Every champ had their first fight. Every black belt was once a white belt. Every winner lost to start with.
At Oubaitori Karate Kickboxing, we believe there’s a privilege in being able to “suck.” Why? Because it means you’ve found a place where people around you are further ahead – and willing to help you grow. Not everyone gets to step into an environment where struggling is safe, encouraged, and supported.
To be the newest, the least experienced, or the most unpolished in the room is not a curse – it’s a gift. It means you’re surrounded by people who can lift you up.
Wabi-Sabi in the Dojo 🌿
We teach our students the Japanese principle of Wabi-Sabi:
- Nothing is ever finished.
- Nothing is ever perfect.
- Nothing is forever.
Your karate will always evolve. Your confidence will always deepen. And your character will always be shaped by the people around you. To embrace imperfection is to embrace growth.
Growth Mindset as a Privilege 🌱
It doesn’t suck to suck. It sucks to stagnate.
Struggling in the right place means you’re learning. Mistakes become stepping stones, not stumbling blocks. Every missed kick, every awkward stance, every early defeat is a marker of progress – not failure.
Having the chance to learn, to test yourself, and to grow in a safe, supportive community is something to value deeply.
The 5Cs: Competing With Ourselves 🥋
One of our Club’s 5Cs is Competition. We don’t just mean tournaments – though we celebrate those. The truest form of competition is with yourself.
- Can you be braver than you were last week?
- Can you dig deeper than you thought possible?
- Can you take one more step forward, even when it’s tough?
That self-competition is a privilege too. Not everyone gets the chance to measure themselves in a space built on trust, respect, and growth.
The Anti-Stagnation Mindset 🚀
Here’s the truth: you’re not perfect, and you’re not finished. None of us are. If you ever feel like you’ve run out of ways to grow, it’s time to broaden your horizons and find new challenges. Seek out more ways to improve, more ways to learn, more ways to be tested. Because the moment you stop moving forward, you stagnate.
And that’s what really sucks.
Ready to Start? ✨
At OKC, we don’t fear “sucking.” We embrace it – because it means you’re growing.
If you’re ready to start your journey, join our team. Whether it’s your first session, your first fight, or your first step back into training after years away – we’ll meet you where you are, and help you take the next step forward.
