"Everyone has decided to learn martial arts for a unique reason, respect, honor, trend, pride. In the end, it doesn't matter why you are here, but what you will do by learning martial arts."
Mr. Chozen had learned a lot from life, for this reason, he understood things that young people didn't know and wanted to share in this first class with them.
"Today, I want to share with you an important part of my life, an experience that marked me deeply and led me on a path of reflection, growth, and redemption. After a fight that left scars on my soul, I experienced overwhelming shame."
"At that moment, the desire to leave this world invaded me, but it was my uncle who, with wisdom and compassion, rescued me from the shadows of despair. He not only saved me physically but also gave me an invaluable opportunity: the chance to prove myself."
"I decided to dedicate the rest of my life to doing just that: demonstrating that I could overcome my weaknesses, face my mistakes, and turn shame into strength. The path was not easy, but each challenge taught me crucial lessons about humility, perseverance, and authenticity."
"Today, I am here as your instructor to share with you not only the techniques of Karate but also the life lessons I learned throughout my journey. Regret, dear students, is a constant companion in our lives…"
Chozen paused and, after catching his breath, said, "We all make mistakes, face defeats, and find ourselves in situations that make us question our own worth. However, what really matters is how we respond to these tests."
"Do we let ourselves be consumed by regret and shame, or do we use those experiences to grow and strengthen ourselves?"
"The true essence of Karate goes beyond combat techniques; it is about forging character, becoming resilient and compassionate individuals."
"I learned that regret can be a rigorous teacher, but it can also be the catalyst for profound transformation. It is not just about overcoming our physical limitations but confronting our internal weaknesses, facing our shadows, and turning them into light."
"Now that you will be my students, I invite you to embrace every challenge, learn from every fall, and turn regret into an opportunity to grow. Through Karate, we can discover the path to personal redemption, to building a strong and balanced character."
"In this dojo, we not only practice martial arts but also cultivate humility, integrity, and mutual respect. Here, we are all learners; we all make mistakes, but what really matters is the willingness to learn and improve."
"May the path of Karate guide us towards authenticity, personal overcoming, and an understanding that, in every regret, lies the seed of positive transformation."
"I am here as living proof that even in the darkest moments, we can find the strength to be reborn. Let us continue this journey together, learning not only to defend ourselves but also to be better human beings."
"May Karate be our guide on the path to personal excellence and the valor that we signify!" Chozen concluded with a voice full of authority. Although he was giving a soft and profound speech, he still retained the toughness from years ago, something everyone felt.
"Welcome to Sakura Bushido, Sensei!"
All students stood up and bowed respectfully towards Chozen, who then began the class in such a powerful way that many couldn't walk even after resting for more than half an hour.
"Is he teaching us to break bones in our first class? I thought the meaning of his words at the beginning was about integrity and being a better person. Now, does he want us to become criminals?"
Demetri, who had only come to this Dojo after seeing Sakura Bushido's history, was very impressed and said, "This place even has bathtubs; I don't think what they charge is enough even to cover this. How do they finance it?"
"Are you new?" Victor smiled and said, "The dojo is Dash's; his father built it, and with the money from the tournaments he has won, they have financed this place. Moreover, paying for this place for our dear leader's family is more than easy."
"This Dojo is not for stealing money; the longer you're here, the more privileges you have. You can even earn money; I work on weekends cleaning the place, and they pay me more than they should." A guy said as he came out of the shower.
Demetri nodded; he had read the terms and knew that this place didn't want intruders. That is, people who join for less than a year just to experience.
"It's a good place, but I still can't feel all that passion that many feel being here..." Demetri murmured, and knowing that Mr. LaRusso would teach the same as Chozen and also for free, he wanted to try those classes as well.
...
"That class was profound; now that we have a new teacher, shouldn't we buy him something?" Dash asked while walking much better than a few months ago.
Devon, who was putting on a hat because of the cold, said, "Do you want to buy him wine? They say the Japanese love alcohol; that could work."
"We'll do that, besides that, do you want to go on a date?" Dash looked at Devon in the eyes and asked more closely now that they were a couple.
Devon smiled flirtatiously and asked, "Where do you plan to take me?"
"I don't know; do you like cold or hot?"
"Cold..."
"Then let's go ice skating!"