Gratitude
22 articles by Sensei Willy Strohmeier, from his monthly Brighton Buzz column.
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.
Viejo, Mi Querido Viejo!
A student's spontaneous "I love you, Dad" brings back memories of a father and a song. A Father's Day reminder: you can't say it enough.
2024
It Was the Worst of Times…
A family hospital stay and the caring staff at Children's Hospital Colorado inspired the club's holiday toy drive for young patients.
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.
Mom, You Are My Champion!
She started karate in her mid-fifties and at 76 earns her third-degree black belt. A Mother's Day tribute to Sensei Willy's mom, and his student.
2023
Shifting Your Life Focus
Born without legs and with one arm, Nick Santonastasso asks: do you focus on what you have or what you don't? What we focus on, we get more of.
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?
The Best Is Yet to Come!
Little karate students greet every day with joyful expectation. What if adults approached the new year the same way, even on a Monday?
2022
2021
Self-Made? Not Me!
If you see a turtle on a fence post, it had help getting there. Sensei Willy thanks the friend and mentor who helped him build his karate school.
Gratitude Makes It All Worth It
Sensei Willy's own teacher left a national coaching job because it was thankless. A simple thank you can make someone's work worth it.
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.
Happy Mother's Day!
A four-year-old holding the dojo door for her mom sparks a reflection on the love mothers pour into us, and our turn to give it back.
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
Where Is Your Joy? Really?
With the dojo doors closed, a moment in front of the mirror reminded Sensei Willy that joy is anchored in people, not buildings. Where is yours?
Be Like Mike
A near-stranger named Mike treated Sensei Willy like an old friend, then died days later. A reflection on giving people your greatest asset: your time.
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.
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
The Best Job I Ever Had
A karate instructor on why she loves her job: the kids' small victories, a parent's thank-you, and a former tiny student now training beside her.
Taking the Time to Be Kind
A stranger paying for coffee in the drive-thru inspired a day of random kindness around Brighton. Do one kind thing today and see how it feels.