There are a long list of things I’ve never done in my life, and going to a gym is one of them. And this wasn’t an ordinary gym, but a karate dojo. I felt very insecure as I followed James through the back door and into the interior. It had a strange odor, a mix of sweat, rubber and disinfectants. James showed me where to take off my shoes, and went into his office for a moment, leaving me alone and uncertain in an unfamiliar environment. There were other students padding around in their bare feet, or in special shoes for martial arts. Some of them wore the traditional gi, while others were dressed in normal gym garb. At least I wasn't the only one in a pair of yoga pants and a tank top. The main room of the gym was a wide open space. The floor was padded with mats, and one entire si
