Maine Kyokushin Karate

06/10/2026

Its ICE CREAM DAY because this crew CRUSHED the Great Meditation Challenge!!! Osu!!!

06/01/2026

05/10/2026

OSU!

05/06/2026

Our baby (and black belt) turns 27 today!!! Happiest birthday, Senpai!!! Osu!

05/01/2026

SAYING GOODBYE TO MY EYE. Or "My Path to Being a One-Eyed Karate Pirate. Part 1.

I was born with congenital strabismus and diplopia. That means I have misaligned eyes and constant double vision.

If I'm looking at you, I'm probably seeing two of you ;)

I have NEVER seen the world like you do. You crazy single vision people.

I've had 4 surgeries, some more successful than others. But the constant tax on my brain to keep one image together is exhausting. It causes unexpected migraines and extreme light sensitivity. It puts my nervous system into overload. But the worst part has been on my musculoskeletal system: a fused neck, out of place ribs, multiple shoulder surgeries, hip bursitis, IT band issues, and more.

And I don't want to grow old in a body that can't fight.

My doc is the best in Maine but told me he couldnt help me anymore. That was a blow. He's sending me to Boston Children's Hospital to see the best in the world at my condition to make a long term plan. And that starts with "occluding" my bad eye to save the rest of me.

It has been hard and overwhelming at times thinking about losing my eye - because, of course, it is! But after having another migraine triggered by whatever yesterday, I knew I was done.

My quality of life depends on how my body works and not "saving" my eye. I am sad and a little gutted over this, but its the right choice for me.

So if you see me looking a little weirder than usual, this is why. When you see me embracing my new One-Eyed Pirate lifestyle, just give me an "Aye, Aye, Captain!" and have a little grace when I accidentally run into things ;)

04/27/2026

Happy Birthday Shihan Marty Petrovich!!!