I tend to associate things with that which I know best and am most comfortable with. So everything has a karate connection to me. Whether I am working out, getting dressed or talking about chicks ( my 3 favorite things , oh and a good cigar 3.1 ) it all relates back to the dojo. As an instructor, fighter and student , the same mindset prevails in all aspects of life. And that is what we all need as we progress as men in this world, clear vision. Your focus is what guides or blinds you , if you allow it.
As an instructor , I show my students technique. I explain , demonstrate and then we drill endlessly until it becomes second nature, and then we practice some more. If you are not beat, drenched in sweat and smiling , I failed as a Sensei. But your growth as a martial artist isn’t in just learning the technique. As you continue to develop, you take that basic technique that has not nor will ever change and adjust and adapt it to your particular style, attitude and ability. I should not have a room full of clones, but have provided the instruction for you to take what I was taught by my Sensei Deluca, and create yourself . That is the art of karate, not just be a copy, because we are all unique individuals.
That thinking is whats needed in order to grow and succeed in our journey as men. We cannot be copies of anyone else because that would be the worst lie we live. Actors, fashion lines , magazines can influence you but must not rule your choices. That world is not reality. Actors are dressed by professionals, who customize every item and hair on their bodies. So unless you are exactly like that person, or look you admire, you cannot copy . What you can do is take an item, Jacket for instance and add it to your wardrobe. But try it on and feel comfortable in it, not just look good. The big secret of dressing well is to be so comfortable, relaxed and confident that you shine through the clothes, even if it is really what everyone first notices. If you do not “feel ” how you are dressed, that stands out even more. So just as my students work a front snap kick until it just happens for them, so must you adapt to your new upgrade. Which is also why I suggested just 1 article of clothing, a jacket, dress shirt or whatever the new you is adding to your arsenal. Get comfortable by wearing, moving and getting looks of admiration , jealousy or laughter ( jealous bastards ). I get a lot of comments saying, “You coming back from a date” , ” Why so dressed up ” or ” Where are you going afterwards ” when in reality I just like looking as good as possible with being too overdressed. Is it vanity , arrogance, being too conceited ? You owe me 10 push ups just for asking ( your muscles will thank me later).
As your eye for style grows, so must your risk taking. But we have to always be realistic with ourselves.A look on me will not always be to your taste, even if we are twins. You take, twist , shape pound whatever you feel is right for you and make it your own. There is no right or wrong, if you’re truly feeling it. Just listen to your Sensei , study and practice what you are shown and get out there and kick ass. Make sure your belt and shoes and watch match. In my dojo everything matters, and that chick checking you out has already noticed.
Be The Man 