It's Not Just About Punches & Kicks Around Here
- Jennifer Davenport
- 5 days ago
- 6 min read
If you were to ask someone what learning karate is all about, my guess is you would get a handful of answers that all center around learning self defense and learning to fight; but the truth is that traditional karate is so much more than that and here at Ingram's we take that very seriously.
Built within the structure of belts and self defense is a long standing dedication to building a karate family that Ingram's instructors place at the heart of everything we do; and in a world of fleeting trends and fast results it's important to everyone at Ingram's that our school remains a place that people are welcomed in as family; which is likely why they stay so long.
Those who are not new to the area will know that Ingram's has been serving the community with the highest quality karate instruction since 1977. A deep understanding for the history and roots of the Okinawan Art of Isshinryu is in large part why so many Ingram's students have been able to excel in the area of karate training and skill building; but training at Ingram's goes so much deeper than just skills.
Sensei Sheri Angwin and I began our training in the early 1980s as youngsters under Masters John and Cindy Ingram, and decades later we strive to bring that longstanding legacy to current students in a way that is genuine and student focused.
I never dreamed as a white belt 6 year old that one day I'd be standing together with a group of my students at a karate competition, cheering them on and helping them reach their goals. It wouldn't be until I was in my late teens that I would realize just how deep my training at Ingram's had been woven into the fabric of my heart.
But, this isn't a story about Sensei Sheri and I, it's a story dedicated to the families and students who make teaching karate so rewarding. Pictured are some of those very students who have joined our dojo family. Their stories, their journey, and their love of karate is something we want to honor.
Recently during a karate competition, I was reflecting on just how rare it is to have the kind of decades long legacy that stiches the lives and goals of so many families together the way training at Ingram's does.
Students who train on a consistent basis, returning to class week after week develop a special bond with their senseis; in turn the sensei knows each student's strengths and weaknesses and adapts the teaching approach on an individual basis to give the student the best benefit. Children grow into teens on the mats and those once timid young white belts become instructors over time; as the cycle goes on for generations.
I've felt blessed so many times watching students perform at competitive events; realizing that in our daily teaching we're helping youngsters find their strength and reach their goals, but in this specific moment, watching our older competitors perform at an elite level, I had flashbacks to a time years ago when those same elite level martial artists were tiny beginners at our school; some as young as 4 and 5 years old stepping on to the mats for the first time.
As the competition progressed, those long seasoned athletes took younger students under their wing and gave encouragement and support, continuing the circle of legacy that is ever present at Ingram's. In the realization of that moment, I felt a surreal recognition that through karate we are all part of something unique and so underrepresented in our culture; camraderie, companionship, and belonging.
The level of pride I feel when watching students in competitive events who began so young and timid; now reaching championship levels and learning to grow in strength and dignity through the challenges presented on the mats is something that can't quite be expressed with words; it fills my heart and makes me realize just how blessed I am that Ingram's became a part of my life from a young age.
There's no replacement for the connections I felt growing up at Ingram's and having the guidance of a good sensei who cared deeply not only for my skills, but my character and moral development as well. There's no doubt it shaped not only my world view but who I am as an adult. The positive values and guidance, paired with a bit of tough love helped me realize that my choices matter, not only for my own outcomes, but to those who care for me and want what's best for me as well.
I'm forever grateful to my senseis for showing me the depth of their concern for my well being and development over the four decades of time I've been blessed to be their student.
That's what is so amazing about karate training; although sports in general are a great way for children to learn responsibility, teamwork, and goal achievement, it lacks the staying power that karate offers because most sports are offered in seasons, whereas karate training is year round. Students develop long term friendships and parents get to know eachother in the lobby as their children attend karate class each week.
While it is true that children growing up in the internet age can often feel isolated and sometimes get the idea that kindness and hardwork, accountability and trustworthiness are outdated concepts, I firmly believe that those who are entrenched into a healthy and positive environment where they can feel loved, and can be given sound guidance and direction in life will be able to thrive and achieve great things because of those very concepts.
Each and every karate class centers around courtesy and respect, designates hard work as a huge factor in success, and reminds students that everyone matters because we all offer a special and unique presece in the world. These aren't just platitudes, they are concepts that Ingram's places at the core of how we interact with every single student, every class.
Many of the students in the photos shown began their karate journey uncertain, timid, or unaware of where karate would take them. They are now reaching great accomplishments and learning to navigate the challenges of life; not alone, but as part of a network of 'karate family' who care about them on a deeper level than one might have expected upon walking into their first karate class.
Adults and children alike thrive in an atmosphere of belonging; and karate training, although good for the mind and body, can help adults looking to improve their lives by not just giving them a place to get fit, decrease stress, and improve balance, but a place where they build deep friendships with others who value hard work, sweat equity, and belonging.
One particular student of ours, named Leo, confided in us that he was never a 'sports' kind of kid growing up. He decdided to begin karate classes after seeing how much fun his kids were having at the Ingram's classes. The decision to begin was (as he described) the best decision he had made for his health and well being. Karate provided an outlet for stress relief, competitions gave him a challenge to overcome, and the family of fellow karate students made him feel like he had gained an extended family.
Liddy, another student who began karate classes as an adult is now a 2nd degree black belt and trains with her family as a way to share a fitness journey, learn to overcome challenges, and spend quality time together. Years after her first class she is slimmer, stronger, and feels better than ever, and her family is still kicking together at Ingram's all these year later.
When I asked her what makes training at Ingram's so enjoyable and she said, "Our dojo isn't just where we train, it's where we grow together as family". That's the good stuff!
It's important to Sensei Sheri and I that we deliver high quality traditional karate training steeped in the rich Okinawan history and technique so that we can honor the teachings of senseis before us.
It's not a small task to ensure that the traditions of the birthplace of karate (Okinawa) are represented and passed down to generation after generation; but we also want to ensure that what we teach is a vehicle for passing on lonstanding traditions, values, and positive character development so that Ingram's students go off into the world on a strong footing ready to step into their role in life as the best possible version of themselves.
That's why Ingram's will always be a place where relationships matter more than transactions, where a warm and welcoming atmosphere draws people back year after year, and where students are treated like family. This is what drives many to dedicate not just a few months, but years and in some cases decades to training under the Ingram's banner.
This is what community is all about, and it all starts with a few punches and kicks.
We'll see you on the mats.
~Sensei Jen Davenport
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