My Karate Journey by Jennifer Howell
I started my karate journey in a way that is probably very similar to many moms. I took my young son to a beginner's class at the dojo where my brother-in-law had trained years before—Tividale Shotokan Karate Club. The class was for 3–5-year-olds, so I didn’t initially see what it was all about. However, as my boy grew, we were asked to stay and watch the main class, as he would soon be graduating.
Taking the Leap
I stayed and watched, and I loved the fact that whole families were training together. It wasn’t just children—there were men and women too. As I observed, I wanted to join. However, I really didn’t think I was capable. (It turns out I am!)
I watched several sessions, and with each one, my desire to join grew stronger. Eventually, I made the leap—three months before my wedding (what could possibly go wrong?)—and my whole family went to try a class. I stood at the back with my husband-to-be, my daughter and her best friend, my son, and his cousin. I didn’t understand a word they were saying, couldn’t work out my left from my right, and genuinely had no clue. But it didn’t matter—there was no judgment. From that moment, I was hooked. So much so that we even changed our honeymoon return date to attend our first grading.
Training as a Family
My daughter and her friend weren’t quite as enthusiastic, and their interest quickly faded. But my son, my husband, and I continued training twice a week and attended Saturday seminars whenever we could.
Training Through COVIDThen COVID hit. By this time, I was completely hooked. We continued to train twice weekly through the pandemic via Zoom, which was a challenge.
I bombarded my Sensei with questions and requests, which resulted in extra private lessons—all completely free. He taught me my Heian katas through the TV, and when restrictions began to lift, he was kind enough to teach me Bassai Dai in his garden. I can’t imagine what his neighbours thought!
Sadly, at this point, my son lost interest, and my husband suffered an injury that stopped him from training. However, they always pushed and supported me to keep going.
Overcoming Challenges
I have now been training for six years, and it’s hard. I’m 47 years old, and menopause is difficult. Everything aches, I’m often dizzy, and I bruise like a peach. I’ve faced illness and injury, but I’ve never considered quitting. I am currently preparing to grade for my 1st Dan black belt. This is the hardest thing I have ever done, and honestly, I never thought I would get this far. I’ve never committed to any hobby like this, but I have come so far, and I WILL achieve it.
What Karate Means to Me
Karate is my happy place. I have a very stressful job, so I need a release. Running through a kata or hitting a pad gives me that. It’s also my healthy place. Menopause is tough, but it could be so much worse. Karate keeps me active, focused, and able to let go of stress—which, believe me, is hugely important.
Karate is also my extended family. It is the place I feel at home. We support each other, laugh together, and cry together. We genuinely enjoy being around one another, and that’s not just in our dojo. Our Sensei always says, "Many a friendship was made in the dojo," and it is true. We regularly drive two hours to train under Sensei Lowe in Wigan, where we are greeted as family. We also visit Sensei Mandy Read and her Shukokai club—a completely different style—but we always fit in. At any seminar our Senseis encourage us to attend, there is no ego or hierarchy—just like-minded people who come together to learn and grow.
A Legacy in the Making
This year marks the 40th anniversary of our club, TSKC, which in itself is a fabulous achievement. I intend my club legacy to be the first Shodan grade in its 40th year! That will be my fabulous achievement.
Karate: The Best Decision I Ever Made
If I am honest, I started karate to protect myself. It’s a nasty world out there, and I wanted to bring my family together. But I continue because it gives me purpose, a release, and a sense of identity. Karate may not be for everyone, but it is genuinely the best decision I ever made.
Being a woman should never stop you—it should inspire and push you!
Mokuteki to shita subete no mono.
Do everything with purpose!
Written by Jennifer Howell
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