08/07/2026
A rarely reached milestone will happen this month. One I never believed would have been realistic, nor that I thought I would ever have attained. And yet, here it is...happening in real time. Another year is passing. On August 23, 1976 (50 years ago)...FIFTY...Fifty years... I began my Martial Arts journey. This is a milestone that not very many can say they have ever reached. I am blessed that I have been able to be a part of a lifelong journey that has taught me many lessons, all very humbling in one fashion or another. Along the way, I have met, befriended, and trained with, some amazing individuals...some of the worlds elite...some small town people...and some just in passing. I have gained lifelong friendships...and have lost some along the way...I continue to meet new people...and continue to do what I truly enjoy...teaching people who are on their own Martial Arts path. I have had some amazing opportunities...be it to travel out of the country...compete on the world's stage...purchase my own Dojo...or simply sit and listen to students tell me about their day...it all plays an important and intricate part. Our humble Dojo is a growing part of our community and it is becoming a stronger karate family each and every day. This was my goal many years ago...and it is finally a reality...who'd have thought it would have taken decades...or that I'd still be doing this 5 decades later. Let alone at the place where my journey began so many years ago. I have come home - full circle - taking ownership and becoming the current caretaker of our little country Dojo (8 years now and counting). The history and the knowlege inside its walls is immense and unmatched. Thank you to each and every one of you that I have met along the way. And a bigger thank you to the current instructors that help keep our Dojo running smoothly. Without all of you this journey would not be happening. And without some of you, that I truly hold dear to my heart, I would not be as grounded, humbled, and as amazed by my journey as I am now. Here is to another year down and the hope for many more to come. I do not know what the future holds...but I hope I can continue this experience with all of you. What a ride. 😊 Thank you.
