person to person. Having grown up with martial arts the most important things I have learned are interactions with people. People regardless of color, sex, race or socio-economic status, everyone is wearing a uniform, the same one. And no matter how much money you have or how popular you are outside of the doors, you are a martial arts student. And that puts everyone on an equal ground... for the most part.

Q: Can you elaborate on that?

A: Growing up with Karate allowed me to be comfortable with all kinds of people. And for that, I am thankful, because now as an adult, I’m pretty comfortable being around whoever.

The kicks and techniques and punches are a vehicle to other things. It’s a vehicle for many meaningful intangibles. Things, you can’t really smell, touch or see.

Q: About how many kids do you currently teach?

A: Right now, depending on the class, they can have on the floor anywhere from 10 – 20 kids in the evening time.

(Which, for having only opened a couple months ago, is pretty incredible, IMO.)

Q: What do you hope students will come back and tell you as an adult?

A: I want this to be a happy martial arts school, a happy experience. I only have students for a limited time and I want it to be a positive one; one that’s hopeful. I want kids to say, karate really helped me and I had a great time with it.

So what is Karate Beyond? Simply put, its karate re-imagined. Master Jae Choe animatedly illustrated the comparison of his classes to that of movie reboots, such as Batman Begins. He argues no one can beat Christopher Nolan’s Batman Trilogy.

“Karate beyond is more apropos to where we are and what we need NOW. It is a power of good, a force for good. I'm in the business of making Karate a vehicle for good things.”

Q: What is meaningful? What does martial arts teach is meaningful?

A: Everyday life can become blasé and common. We need to slow down and concentrate on meaningful things. Like sweat. Sweat is meaningful. Learning how to defend yourself is meaningful. Figuring out ways to face challenges, in a safe manner, is meaningful. We need meaningful things in our lives.

Talking more with Master Jae Choe about the energy and joy that filled the room during classes (for both children and adults), he reflected and paused and then admitted to the pressure he puts on himself to do more.

“I’m always on edge. I need to do more. I’m not doing enough. I need to do more. I have to do meaningful things. Life is too short not to.

Though classes have already been in full swing for months, Choe’s Karate Beyond celebrated a ribbon cutting yesterday evening. You can find more about classes available here.

I am forever thankful, not only for my experience learning martial arts as a child, but also to live in a city where personal growth is challenged, where entrepreneurship is celebrated, where inclusivity is talked about + where you can find meaning in the smallest things.

What are you thankful for this holiday season? Let us know.

- Kaylee