Weekend engagement 207: A goodbye with a taste of nostalgia.

Since I was little, karate always held a special place in my heart. At the age of 8 I began to delve into this fascinating world, not because of family pressure, but because of my own impulse that led me to explore different styles.

Although each style offered me enriching experiences, none of them managed to completely captivate me, so for a few years I alternated between different styles. It was not until mid-2007 when I found the perfect style for me: Shito-Ryu.

I was immediately captivated by his focus on physical activity and self-defense, it was the ideal combination: physical exercise, learning techniques and the opportunity to form a group of friends in the dojo.

In this style, I progressed quickly to reach the green belt, a high rank within the dojo. I participated in several competitions, where my technique in katas compensated for my lack of skill in combat, allowing me to obtain various awards.

However, in mid-2010, a new passion burst into my life: music. For years, I had been flirting with this world, but it was contact with other musicians that pushed me to take the big leap.

I got my first guitar and my life was transformed, for a while, I tried to maintain both hobbies, but inevitably music gained ground, karate classes became less frequent, the last graduations were pending and, finally, one day I made the difficult decision to leave the dojo. It was not an easy choice, but it was inevitable, karate, with its high monthly fees, expensive ribbon changes and competitions inaccessible to the majority, became a luxury that I could no longer afford.

On the other hand, music also demanded investments: guitars, amplifiers, pedals, tuners, interfaces... Both hobbies were expensive and the decision was clear. I said goodbye to karate, not without nostalgia, but without regrets, music gave me unforgettable moments in my adolescence: friends, presentations, recordings and constant learning in the musical field.

Unfortunately, economic limitations force us to give up passions that fulfill us. I sincerely would have loved to continue in karate, but its high cost reserved it for those with constant resources. My colored ribbons, hanging on the wall, are a reminder of that art that made me happy for so many years, although karate is no longer part of my daily routine, music is still present, filling my life with melodies and satisfaction.