October 4. Day 278. The Karate Kids

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Why?

Probably the most frequent question posed by children to their parents.

When we were well into our teenage years my father would, in the style of a politician, always answer that question with a question of his own.

"Why does a dog lick its balls?"

We knew the answer. "Because it can." Discussion over.

I thought of that this morning when at Reverend Green at South Bank.

There I found Sensei Will McLay (on the right) of Happy Dragon Martial Arts and his student Don practising their karate.

I asked Will why he had chosen that spot to go through his paces.

"Because I can," he replied.

Actually, the answer should have been self evident. Would you look at that backdrop? On a fresh Spring morning it would be hard to imagine a better place in the city for morning meditation and exercise.

Sensei Will, Don and sometimes one or two others meet for an hour five mornings a week at this spot for a workout to start the day.

Because they can. 

And why not, I say.