Submitted by Sensei Larry Link, Ueshiro Midtown Karate Dojo
Under the Direction of Hanshi Robert Scaglione
Onegai shimasu, Hanshi, Kyoshi and Deshi world-wide,
Five days a week, my morning commute takes me through Grand Central in the middle of NYC. Attached is my view as I leave the station. As you'll notice in the photo, most people take the escalator to the right or left. In fact, most people just STAND on the escalator, making the five flight ascent with the least effort possible. In my many years of making this commute, I can honestly say that people rarely choose to take the stairs. But I encourage you to take the stairs every chance you get.
As Karateka, it is in our blood to not take the easy path. Mastering the art of Karate takes discipline, dedication and hard work. In the words of Master Nagamine, "The dojo is the place where courage is fostered and superior human nature is bred through the ecstasy of sweating in hard work." You'll notice that he did NOT say "take the easy path....", but instead encouraged us to take the path that includes "...sweating in hard work."
Instead of seeing five flights of stairs as a problem, see it as an opportunity to get stronger, to breathe more deeply, and to improve your body and spirit. Change your thinking. Challenge yourself at every turn. Take the stairs.
Arigato Gozaimasu Hanshi!
Sensei Larry Link, Ueshiro Midtown Karate Dojo