Kempo Essay: Emily

I have two wonderful daughters and a wonderful husband. I have full time job that is challenging and, I believe, meaningful. As a mother, wife, and leader I have a lot of responsibilities and keep very busy. I needed a little time and an opportunity to focus on being a better me – to take care of myself so that I can be there for my family, those I lead, and those I serve. I studied martial arts when I was younger and really enjoyed it. I joined Potomac Kempo because I hoped that I would find the opportunity I needed – to improve my fitness, to challenge myself mentally and physically, and to have fun.

My first goal was to make Potomac Kempo part of my routine. With the support of my family, I have been able to be at the dojo three, and even sometimes four, times a week. Doing so while still being there for my family, those I lead, and those I serve has been a major achievement. A second goal was to improve my fitness. Over the last year, I have worked to incorporate fitness into my routine, finding opportunities to run, ride, or swim a couple of times a week. Since joining Potomac Kempo, I have been more active. I have blocked, punched, kicked, and had a lot of fun. A third goal was just that – to have fun, to find an activity I enjoyed that would benefit me not only mentally and physically but also emotionally. I look forward to going to the dojo, and I return to my daughters, my husband, and my job a little bit tired, a little bit fitter, and a little bit happier.

My ultimate goal is to be the best me I can be – to be the best mother, wife, and leader that I can. I believe that Potomac Kempo can help me achieve that goal. I hope to continue to make Potomac Kempo a part of my routine. At times doing so will be a challenge, particularly as my family’s needs change and the demands of my job grow, but I know that I need to take care of myself so that I can be there for my family, those I lead, and those I serve. I hope to continue to improve my fitness – to increase my endurance, strength, and agility. I hope to improve those techniques that I have learned, to learn new techniques, and to gain confidence in my ability. I am eager to learn Kata 1, Kempo 3, and much more. Finally, I hope to keep having fun because as long as I am having fun I will come back to the dojo and because having fun is an important part of being the best me that I can be.