A tremendous thank you to all the instructors and participants of the Power of American Kenpo Seminar, that was held at the Arnott Kenpo Karate Studio in Pasadena on January 14, 2012.
As a thought for you to ponder, everyone evolved, participants and instructors alike, were open to participating in more events that would be of benefit to the martial arts and organizations like the Royal Family Kids.
Scott Montoya, who did an awesome job while teaching his segment of the seminar, wrote me after the event and, in part, said, "I think its all our duty to give back to our fellow man. Best wishes and Semper Fi!"
Respectfully,
Navy Cross Recipient Iraq SSP
Co-Commander of the Legion of Valor
Quoting Ed Parker
When embryonic moves become
sophisticated, great truths become
apparent.
The Zen of Kenpo
Why did we have a seminar called . . .
THE POWER OF AMERICAN KENPO
I hate to sound too old or start too many conversations with, "Back in the day", but now and then there's no better way to start a conversation.
So, back in the day, being a Black Belt really meant something. Anyone who had earned a black belt, back then, had earned the respect of their peers and society in general. It was assumed, and to a major degree, rightfully so, that a black belt was a total bad ass that could take you out with a single punch. Only today if you tell somebody that you're a black belt they'll likely say something like, "Oh that's nice, so is my ten year old son." In fact, here's a true story that happened to me.
A lady came up to me and in an interested tone, said, “I hear you're a black belt in karate. So tell me, how long did it take you to earn a black belt?" I proudly stated that it took me nine years to earn my rank. She then smiled and said, “Really? My ten year old son is a black belt too. It only took him two years, but he's very gifted." Then she just stood there, looking at me like I was retarded.
Having reached my breaking point, of being compared to yet another ten year old black belt, I politely said, "That's great, so I guess he can really defend himself." She said, "Oh yes, I even let him walk around the mall by himself, because no one’s going to mess with him." I pondered this for a moment and said, "So, I guess when it's time to come in for dinner, or time to go to bed, he only comes in, or goes to bed, if he wants to. Right? After all he's a black belt and you can't make him do anything he doesn't want to do, can you?” After a slight pause she looked me in the eye and said, "He better do what I say or I'll . . ." "You'll what?" I asked her. "You'll spank his little bottom?" With the ball rolling in my direction now, I said, "Are you a black belt too?” She says, "Well no . . ." I cut her off and looking her back in the eye, I say . . . continued
