IKS Thoughts: John Diggins

Editor's Note: Prior to the 30th anniversary celebration that we had, I asked people to submit to me their thoughts about the school to share with the headmasters. I have gathered these essays and will be adding them to this blog as "IKS Thoughts" over the next several months. Today's submission was made by black belt John Patrick Diggins IV. 


To the instructors of Independent Karate:

Twenty years ago, at the age of six, my father signed me up for classes at Independent Karate, in the basement of Our Lady of Mercy Church in Merrimack, NH, after I was bullied by some older boys.  My parents hoped that sending me to learn karate would provide me with both the skills and the confidence to defend myself in the often turbulent times of my childhood.  This hope was realized many times over; however, self defense was only a small part of what I learned at IKS.  My parents were surprised, and pleased, to find that the men and women who teach at IKS don’t just teach kids how to punch and kick and block.  IKS teaches children respect for ones self and ones elders, honor, discipline, courage, and the importance of education.  These were all values that my parents worked diligently to instill in their children, and having them repeated outside the home was invaluable to them.  They were so impressed that my father, John Diggins, would later join IKS.

Receiving my black belt from IKS was one of the most formative experiences of my childhood.  Working toward, and earning that belt, taught me that success can be achieved, but only through hard work.  That message still reverberates in my adult life, and the achievement is still something I feel a measured amount of pride for.   It has been many years since I studied at IKS and while my karate skills have unfortunately lapsed, the larger values of hard work respect and discipline instilled in me at IKS are as vibrant as ever.   I have used them as a runner, a youth leader in school, and most importantly as a student.  Having recently completed my masters degree I now use those skills in my career.

I believe that the most important aspect of the IKS curriculum is the incredible attention paid to education.  A quality education is undoubtedly the most important thing a child can obtain.  I still remember being urged by Sensei Pete to do well in school and listen to and respect my teachers.  I’m confident that there have been many kids, like me, who were in need of that motivation outside of the home.  I commend you all for your efforts!

I feel that I owe a great deal to IKS for all the valuable experiences I obtained there as a child.  Thank you all for your patience, kindness, and attentiveness.  Mr. Nastasia, Mr. Desmarais, and Sensei Pete: You are great men and I still hold you all in the highest regard.  Generations of children have learned, and continue to learn invaluable life lessons from the three of you.  You have helped turn children into better adults and better citizens. Congratulations on the 30th year anniversary of your school!  I hope that someday I too can bring my six year old son to learn the important life lessons you teach.