I have found, if you don't move from the spot you are at within the universe,
your soul's point of view can get lost.
About THE COLLEGE OF MARTIAL ARTS
I started my own martial arts training at age 8. This is when I learned to read and
given the privilege to check out library books. I then recruited kids in the area and
gave instruction to anybody that had wanted to learn Karate. Back then I learned
the basics. The basics are where you always go back to when you find yourself at
a loose end. Meaning move quickly, now! You've seen movies where a person is
getting chased down a dead end alley, with no where to go. Quickly he looks up
and points saying, "Wow! Look at that". Then runs passed the guy out of the alley.
Seems to work all the time!
As I walked home one day after work, at age 16, I encountered a Martial Arts Studio.
Master Han Choi (at that time, 8th dan black belt I believe, last status known 10th dan,
Grandmaster or GM 10th. I also met his son Sammy and a niece. At this moment I can
not recall her name, but I remember her bubbling little face smiling. And Sammy what
a character. I would always ask Sammy to teach me Korean. He would laugh when I
had problems pronouncing words correctly. I can still see his young smiling face
laughing at me. I would smile and nod knowing that he just loved making fun of me.
Grandmaster Han Choi was a great teacher. Sadly he died before I could see him again.
My last belt with GM Choi was 3rd degree Black Belt. I lost contact with him when I
started college. GM Choi Knowing very little English, made it so traditional. Taking
off your shoes before entering the practice area. Bowing to the head instructor. At that
time it was only GM Choi. My student number was and is 17. This was back in 1973-74.
Grandmaster Choi a tough, strict and a hell of a teacher. I went to the studio at least
six times a week. I could not get enough. I was energized forever. I learned so much.
Thank you Grandmaster Choi.
I began to teach my family members to practice on them, I mean practice with them.
Ha ha ha! My brother Mike (RIP), was the perfect partner. You see Mike and I had a
little sibling rivalry going on. My other siblings would move out of our way when Mike
and I would encounter each other in the hall way. We fought because we fought. No other
reason. Odd I believe it was just a sibling thing to do. Mike or Master Blas Miguel Herrera,
5th dan Black Belt, specialized in law enforcement techniques, practical self-defense and
common sense. We were very serious and our practices were hard core and rough. He
taught me real life encountering situations. Our practices were getting each other into
headlocks, strong holds, weaponry, and "what would you do if ..." situations.
Thank you my brother for supporting me in martial arts and learning 'Real life encounters'.
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