A decade ago, I used to compete in Okinawan Karate.
Competitive karate is a roller coaster ride of glorious victories and bitter failure. There were days I found myself pummeled like a useless rag doll. And there were other days I scythed through opponents like an unstoppable juggernaut. Every punch broke through and every kick landed somewhere satisfyingly soft. (oooh how I loved that!) I would zip around the squared ring like Neo on steroids, launching a flurry of eye-bl…