AKS Quarterly Newsletter

The DoJo

Dave Thomas
8th Dan AKS

Collecting Trophies

by Dave Thomas

I vividly remember the very first trophy I won competing in karate. It was the fall of 1973, Mr. Lieb held an interschool tournament to raise money to send a team of AKS Black Belts to Mr. Nick Cerio's tournament in Rhode Island.

At the time, I was a green belt and had been competing in tournaments for about a year. As a competitor, I had become very adept at making my opponent look well-trained and skilled. But that night, I won against some very talented classmates. I'm sure I was the most surprised of the division.

That first win will always be special. Today that little trophy holds a place of honor on a shelf along with a number of other antique friends. Together they collect the dust of bygone glories. Trophies shine brightest in the moments after winning. Then they come home to rest in an obscure out-of-the way place. Souvenirs in recognition of a special occasion that now shine quiet.

I retired from competition at the age of 57. In my mind, I believed I still had a couple more competitions to attend. My body said, "You're not the competitor you used to be." But even today, I still manage to accrue trophies.

Today, my trophies wear size '0' uniforms, wear yellow belts and struggle to learn 'H' Form. They come to class with the energy and the enthusiasm to learn. They dream of being the next Jackie Chan or Chuck Norris. They know all the names and skills of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. These students are shiny in their innocence and bright in their charm.

Though I can't take them home, I do take away the experience and memories we make together. I teach them how to be a more knowledgeable and safer student. They remind me that I still have a purpose in teaching and sharing the martial arts experience.

They go home with Mom and Dad; I go home with a glad heart, knowing I am making a difference. These are the trophies I value the most, these are the trophies that give me the greatest joy.

Dave Thomas
8th Dan