Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Week # 1

Over the Memorial Day holiday weekend I resumed my training with Global Martial Arts University. Although I have nearly 20 hours of training completed, I opted to start again at the very beginning. One of the things that I really enjoy about training with GMAU is the ability to watch a lesson and learn about the forms and their meanings, as well as go over the breakdown of each move, before executing them in class form. The classes are fantastic and always implement the new moves learned in class form. My training over the weekend involved several lessons of different stances and their breakdowns, as well as the first 2 beginners classes. I will be back later in the week to discuss this weeks training.

For information:  https://globalmartialarts.university

Thursday, May 25, 2017

Becoming A Global Martial Arts University Student

At the age of 19, I began training as a pro wrestling. I trained at the Monster Factory in New Jersey, and was soon on the road wrestling on weekends and living another dream of mine. Although I stayed semi active for 13 years, I really only wrestled consistently for 5. At that time I met my wife and soon family became my main focus. In 2010, with a passion for karate still inside of me, I found a local dojo and finally began training. I trained for nearly 2 years in Cuong Nhu Martial Arts. I enjoyed this introduction into the martial arts very much. Again, situations and lifes twists and turns did not allow me to continue my training.

In the Summer of 2016, my wife, my son, and I relocated to Houston, Texas. One of the very first things I did was seek out a karate dojo, as I know in my heart, I belong as a karate student. Through my research and visiting dojos, the one that stood out to me was a dojo extremely close to me. It was actually in my living room!

I discovered Sensei Jon and Sensei Michael of Global Martial Arts University. This University allows you to train at home and earn rank through an accredited organization. With juggling family and work, sometimes you just don't have time for very much. This school was perfect and I read nothing but great things about it. I began training in August and dove in head first. The lessons and classes go into great detail with each and every step. The conditioning workouts are incredible, and the true essence of karate is felt with every lesson. I loved it right away. For me the best time to workout is at 5am. My wife and son are safe and asleep, my mind is open, and my focus is set on my lesson and class. As a current white belt in Shotokan, I will be blogging my journey each step of the way. Check out https://globalmartialarts.university/ for everything you need to know to be a student.

The Karate Kid

     I can remember it like it was yesterday. Funny how certain memories remain in your mind through the test of time. I traveled with my family to Silo, in Turnersville, NJ at the age of 5 years old, to purchase our very first VCR. It was a Panasonic top loader, that my Dad still owns to this day!..that still works! It was 1985 and VCR's were finally reaching a price point that allowed middle class families to own them. The first 2 movies that I was able to rent would change my life forever. The first was Star Wars. The second, The Karate Kid.

     I can still remember watching it for the very first time. Being amazed by everything that Daniel went through, being afraid of Mr. Miyagi when I first saw him, and being in awe of the thought of karate. I almost immediately tied a headband on my head and starting practicing moves that I had seen Daniel being taught by Miyagi. It wasn't long after that I started asking my parents for karate lessons.

     One afternoon I remember walking into a dojo for the first time. It was located at what is now the Amish Farmers Market, also in Turnersville, NJ. At the age of 5, I was scared to death. What I saw when I walked in were students doing what I had seen in the film, but much louder and much harder. Needless to say, after seeing it up close, and my mom talking to the Sensei, I decided to buy a headband from their shop and quietly head home. Knowing all the while, that I still loved karate, and would still emulate the Karate Kid.

     The story continues...



    

Intro

Karate has been an influence on my life since the age of 5, the very first time I saw The Karate Kid. Now, at the age of 37, an age that some might say is too old to continue with such a journey, I plan to fulfill a dream of mine some 30 plus years in the making. I will be continuing my training, competing in tournaments, and ultimately striving to earn my black belt. I also plan on teaching my son the art form as he grows, and passing on the values that I have learned to him. I will be doing so in my home through the amazing instruction of Global Martial Arts University.

I will be covering my journey both here in this blog, as well as a podcast that I will be starting in the next few days. I hope you will join me on this journey, which will begin with my history and introduction to the martial arts. Where life led me over the years, and where it has led me now, to Shotokan Karate and GMAU. Oss!



How It All Started

My passion for pro wrestling began at the age of 5. I can actually pinpoint it to the exact day. My 5th birthday. My dad gave me an LJN Hulk...