January 8, 2001
After a serious knee surgery and six months of rehabilitation, I was not sure I would ever be physically
active again. I was out of shape, overweight and extremely inflexible. In fact, I couldn't even touch my toes.
When I found out my friend Bill Fischer was teaching kenpo karate at our church on Tuesday and Thursday
nights, I joined the class really on a whim. I had always wanted to take karate, but I wasn't sure a 45 year
old man with my problems could last. But the entry fee was very reasonable and included the uniform, so I
had nothing to lose. Bill was very patient and worked with me at my speed.
Well, it's one year later and I just received my orange belt. I've actually surprised myself. Moreover, the
steady lessons has been getting me back into shape, my knee is feeling better and I lost some weight, and
I've learned some good self-defense techniques. After a whole year of stretching, I can definitely touch my
toes. More importantly, I've met some wonderful people I now call friends.
Kenny Williams