Giving Back
01/Aug/10
Just got back from an exam at Ysabell Merhout’s dojo. My car temperature gauge said 112 when I got in to drive back home. Luckily the students didn’t have to perform outside! I am so proud of Ysabell for continuing her teaching at not only the YMCA and the AWTC gym but at her own dojo built at the back of her home mostly with her own hands (I am sure her husband, Thomas, helped a lot as well).
She is just one of many examples of AKATO students giving back to the martial arts. I am fortunate to have so many dedicated black belts in our organization. You know, that is one of the requirements for black belt--the desire to give back to the arts. Many people in other schools earn their black belt and then promptly quit to engage in the next activity that tickles their fancy. They may have achieved that black piece of cloth to tie around their waist but they didn’t become true martial artists.
The desire to pass along the lessons (physical and mental and emotional) that one has learned moves you to becoming not just a student but a teacher. I want all the people we promote to black belt to become teachers and example for others. You probably know that “sensei” literally means “one who have traveled farther down the path.” For those of us who have trod that path called life, we have a duty to help others find sure footing. That’s what a sensei is.
She is just one of many examples of AKATO students giving back to the martial arts. I am fortunate to have so many dedicated black belts in our organization. You know, that is one of the requirements for black belt--the desire to give back to the arts. Many people in other schools earn their black belt and then promptly quit to engage in the next activity that tickles their fancy. They may have achieved that black piece of cloth to tie around their waist but they didn’t become true martial artists.
The desire to pass along the lessons (physical and mental and emotional) that one has learned moves you to becoming not just a student but a teacher. I want all the people we promote to black belt to become teachers and example for others. You probably know that “sensei” literally means “one who have traveled farther down the path.” For those of us who have trod that path called life, we have a duty to help others find sure footing. That’s what a sensei is.
Old Friends
20/Jun/10
Went to the U.S. Karate Championships yesterday. It was a great time of seeing and catching up with old martial arts friends. Spend probably half an hour with my original instructor Allen Steen reflecting on the early days of Texas karate. He told me that Pat Burleson and I were probably the only instructors from the mid-sixties still actively teaching. He also said he was proud of me for continuing to give back to the community (he was speaking specifically about our upcoming Gospel Martial Arts Conference on July 17). I have to admit it made me feel good to know that Mr. Steen was aware of and proud of my efforts for the arts. He will always be the Father of Texas Karate, yes, but also MY father in karate. So happy father’s day to “Big Al” from your humble student.
I also saw many faces I had literally not seen in decades including Phyllis Evetts and Candy Simpson (two of the earliest women black belts). And I had the pleasure of sitting at a VIP table with Jack Hwang, one of the first Koreans to come to the shores of America to promote tae kwon do. In fact, I won the 1971 kata championship at Mr. Hwang’s All American Open Karate Champions in Oklahoma City.
So what does this mean to you? It shows how your training in the arts can and should be a family affair. I don’t mean that you train with your blood relatives, although that can be fulfilling, but that you become a family when you are part of a community or school that shares common goals and values. I pray that the AKATO is such a family and that decades from now, perhaps even when I am gone, that your memories of the “old days” of the 2000s will bring much satisfaction.
I also saw many faces I had literally not seen in decades including Phyllis Evetts and Candy Simpson (two of the earliest women black belts). And I had the pleasure of sitting at a VIP table with Jack Hwang, one of the first Koreans to come to the shores of America to promote tae kwon do. In fact, I won the 1971 kata championship at Mr. Hwang’s All American Open Karate Champions in Oklahoma City.
So what does this mean to you? It shows how your training in the arts can and should be a family affair. I don’t mean that you train with your blood relatives, although that can be fulfilling, but that you become a family when you are part of a community or school that shares common goals and values. I pray that the AKATO is such a family and that decades from now, perhaps even when I am gone, that your memories of the “old days” of the 2000s will bring much satisfaction.
Summer is Here
22/May/10
Graduations have happened and school is out (for most people). Take some time to vacation with your family but don’t take a vacation from your training. There will be several opportunities for fun and improvement this summer. My friend Bob Beasley is putting on his U.S. Karate Championships in Mesquite on June 19. This is always a huge event and they will have the final competitions at night up on the big stage featuring several well-known martial celebrities.
You may know that I also head up the Gospel Martial Arts Union organization headquarted in Indianapolis. We have scheduled a Southwest regional clinic on July 17 at the Richardson, Texas YMCA. I am excited to have world champions Troy Dorsey and William Shelton coming to share their expertise. Most of you also know grandmaster Duane Ethington who will also be one of the teachers. Since I am an adjunct professor at the Dallas Theological Seminary I’ll have a theologian and professor to present a lecture over lunch (which, by the way, is included in the cost of the clinic). I am about to send my latest book off to the publisher and it should be back in time to give all the attendees a copy. Go to www.gmau.org for more info. You can sign up in advance for this event by picking up a form at one of the YMCAs.
I have also been announcing in class that the publisher of my 2008 book, “The Complete Guide to American Karate and Tae Kwon Do,” has made a special deal to the AKATO to sell them for almost half price. They are $9.25 plus tax so make it an even ten bucks. You can order them on the resources page.
You may know that I also head up the Gospel Martial Arts Union organization headquarted in Indianapolis. We have scheduled a Southwest regional clinic on July 17 at the Richardson, Texas YMCA. I am excited to have world champions Troy Dorsey and William Shelton coming to share their expertise. Most of you also know grandmaster Duane Ethington who will also be one of the teachers. Since I am an adjunct professor at the Dallas Theological Seminary I’ll have a theologian and professor to present a lecture over lunch (which, by the way, is included in the cost of the clinic). I am about to send my latest book off to the publisher and it should be back in time to give all the attendees a copy. Go to www.gmau.org for more info. You can sign up in advance for this event by picking up a form at one of the YMCAs.
I have also been announcing in class that the publisher of my 2008 book, “The Complete Guide to American Karate and Tae Kwon Do,” has made a special deal to the AKATO to sell them for almost half price. They are $9.25 plus tax so make it an even ten bucks. You can order them on the resources page.
Memories of the old days
03/Apr/10
This last week I attended the memorial services for one of my original mentors in the martial arts. Larry Caster was renown as an instructor and fighting coach. I remember a time, in the old Texas Instruments gym, when I asked him to show me a few techniques I could use on the older fighters (meaning those past their teenage years). He patiently spent a half-hour or so showing me how to close the gap and use my speed to advantage. This was just one of many instances over those years that Mr. Caster demonstrated his willingness to help me become more serious about my martial arts. He was a sterling example of a serious karateka.
The memorial service was like a who’s who of Texas karate. Steen, Burleson, Mullins, Wren, Daniel and so many other old friends gathered to pay their respects. Roy Kurban gave a heart felt eulogy. It was, I think, a fitting tribute to one who had touched so many lives. I was proud to be there.
As I reflect on the past it reminds me to also focus on the future. We have a black belt exam coming up in three weeks. Next month there is a kids tournament and the month after I’ll sponsor a big Gospel Martial Union clinic in Richardson. The cycle continues. The martial arts are truly a way of life, for me and for many of you. As long as we continue to pass along the traditions, the memories of men like Larry Caster will live on.
The memorial service was like a who’s who of Texas karate. Steen, Burleson, Mullins, Wren, Daniel and so many other old friends gathered to pay their respects. Roy Kurban gave a heart felt eulogy. It was, I think, a fitting tribute to one who had touched so many lives. I was proud to be there.
As I reflect on the past it reminds me to also focus on the future. We have a black belt exam coming up in three weeks. Next month there is a kids tournament and the month after I’ll sponsor a big Gospel Martial Union clinic in Richardson. The cycle continues. The martial arts are truly a way of life, for me and for many of you. As long as we continue to pass along the traditions, the memories of men like Larry Caster will live on.
What makes you proud?
17/Mar/10
I did an interview with the Martial Arts Masters of Texas podcast last week. Steve Pinder asked me what my proudest accomplishment in the martial arts was. I didn’t have to think about it. I answered that my students are my proudest accomplishments. When I’m gone (which I hope isn’t too soon, by the way) I don’t want people to just remember that I won x-number of tournaments, or wrote articles or books. Those things are temporary. But the influence that I may have had on students is, I trust, something that will long outlast me. I’ve seen bumbling white belts transform into champion black belts. I’ve had the privilege to see little kids become college graduates and some, go on to open their own dojos and start influencing a new generation. That is an accomplishment that I’m proud of. You can go to www.mamastersoftexas.com to hear the interview.