I am like a proud father sometimes when it comes to my students. They are all amazing people. They each shine, in their own different way, at their own different times.

One has been with me since he was a teenager. He was the epitome of a geek! Two left feet and the social grace of a yak. Fast forward to today. He is an amzing artist who is in his final year of art school. He became an amazing martial artist! He blows me away every time I see him train at how his has become a martial arts machine. He is no longer that geeky teenager but a young man who has come into his own and found his place in the world. All through this he has kept his wonderful humor and friendly demeanor. I am so proud of him!

One is a small boy whose life has been so tough that many of us would never have survived what he has been through. His father tragically died from a drug overdose and he saw a small neighbor boy get hit and killed by a truck, yet with the love of his mother and family, this young man continues to amaze me with his compassion and HUGE spirit. I am so proud of him!

Another is a 10 year old girl who, all on her own, spent an entire year working and creating the very first ever martial arts merit badge for the Girl Scouts of America and led the very first event to help girls earn these badges. She demonstrated not just that she learned leadership, but that she could lead. I am proud of her!

Through all the years I have been teaching, I have watched so many, young and old, accomplish so much. It makes me so proud of them. The one that holds dearest to my heart, and always will, is the 9 year old girl who is so kind, so funny, so loving of everyone, so dedicated to what she does and wants to do, that I am most proud to be her father!

Train Hard, Inspire Others and Live Life to the Fullest!

Tony Robbins talks about six human needs - one of which is significance.  I think some of us need this more than others.  Since the time I was little, I always wanted to be "famous".  I wanted to be known and recognized for my accomplishments.  When I was very young, it was for my good grades, my leadership positions.  As I entered college, I wanted to "change the world".  When I had children, I wanted to be important in their lives and be recognized for thier accomplishments.  Now my focus has changed to be not only "in the spotlight"; but to gain respect, admiration, and even love because of what I do. 

Today one of my living heroes passed away.  He was the kindest man I have ever known.  He grew up in a small village in Ecuador, where he was a rancher.  He fell in love with a wealthy man's daughter, and they had elope to another town because her father didn't approve of her marrying a man of lower status.  They had nine children, two of whom died before the age of three.  They worked hard their whole lives, and finally moved here to the States to be with their children and grandchildren.  They learned a new language, a new culture, and a new way of life. They never asked anyone for anything, but were always willing to help in any way possible. Last Sunday they celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary.  He wasn't "famous".  But he was significant.  And he has helped me to realize that we are remembered not just for what we do; but for who we are.  He was one of the greatest men I have ever known, and I will miss him very much.  He continues to teach me by his quiet and patient example, and I know he is in a better place. Goodbye Papito Sergito - I hope to see you again!

Success is enjoyed more when shared. Anything  we share we are able to enjoy more.Keeping your blessings and gifts to yourself is boring and unfulfilling. What are some of the success you could share with others -Love-Knowledge-happiness- Energy-Time-Life is a magnifier! what you share and give away you will have more of,Live a life of excellence...

Be the change

Sbn Jack

I'm getting ready for my 4th degree 1st tick test that's coming up on june 5th.
I have not tested for awhile in these days. Last time that I tested was about two years ago. So, I'm getting anxious but I'm excited at the same time.

However, I still have to be careful myself with injury because last time I was injured the day before tournament and I was not able to participate. But sometimes it does not go to the way I wanted. I guess that's life too right? Well, similar thing happened again this time. It was Sunday and I had to review some of my forms and stuff, so I decided to work on Sunday at my do jang. I practiced my forms, breaking techniques. Everything went well but I was practicing my back flip move. I did first couple not too bad but following back flip, I did not leap myself high enough and I ended up landing with right fingers awkwardly. It was not that extreme painful but slight painful. I could feel my fingers getting swollen and I started to get worried again. I put ice on my fingers and headed to emergent Clinique nearby my house. They took x ray on my fingers and thankfully it was not broken. I was very relieved. But still it was hard for me to move my fingers.

I guess being an instructor I have a mindset that I have to perform in a higher level of performance and therefore I tend to push myself too hard. I guess it could be a good thing but after this happened to me few times now, I think I found my next goal. Almost of all my injuries are from my excitement kicked in. I think I need to calm down first and think about how to avoid injuries before I actually do it. I can not allow myself, things happen like that. I have to be responsible on my body. That's what my grandmaster lee said to me in the other day. That really touched me.

I'm still going to practice hard on myself but in a different manner now. Hopefully, my body can be 100% on the day of testing.
Pil Sung!

Memorial Day. A day each year we set aside to remember those of us who have given in their lives in name of our country. This is not a day to banter about the good or bad of the situation, or to contemplate what the outcome of any of these situations ultimately became. It is a time to reflect and honor those who have paid the cost of our lives in blood so that, as they hoped. we here could live out out lives to the fullest.
I wandered amongst the crowds at the local military cemetery with my daughter, taking my time to pay my respect and thanks for those who gave their lives for me and her. I did not fail to understand that there were those who at that very moment were willing to do the same, and the odds were at that exact time someone somewhere was, just as someone somewhere is doing right now.

We walked quietly through the fields of flags adorning the grave sites of those who had passed along. Some in combat, others lived a life beyond their military service, though I doubt their lives were much the same as they were prior to pledging their life. As we stopped at one particular grave, I had to ask myself what would these men and women who would give their life in exchange for my freedoms tell me? Each one had been willing to give their life so I could do as our founding father's asked of us...to pursue life, liberty and happiness. Two words echoed through my mind. "Have fun". A simple statement which embodied everything their sacrifice stood for. "Have fun". We are here but a single time, and we should without question, without apology, without remorse enjoy our time here. Life holds so many pleasures for us, and a life not enjoyed is a life wasted. How would one who died so we could live feel at the wasted effort of their sacrifice? As you go through your life today please recall all those who came before us, and those around us who have taken up the mantle so that we may lead lives as we see fit. No matter what your beliefs, no matter what your choices, no matter what you do in life..if you do nothing else have fun.

I have had my share of challenges as a school owner.  So I listen to those who have been successful and try to emulate.  There is a fine line, a "dip", a Catch 22, where there is ambition for new projects and procedures but not quite enough cash flow to implement.  I feel like I've been hanging in that balance for far too long.  And there are many before me who have endured and overcome the same thing.

It can be done.  It has been done.  It's been done by so many others I KNOW I can do it!  But after 5 years I can't help but question my self on occassion.  And that's when I look to the success of others and know that I can follow the path they have already laid before me.  They are the trail blazers.

I am a follower.  But I am selective of whom I follow.

Vic Magary

www.gymjunkies.com 

 

 

I have twenty student members participating in the Ultimate Black Belt Test with me. While they were free to choose their own personal requirements, there were two requirements that I made compulsory for them if they wished to be a part of the program - a weekly public journal, and the no quitting requirement. 

As a team, I have been immensely proud of their journalling efforts. Their insights into themselves and their journey have inspired and motivated me throughout my own personal journey. However with any team effort there are always leaders and there are coattail riders. 

I had to question certain members of my team this week as to whether or not they have chosen to quit, despite their no quitting requirement. The fact that I had to ask that question speaks volumes. The UBBT is a public journey and if your own team member can't tell whether or not you are even participating anymore, obviously you are not keeping your test public through your physical efforts or your journalling efforts. If your teammate has asked you this question and you have not quit, you must ask yourself if your actions are matching your words. 

While I have struggled with leg problems since November, I have not struggled with my motivation or passion for the UBBT. I have been very proactive in ensuring I stay engaged in my training and thus even though I am behind on certain physical requirements because of my leg issues, I am staying on track. As Coach Tom said to me last week, I am adapting.

Looking forward to the Live Like a Champion Project in 2010!

"If you're proactive, you don't have to wait for circumstances or other people to create perspective expanding experiences. You can consciously create your own. " - Stephen R. Covey (b. 1932)

Jeff Brinker

Silent River Kung Fu - Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada

My studio is located near a major military base called Fort Jackson.  This is one of the bigger bases in the US, and a very large percentage of all new Army recruits do their basic training here. As a result, I have had several military families join my studio.

While I have known people over the years who served in our military, including a distant cousin who served in Vietnam, this is the first time that I really have seen first hand, the kind of sacrifice these soldiers and their families make.

I have seen mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and grandfathers get deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan more than once.  I have seen spouses separated and children go without seeing their father or mother for 15 months at a time.  I see the kind of hours they work here in the US and see how passionate they are about serving our country; all for little pay and prestige!

It really has been a blessing and an honor to get to know these families.   We say a prayer for all our military almost every day before class.

We are also very lucky that we haven't lost a member yet due to the two wars the US is currently fighting.

So this Memorial Day, I want to say thank you to my military families that are part of my karate family, the soldiers who are protecting us here and abroad and for those that have made the ultimate sacrifice for our great country.

Say a prayer for peace!

May God bless you and keep you safe in his arms!

 

 

Chris Feldt

Samurai Karate Studio

803-462-9425

www.samuraikaratestudio.net

Getting outside our comfort zone is one of the hardest things to do.  But when we extend ourselves the rewards are the best.  There are many things that I am not comfortable with and need to extend myself on.  But it is interesting that as I ask my own students to work on this the pressure to do the same and to admit that I have created these limitations on myself is a good pressure.  

I have found myself at time getting bogged down by what I have to do or should do, so much that nothing gets done.  When I write down what I am going to accomplish this day, being sure that there is enough time to do so, and then just start doing it, the pressure is relieved and things get done.

I remember one of the posting by Charles Chi about the biggest hurdle many times is the first step.  That is what I work on now taking the first step.  Many times the rest of it falls into place.

Feel Good Friday #4

Hi Everyone, I got this from Daily Good...
Paul Hawken is renowned entrepreneur, visionary environmental activist, founder of Wiser Earth and author of many books -- most recently Blessed Unrest.

Recently, he was presented with an honorary doctorate of humane letters by University of Portland, when he delivered this superb commencement address: http://www.dailygood.org/more.php?n=3697 go there now!

Here are some excerpts from that speech in case you can't find the time to get there: