ON THE WAY OF NICE Venice, 21/05/2015 - 19:26 hours

Here I am again. Actually, I’ve never really stopped. Training is part of my daily routine since ’80. In fact, years are running, estimating that this very one I will be 52 in mid-august. The training, I was saying, or for my way of teaching or for my pupil’s competition, is a constant presence in my life. But, to undertake for my competition … that’s a different matter. Next big event: European Master Games in Nice, France, October. It’s about two months I have been training as a competitor. It’s a strange feeling, at least for me. Put again myself in question, that gives me peace. I start the training session with calm, no matter if is athletic training or technique, because the machine has some years and alas, warming requires more attention and dedication. Then, however, each part of the body begins to communicate with the others. They talk each other. They accept the compromises of a few pieces a bit 'slower to get going, come on guys you can make it. The legs start to pump blood, the shoulders get relaxed. Mind your hara, I tell myself. The muscles of the lower abdomen contracts and here I go, moving my arms and legs in a dance that can be perfect: the Karate-do. I feel the urge taking me by the hand and then, little by little, it leaves me to pass me to the enthusiasm that ignites my passion. At this point, I feel that it bows to it, who takes over imperiously: the concentration. It takes over everything and discipline the mind and body. Finally, the focus, which leads me where I was taught, at the time, my teachers in Japan. It all makes sense. I live the kata, I live the kumite and they live through me.
Here I am guys, back on track, or better ... on the tatami.

I love you.
Christian Gonzales y Herrera