Abbotsford's first family of karate
by Tammy Pilon
It's evident that there is something special about the Chan family of Abbotsford. The littlest one sits quietly in the room adjacent to the dojo reading her book every Saturday. At age 9, Erika never makes a sound while her sister, her brother, her mother and father train for two hours with Shihan Sameshima. Her absorption into her task seems rare for a 9 year old. Perhaps it's a focus that comes from her piano studies or maybe her swimming lessons or her soccer training. Or could it be the influence of a family whose life is Karate?
Erika is now a ninth kyu karateka, but her focus was apparent even a year ago. She seems to have been influenced by karate by just being there. Even before she began karate training her family recalled how she automatically performed an outside block upon a child attacker.
Her sister, Jeraldine, began Karate at age 8. At 12 years she is now second kyu. 'Jerry' (as her family calls her) has obviously been a big influence on Erika. Over the past year I've seen both of them overcoming their shyness and slowly becoming more confidently young ladies.
Jonathan also seems to share this confidence that has developed throughout his 6 years in Karate. During his recent shodan grading I was amazed by the focus and spirit that he had developed at the age of 13 years. Even with his training being only once a week during his two years at boarding school, he managed to achieve black belt in a very short time. He recalled a story of a short, fat boy who gave him a shove in school and with an open hand to the throat Jonathan showed his assertiveness without hurting the boy.
Their father John Chan, hoped that Karate would give his kids self confidence and enable them to protect themselves, especially his daughters. Dr. Chan is now a second Dan and his goal is for his entire family to achieve black belt. He's more than half way there.
Their mother Becky, earned her shodan last year. She says karate has helped her increase her pain threshold, no longer wincing at every little bruise. It has also helped her deal with her emotions and focus herself.
She has noticed how karate has helped her children to be respectful especially toward their parents and teachers. Dutifully, they do their homework, understanding that living without television during the week helps them to achieve their goals.
The family unit is very important to the Chan's. Their Saturdays are spent together going to Karate and then to dinner. On Sundays they play soccer.
Their family is built around a simple attitude of having fun and working for rewards. Karate has given them a quiet confidence and a growing sense of togetherness.