QUICK FIX?
Not so fast, says karate instructor
By Bob Harlock

Over the past decade or so, it seems the world's population has been, experiencing what is commonly known as the "quick fix."
The "quick fix" comes in many forms - fast food, fad diets, instant tellers and all the exercise equipment advertised on television to get you in shape in a matter of days with very little effort, just to name a few. Some of this things meant to maximize our time and minimize our efforts have proved worthy and time saving, while others are a complete waste of time and energy.
The adage "You get what you pay for" is not always the case, either. A good analogy would be buying something cheaper and having to replace it a couple times instead of putting out the initial cost of the more expensive article, which would have been cheaper in the long run.
A short self-defence course versus a weekly martial arts course such as karate, could be categorized as either a ""quick fix" or "short cut" to what we really are trying to achieve. Don't get me wrong: I'm not putting down self-defence courses as I have taught them myself in the past. They can be very beneficial if the students are taught to understand and recognize their limitations. Short cuts can prove very useful at times, while other times the shortest and easiest route can turn out to be the longest and hardest. The reason a weekly karate class (done three or four hours a week) can benefit over a short self-defence course is the daily repetition involved. Everything taught in a karate class is done in a progressive mode.
After a few weeks, the student start to take on a new persona and confidence being able to keep up with the main body of the class and developing skills in the martial arts that the first thought impossible. The repetitive drills, punches, kicks and blocks that make up karate are the key ingredient to what it makes it work. The are so many self-defence moves and techniques learned that most situations can be overcome without a thought; a thought that might prove to be too late when dealing with an attacker.
Taking karate doesn't have to be a life-long commitment. Even a year or two of training twice a week can produce skills that may stay with you for years to come, although more is better when it comes to protecting yourself and keeping in shape. A lot of students who thought a year in karate would be sufficient have gone on to achieve their black belts and in some cases have even started their own clubs.
Karate can become a very interesting way of life, an excellent way to keep in shape and a great way to meet new friends. I know for most of us, myself included, it's hard to get up off the couch and stay fit and active. The "quick fix" or "short cut" is an easy way out for most of us, but is it the best route to success and getting what we really want to achieve?
Another aspect of self-defence training at Comox Valley Wado Kai is a three-foot stick called a "Shindo." This weapon is taught as part of the training included in the membership for adults after a required length of time participating in the club.