Character
38 articles by Sensei Willy Strohmeier, from his monthly Brighton Buzz column.
2026
Who's Kicking Your Cat?
Good moods and bad ones spread like dominoes. Zig Ziglar's classic story and a student's progress show why every interaction matters.
Heroes Never Die, They Just Fade Away
A broken bed, The Way of the Dragon, and Chuck Norris: how a childhood hero's discipline, humility, and faith inspired a lifetime of karate.
Choosing Friends Who Lift You Up
We become the average of the five people we spend the most time with. Why choosing uplifting friends matters for kids and adults alike.
2025
Full Circle Moments: Lessons That Last a Lifetime
A former student returns 19 years later with his own child, proof that the character lessons taught on the mat endure long after the techniques.
The Dojo - A Classroom for Life
Respect, structure, resilience, and teamwork: how the karate dojo works like a classroom that prepares kids for life on and off the mat.
Karate Gave Me a Head Start in Life
Dane joined the dojo at twelve in 2007. Now an Army Chaplain Candidate, he shares how 'Seek Perfection of Character' shaped his calling.
2024
Have We Become Too Impersonal?
A handwritten letter from a reader is a reminder that real effort, not emojis and wall posts, shows people how much they matter to us.
3 Reasons Why Cobra Kai Stinks
A karate instructor's take on Cobra Kai: why the show misses what real martial arts training is about, from character to mentorship.
You Are Free to Be Mediocre!
"Do I have to make a vision board?" No. You can always choose to be mediocre, or you can choose to be extraordinary. What will it be?
2023
The Greatest Victory
A legendary swordsman valued judgment over skill. Thinking before we act, even under pressure, is the greatest victory: a victory over self.
When You See Bullying, Don’t Stand By - Stand Up!
A ninth-grade moment of joining the crowd taught Sensei Willy a lasting lesson: never join a bully, and when you see bullying, stand up.
The Way of Cleanliness
Why karate students scrub the dojo floor: Soji, the Japanese way of cleanliness, builds humility, responsibility, respect and courtesy.
The World Doesn’t Owe You a Thing!
A grateful childhood amid hardship in 1980s Lima contrasts with today's dissatisfied youth. Are we raising an entitled generation?
That’s Just the Way I Am
People can become completely different, in a better way. Swap "that's just the way I am" for "I choose to" and take control of who you become.
2022
Three Lessons from Cobra Kai
Setting aside instant black belts and endless brawls, Cobra Kai offers three good lessons: don't judge too fast, redemption is possible, and nothing is guaranteed.
My Job Sucked, and I’m Thankful for It
A telemarketing job with broken English taught Sensei Willy sales, grit and gratitude. Hard seasons are often preparation for something better.
You Graduated, Time to Start Over
Graduation, like a karate promotion, puts you back at the bottom of a new hill. Learning to embrace starting over is how we keep growing.
2021
It's Not My Fault
Blaming others means admitting we couldn't do better. Why our dojo teaches extreme ownership: be prompt, no whining, no excuses.
Honoring Our Past, Living in the Present, and Forging Our Future
Revisiting his childhood Sensei in Lima, Peru, Sensei Willy reflects on what a teacher passes on, and how anyone with experience can be a Sensei.
Seek Perfection of Character
The Dojo Kun opens with 'Seek Perfection of Character.' A class conversation with new students on what character is, and why growth never stops.
Change Yourself, Change the World
A bullied boy found karate, earned his black belt, and became UFC legend Georges St-Pierre. You overcome the bully by changing yourself.
Pushing Brighton Forward
Like pushing an old Datsun to get it started, our community needs a push. Practical ways to support Brighton's small businesses through hard times.
2020
2019
Stop Bullies… by Not Being One
In 9th grade, Sensei Willy joined in mocking a classmate and was called out. A lesson for kids: never join a bully, and stand up for others.
Chasing Trophies or Chasing Excellence?
Cleaning out the garage, Sensei Willy found a box of old karate medals and tossed them. The real prize was never first place, but excellence.
Becoming a Black Belt
You can order a black belt by Wednesday, but becoming one takes years. To achieve more, we must first become more.
The “No Excuses” Super Power
In our dojo, excuses aren't allowed and aren't needed. Students learn accountability early, and it becomes a super power anyone can build day by day.
Karate, Not Just Kicking and Punching
A karate mom shares what her family found at our school: balance and focus for her son, and much more, a community that helps raise our children.
Diary of an Angry Kid
Sensei Willy was a short-fused first grader nicknamed 'Fosforito.' Karate didn't make him a better fighter; it taught him to manage his anger.
2018
A Better Way to Say Thank You!
A young student's handwritten postcard reminded me how much a written thank-you can lift someone. It takes only minutes, and can change a person's day.
While Time Is on Your Side
I put off visiting my father-in-law in the hospital to finish a work order, and never got the chance. Make time for those you love while you can.
Get Vaccinated!
Zig Ziglar called it PLOM, “Poor Little Ol' Me” disease. The vaccine is an “if it is to be, it is up to me” attitude, for kids and adults alike.
The “Bum” Who Saved My Home
In 1989 Lima, a young man my family dismissed as a bum ran into our burning house to save it. A lesson in looking beyond the surface to see potential.
2017
2016
An Attitude of Gratitude
A four-year-old's “Thank you, Sensei!” prompts a reflection on gratitude as an attitude, and on the duty to do for others what was done for us.
Courtesy and Kindness, Where Have They Gone?
Rudeness seems to be catching on everywhere. Karate begins and ends with respect, and courtesy is a gift we should freely give to everyone we meet.
When You See Bullying, Don’t Stand By, Stand Up!
A ninth-grade memory of joining in on a classmate's teasing, and the reminder every child needs: never join a bully, and stand up for others.