2019 has been an incredible year, full of positive change. Many have found The Martial Arts Academy, and we have had unprecedented growth. My dream of spreading true Karate as an effective fighting art, and as a means by which to live ones life has come alive.
With growth also comes change, and one’s ability to change with it. One of my senior students moved across the country this year, and had to seek training elsewhere because of this. Taking up Muay Thai in his new city at an Mixed Martial Arts gym, the instructor was impressed with his “Karate Strength”, and said “Every once in a while, a Karateka comes through here with powerful kicks, punches, knees and elbows”.
The best part about this, is that it made the Thai Boxing Instructor happy, and me very proud. I was gratified that I was able to transmit Karate as it was meant to be. It is my hope that my student is able to do the same for another one day. It is very important that we properly maintain the fighting arts we inherit. The Fighting Arts are alive, and can only be transmitted from one human being to another. It takes a great deal of patience, character and skill to learn true Karate. To successfully learn any true martial art such as Karate, Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Thai or Western Boxing, you must cultivate three principals:
1) Cultivate The Way of the Warrior, and have Fighting Spirit
2) Have the ability to Learn & Change
3) Believe in something Greater than yourself, such as God
These three principals will help you develop character, as the Martial Way challenges you. This path of training and testing gives way to spiritual power though discipline. As such, it is our Duty to provide Solace where there is pain, bring Positive Strength where needed, and to care for those who have less than us. This is Christmas Eve, I want to remind each you that all of us possess these treasures in our hearts. Go outward, and Be of Service.
Merry Christmas, and God Bless!