The Dojo

Without further delay....we won bronze in kumite (sparring)!!!!! So grateful for all the amazing coaching, pushing, and encouraging from my incredibly talente...d (and handsome) husband Mark Richard Phillips. Thank you! I wasnt always the best student, especially when he pushed me further out of my comfort zone. Thank you to all my team mates, Ashley Yvonne, Andy Andria, Mike Ham, Mark and Drogos, whos encouragement, excitement and support throughout the events, was so genuine and calming. And to our team coach, Sam, especially before kumite, when my nerves were on rapid fire. When I first started karate, my entire plan was just to support Mark in his dream on owning his own dojo. He told me the positive impact karate has had on his life and I could see the difference between when he was able to train and not. When life took me into the direction of actually training myself, I had zero desire and was terrified of the idea of sparring but at that point I was broken, and I dont just mean physically. It was as though the rug of life had been pulled out from underneath me. I remember that day clearly. I was a sobbing mess on the floor in my room while holding the phone in my hand. Mark walked in to find my kids and I (they cried because I was crying so much) like this and immediately thought someone else had died. (We has just been through 2 years of both our fathers and my grandmother dying and dealing with the pain of a misdiagnosed and mistreated broken back). The death he assumed was a phone call stating my job being taken away effective immediately because I was deemed permanently disabled. In Marks mind, karate was the answer, at least temporarily. Long story short, using it as part of my rehab, I trained, protested, trained some more and this week faced a huge fear of fighting. I fought against a higher belt level who was very good. I lost that fight in respect to points but won it personally for so many other reason. I was also awarded the bronze medal. Although I bring the medal home to Canada, the medal belongs to my coaching team, our Canadian team and all our home club members at The Dojo in Hamilton. All those who helped me train along the way. Just for-warning, the video is half the round fought. If you a queezy watching fighting please skip it. Its posted if youre interested. Not to worry, my pretty little face shows no markings from the match. Now to see Dublin, Ireland and more of London England before flying home.

First official day of the 2019 WIKF Global tournament. Ive met and enjoyed company of people from England, Greece, France, Ireland,Northern Ireland, Nederland..., and Italy. Also there was Curaçao, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, Cypress, and the USA. At least those are all I can remember. Team Canada did a great job representing Canada. Pictures are an overview of the competitors, small but mighty TEAM CANADA, and a video of my kata. Not a winner in the grand scale but my personal best. Enjoy!! See more

Man, who would have thought Id ever be in this place. Seven years ago this time, walking was so painful, actually I couldnt even move my right leg without th...e help of my hands pulling it forward and then needed to wait for the back spasms to stop before taking the next step, all because of 5 fractures throughout my mid and lower spine. Today, we signed and weighed in for the tournament. Absolutely MINDBLOWING! Im so grateful for so much healing that has taken place and all the experiences Ive gained and continue to gain because of it! No surgery. No drugs. Instead a whole lot of hard work and God answered prayers. I did my part and He definitely did His. Mark competes in kata tomorrow morning at 9:15am (4:15am in Canada). I compete in kata tomorrow at 9:50am (4:50am in Canada) and Saturday morning at 8am (3am in Canada).

This is for us...the Dojo family.

Super excited that the summer session start Tuesday! Its not too late to joinSuper excited that the summer session start Tuesday! Its not too late to join

Such a great Mothers Day for our tournament team who represented our club family well. #karatefamily #karatelife #trainhard #neversayicant

Have you ever said, "Ive always wanted to try that but just never got around to it"? It could be a new sport or singing lessons or playing an instrument or maybe even karate. Too many people wait because, well, there is always something else to do that seems to take our time, focus or energy. Trust me when I say, there will always be something to distract us but we only live once. Maybe what you have been waiting to do will be a gift that will take you on a whole new path in life, maybe you will learn a skill that you can use for either yourself or someone you love, or maybe it will will a hidden "getaway" that bring you much needed joy and relaxation in an otherwise busy life. Take a chance, try something a new activity that has often caught you eye.

Have you ever said, "I've always wanted to try that but just never got around to it"? It could be a new sport or singing lessons or playing an instrument or maybe even karate. Too many people wait because, well, there is always something else to do that seems to take our time, focus or energy. Trust me when I say, there will always be something to distract us but we only live once. Maybe what you have been waiting to do will be a gift that will take you on a whole new path in life, maybe you will learn a skill that you can use for either yourself or someone you love, or maybe it will will a hidden "getaway" that bring you much needed joy and relaxation in an otherwise busy life. Take a chance, try something a new activity that has often caught you eye.

Summer Session Starts July 9, 2019 Its a great time to try something new Contact us for details. [email protected] Session Starts July 9, 2019 Its a great time to try something new Contact us for details. [email protected]

Summer Session Starts July 9, 2019 It's a great time to try something new Contact us for details. [email protected] Session Starts July 9, 2019 It's a great time to try something new Contact us for details. [email protected]

Hard work and dedication turns the impossible to possible.