@Hayden Meredith I can really relate to this, and I think many of us can. For me, early on, karate gave me those first glimpses of perfection, like when a mae-geri just felt right. Over time, I found that when I focused on fundamental techniques from my core, with an inner gaze, I experienced that feeling of perfection more often. It’s not about external recognition; now I'm not involved heavily in competitions; now it’s when muscles, nervous system, and spirit all connect as one flow during the execution of technique and seeing my students get there too. I think striving for perfection is a thing; what interests me more these days is 'Mastery' of myself.

@Bernard Rose Training back then was tough, and I think you were at it even before me, so I can only imagine. The things we were asked to do, even as kids, just the dehydration alone, makes my toes curl now. I remember training with John Mullin sensei once, putting in 200% like I always did. He told me I would not be able to train like that the next day. I had no idea what he meant until we lined up. Five of us counted 100 reps of a three-part combination, then we started on other combinations with the same 500 reps. We did that for an hour. I reckon we hit around 2,500 combinations. Then several of us called out our favourite advanced kata and ran each of them twice. The lesson was about relaxation, core-driven technique, and removing unnecessary movement. I repeated a similar session on my own each week for months afterwards. It completely changed how I train, especially now at 52. I no longer train like I am 18. I train to preserve my body. After tearing my meniscus last year, I have learned not to push through. It is about resting, healing, and coming back with a renewed mentality. I will be back training in a couple of months, and when I do, it will be on my terms.

I have been a fan of your photography before I knew who you were!! I remember drawing a copy of one of your iconic photographs of Enoeda Sensei on a T-shirt when I was about 15 years old and then getting him to sign it. 🥰 Your photo shoot with Stuart Amos was fabulous. Perhaps you might consider doing a community 'insider' session for us here in Skool?