Dare to dream

March 2026 Total 360 Blog- A dare to dream Welcome to the March 2026 Total 360 Karate blog. In this blog, we are going to discuss the idea of a dare to dream.

We all started in martial arts with the idea of learning to kick, punch, and block. We can call this a first goal. Maybe some were told they had to do it, and others needed a hobby. There are a million reasons why we started. Somewhere along the line, if you stay long enough, you start to dream. You start to think of what it might be like to get to the place belt. It’s on this high mountain that seems so tall. It’s a dream.

Many look at it and say it’s too hard, too far, or I can’t. For those, the dream dies there. Others see the mountain and start looking at it. I see a path. There are many paths; which should I take? I dare to dream.

In Total 360 Karate, one of the biggest concepts we strive to teach is that it is not about the destination but about the journey. When we focus on the present moment, each present moment becomes the past, and all of a sudden, all of our past moments are now our future. Being present in the journey. Stopping to see the beauty in where you are. These shared moments are the moments that transcend the destination. They enrich our souls, connect us to others, and stick in our minds. I can tell you I remember the first time I got to the top of Mt. Humphries (12613 feet). I was forced to stop many times to get to the top and the beauty that was there. The moments added up to a lifetime experience. I dare to dream.

In karate, the mind controls what you are. When we believe in ourselves, we can achieve anything. It might take time. When the mind says you can’t, then you won’t. It’s the simplicity and complications of the human mind. Our jobs as martial artists are to balance the mind, keep it clear, not only for protection but for the things life will give you. Imbalance will happen, but so will impermanence. If we remember this, we continue up the mountain top. I dare to dream.

Karate is not just kicking and punching, it’s a way of life that teaches you how to battle, fight, descilate and calm all in one. Most people who get to the black belt level realize that the black belt is not the end; it’s just another beginning. A beginning of a new era for new destinations. I dare to dream.

Total 360 Karate is built different than other places. We won’t give you a belt; each progression is earned. Each step is taken not by the Nidan or Shodan but by the 10th or 9th kyu who are willing to do the work. The dojo thrives on the ideals of traditionally based Japanese mentalities of respect, honor, and hard work. I dare to dream. The heart of the dojo is understanding that you have to be willing to dream, not only for what you want in the dojo but in life. Build that determinism and continue to… dare to dream.