Student showcases passion for martial arts

By Allegra Eslick

"Hiyah!" Karate Kid Dean Paul C. Dominguez, has the right "Kata," confidence and spirit to become the next president of Santa Clara's Shotokan Karate Club.

Dominguez, a 19-year-old sophomore, has been a member of the Shotokan Karate Club since the beginning of his freshman year, making him a principal member. Elections take place this week, and Dominguez cannot help but reveal his optimism about being elected president.

"I'm there all the time and it would be a nice change to be president," said Dominguez, "Our president last year did a really good job -- when you think of Karate, you think of him. I just want to maintain that or make it better. The foundation he built is really strong already, and if I have the opportunity to improve things, then 'Why not?'"

Dominguez has only been practicing Shotokan Karate for a little over a year now and already has obtained the ranking of a blue-belt, which is the third level of achievement.

"I never got a chance to take karate as a child," says Dominguez. "I'm glad to be doing it now."

When asked if Dominguez felt a natural ability with Karate, his response was "No." However, he pursued his passion following the advice of a business professor: "If you don't know something well, its like throwing mud at a wall and if you throw it enough times, eventually its going to stick."

Dominguez says that what separates their Dojo, where they practice karate, from others is that belts are not easily given out. Testing for higher rank is based on confidence, spirit, technique, and how one delivers it. The two senseis, or instructors, will judge each member.

"Senseis know how good you are - you can't really hide anything, the time you invest shows in your punches and your kicks," says Dominguez. "As long as I practice, take the tests and am serious about it, then the Senseis will give me a higher rank." The next belt Dominguez hopes to achieve is the green-belt.

Dominguez explained that one important aspect of Shotokan is the "Kata," which means form and is analogous to a dance. During the demonstration of the "Kata," the two senseis will instruct a student to do certain moves, where he will be attacking an imaginary opponent.

According to Dominguez, Shotokan is a type of Karate that focuses on punching techniques, originating in Japan.

Dominguez states that a big goal for him this year, regarding Shotokan, is to be more flexible, as well as to do better in sparing, which consists of reacting to given scenarios.

"It's defend or run, and Shotokan is very peaceful, so if you have a chance to run and not hurt someone else, by all means you should take that route instead of fighting," Dominguez said.

When Dominguez is not practicing his moves, he enjoys visiting his 30 cousins in the Philippines. Dominguez maintains his "Kata," confidence and spirituality, by striving to be a well rounded individual.

"When I was in elementary school, I heard my teacher speak of a Renaissance Man- and my goal is to be like that," confesses Dominguez, "If you are well rounded, you can talk about whatever - it is a good feeling to be able to relate to many things."

Contact Allegra Eslick at (408) 551-1918 or aeslick@scu.edu.