Monday, September 1, 2025
Labor Day weekend is often seen as a time of rest, but for the Yushikan, it was a weekend of resurgence. We attended the PKC International Karate Championships, an event that has always felt like a “homecoming” for those of us who have spent decades in the Indiana karate circuit.
The Return of the Yushikan
For several years, while I focused on my health and my doctoral studies, the Yushikan had been relatively quiet on the tournament scene. This weekend, that silence ended.
My student, Nick Beaty, stepped onto the mats to compete in both Kata and Kumite. Watching him work was a reminder of why we put in the hours at the dojo. Nick fought with the precision and spirit that defines Okinawan Goju-Ryu, eventually taking First Place in Black Belt Kumite. Seeing the Yushikan back up on the scoreboard was a proud moment for me—not just as a teacher, but as a practitioner who knows exactly what it takes to stand in that ring.
The Value of Reconnection
Beyond the competition, the weekend was a masterclass in the “Social Budo.” I had the opportunity to reconnect with old dojo brothers and friends I haven’t seen in years. In a world that can often feel fragmented, these tournaments serve as the glue for our community.
We sat, we shared stories, and we watched the next generation take their place on the mats. There is a profound sense of continuity in seeing familiar faces that date back to my early days in 1977, all while watching a student like Nick carry the torch forward.
Conclusion: Momentum
As I continue my journey through recovery and my PhD, weekends like this provide the “fuel” to keep pushing. Reconnecting with the “Old Guard” and seeing the success of my students reinforces a simple truth: the Yushikan never truly left; we were simply preparing for the next round.
Congratulations to Nick Beaty for his hard work and victory. The scoreboard is just the beginning.
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