If you don't move from where you are in life,
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. Given
the privilege to check out library books, I then recruited kids in my neighborhood.
I began to give instruction to anybody that wanted to learn martial arts. Although, I
knew nothing about the subject. I read, practiced, and then taught them the basics.
The basics are important, as you always go back to them when you find yourself in
trouble. Such as, "the ability to move quickly in the area of conflict." You've seen
movies where a person is getting chased down a dead end alley, with nowhere to go.
Quickly the victim looks upward and points saying, "Wow! Look at that". Then
they run passed the perpetrator as they look up. The victim then runs out of the alley.
Seems to work all the time!
My First Teacher
As I walked home one day after work, at age 16, I encountered a Martial Arts Studio.
Master Han Choi (last status known 10th dan). Although, Grandmaster Choi has passed
away I will never forget his smiling face as well as, his stern look when he reprimanded.
I also met his son Sammy. And Master Choi's niece which at this time I can not recall
her name, but I remember her bubbling smiling. face And Sammy what a character.
I would always ask Sammy to teach me Korean. He would laugh when I had problems
pronouncing the Korean 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. running the school. When I signed up I was given a student
number -- 17. This was back in 1973-74.
Grandmaster Choi was 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. Your teaching will be in my heart and my students heart
forever, as I teach them your styles of Taekwondo, Hapkido, Judo, and Chi Energy.
My Brother Mike
I then began to teach my family members so I could 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 hallway. We fought, because we fought. No
other reason. Odd I believe it was just a sibling thing to do. Master Blas Miguel Herrera,
5th dan Black Belt, specialized in law enforcement techniques, practical self-defense and
common sense. We were very serious in our practices, we 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.
Master Blas Miguel Herrera, 5th Dan
Thank you my brother for supporting me in martial arts and learning 'Real life encounters'.
More about my studies and my family and friends.