Beginning Martial Arts

The decision to begin any Martial Art does not happen spontaneously. It begins with a thought, and that same thought that brings us into the beginnings of our Art, should follow us both on and off the mat.



Any properly taught Martial Art (in this person's opinion) can move mountains! No... I don't mean physically, but spiritually. This is where the change takes place. An art without its foundation in the mind, body and spirit cannot ever hope to sustain the complete Artist. Whether that person is a writer, painter, philosopher, or warrior. After all, a complete person is never one- dimensional.



GICHIN FUNAKOSHI once stated in his first rule:



You must be deadly serious in training. When I say that, I do not mean that you should be reasonably diligent or moderate in earnest. I mean that¼ YOUR OPPONENT MUST ALWAYS BE PRESENT IN YOUR MIND, Whether you sit or stand or walk or raise your arms.



If you're looking to become a Bruce Lee, or Steven Segal, then your best bet is Hollywood. Neither myself or any of the other Sensei’s (At this school) will or should ever give you the impression that you will become great... if that's your destiny you must EARN it!



What we can do is give you direction, encouragement and training. You must put in the sweat, time, and labor to become (at the very least) "proficient" in your art.



The Martial Arts is a vehicle, not a destination. The object is not a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, or a black belt that you can show your friends like a trophy to validate who you are. When you begin your training, look at it as a means to enhance your life... a way to strengthen and reenforce your natural potential.



The Martial Artist is special. The goals we set are not for trophies or awards¼ they are goals of honor. We seek to set a standard for ourselves, both on and off the mat, allowing us to pursue what I consider to be  a "Warriors Standard". That is the ability to seek improvement, and not accept the attainment of a goal as the decisive end. There is always a step beyond, a step higher. There is always room for improvement



When I first began studying the Martial Arts in 1963, the philosophies back then shaped and formed the thinking for the students of that time. I am sure that before I began my studies, the older Martial Artists most likely thought that the changes, which had taken place (in some way), tainted the beauty of the art. I say that, because of what I have seen over the years, and to express (in that respect) that I am in no way different from my predecessors.



Also... I don't agree or disagree with anyone interested in tournaments... it may be fun but it is not the "Real Deal"!



The tournament competitor believes that Martial Arts are a skill measured in victories. They are forever trying to improve their art by modifying their techniques to score points. Later, as instructors, they gradually stop teaching what can't be applied within the rules of the sport. In time, this narrowed form bears little resemblance to the art from which it descended. This is the process of many combative systems of this Century.



Still there are others who want to find the "True secret" of deadly combat. They don't waste time learning courtesies, fundamental techniques, kata, or other disciplined training. They go from school to school learning only enough to become bored before moving on to find what they consider to be some mysterious “Secret”? (Whatever that might be!)



There is no secret, no short cut, and no easy path. If you want to learn, please by all means come join us. We are slow... we are repetitious; we are traditional, and honest in our approach. ​Most of all, if you are honest in your desire to learn, we welcome you.