Zooming in to 2021

It's a new year and a fresh start full of the promises we tell ourselves. It's not surprising that new year's resolutions are in abundance after nine months of a pandemic and many of us having been stuck at home, now with visible results on our bodies and mind taking its toll. Lethargy and extra weight gain are trending as we enter 2021. The ageing process is on your heels like the grim reaper in a Ferrari. Mental health is at an all-time low, and some of us cry out to be free from the torture of this pandemic darkness. Fear is plentiful. Not so much for members of Ronnie Watt (9th Dan)'s National Karate Institute who will be Zooming in to 2021, keeping themselves fit through training karate, online via Ronnie's specially devised Lockdown Zoom classes. Though students are in full lockdown as we enter the new year, Ronnie refuses to let his karate spirits be locked down. Karate is a living art form based on self-discipline, self-defence and training of the mind and body. Karate lives within its subject, like a very personal untold story, it cannot be imitated and recognises no higher body other than its subject or opponent.  Each person makes their own Karate journey quietly reaping the rewards of their own efforts, without a fast track, speedy boarding pass or any elevated privilege. It's the one hundred per cent authentic you. Something society sadly lacks in modern Britain.  It's real. Hundreds of years of training and knowledge passed through sensei to sensei arrive in your soul, and living within you, the karate story continues.

During the initial Covid19 lockdown, all Ronnie's regular classes ceased, and students lost their Dojo for training.  Not willing to be knocked down by such a blow, Ronnie and his students very quickly mastered the art of Zoom Karate training. Using modern internet technology and fast broadband meant that Ronnie could teach from his living room to the students in their own homes, live via the internet Zoom platform.  Over the last nine months, Ronnie has honed this new teaching method to a modern art form. Online karate has been a lifeline for his club and its members. Keeping them active and engaged with karate in Aberdeen and around the world. The training of karate is especially suited to mastery of your body and mind, and its benefits have been widely recognised by doctors and health specialists around the world.   Students of all ages can join in the different classes broken down into graded levels of understanding.  New students are welcome to join Ronnie's club, contact Ronnie or Gail for more information.  The 2021 road to self-improvement must start somewhere. Don't listen to the usual online hype and jump into the deep end with something silly. Failing to achieve anything other than injuries and disappointments. Karate can be a crucial part of the small incremental changes you should make to your life as you make your way forward in 2021.   You don't need any fancy equipment or expensive gym memberships.  Start slowly at your own pace in your own home.  Eat better and eat less. Think long term. Gentle exercise on top of your karate will help your fitness.  Read more and drink less.  The meaning of Karate-Do (the study of karate) translates as 'The way of the empty hand. '
Karate is a peaceful martial art, but you should not underestimate the bonus of defending yourself in an increasingly dangerous world.

​Age is no barrier to self-improvement. Anyone interested in joining the National Karate Institute should contact Ronnie through this website www.Karate.scot
 
Start your journey today, and live a better way.  It's a road less travelled in an unsettling world.