Gratitude to our Veterans

Veteran’s Day Tribute

When America had an urgent need,
These brave ones raised a hand;
No hesitation held them back;
They were proud to take a stand.

They left their friends and family;
They gave up normal life;
To serve their country and their God,
They plowed into the strife.

They fought for freedom and for peace
On strange and foreign shores;
Some lost new friends; some lost their lives
In long and brutal wars.

Other veterans answered a call
To support the ones who fought;
Their country had requirements for
The essential skills they brought.

We salute each and every one of them,
The noble and the brave,
The ones still with us here today,
And those who rest in a grave.

So here’s to our country’s heroes;
They’re a cut above the rest;
Let’s give the honor that is due
To our country’s very best.

By Joanna Fuchs

The Wisdom of Hot Chocolate

The following story has been circulating through the internet; I am certain you have probably seen it or had it forwarded to you. It struck a particular point in my mind given Sigung's recent promotion and my title change. It's a responsibility and honor that we do not take lightly.

We are fortunate to have Grandmaster Lim in our lives and we appreciate the unique and awesome opportunity he has given us. His wisdom and knowledge and example shows us "to serve our students, serve our Ohana, serve our instructors and worry about ourselves last." That is often a tough one - real life creeps in and can be overwhelming. This post is a reminder to us to remember our priorities.

We had an exciting weekend with the Tournament and Luau. It's easy to focus on all the work that went into preparing for the tournament. It's easy to focus on the results and who won or did not win. It's easy to focus on the logistics of all the little required details. The "cup" was beautiful for sure! But, the priority is to remember and enjoy the time we spent together, the stories, the fun...all things that made the hot chocolate so sweet.

As martial artists, the cup is never the same but that adds to the variety of our experiences. One thing is for sure - the hot chocolate is always sweet and enjoyable - whether you realize it or not! For that we will be forever grateful.

Sifu Jennifer Corder

"A group of graduates, well established in their careers, were talking at a reunion and decided to go visit their old university professor, now retired. During their visit, the conversation turned to complaints about stress in their work and lives. Offering his guests hot chocolate, the professor went into the kitchen and returned with a large pot of hot chocolate and an assortment of cups - porcelain, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the hot chocolate.

When they all had a cup of hot chocolate in hand, the professor said: "Notice that all the nice looking, expensive cups were taken, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress. The cup that you're drinking from adds nothing to the quality of the hot chocolate. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was hot chocolate, not the cup; but you consciously went for the best cups... And then you began sizing up each others cups.

Now consider this: Life is the hot chocolate; your job, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain life. The cup you have does not define, nor change the quality of life you have. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the hot chocolate God has provided us. God makes the hot chocolate, man chooses the cups. The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything that they have. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. And enjoy your hot chocolate."
(Original source unknown)

Appreciating the Value of Hard Work on Labor Day

Mike Rowe, host of the television series "Dirty Jobs" is an Eagle Scout. The rank of Eagle Scout is one of the highest achievements in Boy Scouting and often compared to the rank of Black Belt in martial arts. Recently a Scout's father asked Mike to write his son a letter explaining why he should complete his Eagle scout requirements. It's easy to see the parallels of this award to our Black Belt in his reply. We hope you find this letter inspirational and see the value of working hard and reaching your goals, both inside the dojo and out!

Sifu Kelly and Simou Jennifer Corder

"Kelby,

Your Dad asked me to drop you a line and say something inspirational that might persuade you to dig down deep and find the determination to make the rank of Eagle Scout. It's a reasonable request, from a father who obviously wants to see his son succeed. But here’s the thing. The Eagle Award is not really meant for people who need to be dragged across the finish line. It’s meant for a select few, and I have no idea if you have the guts to see it through.

Statistically, I suspect you do not. Only one out of a hundred Scouts make Eagle, so if you fail, there will be lots of other people with whom you can share excuses. Quitting now might disappoint your Dad, but I doubt that he or anyone else will be overly surprised. Anytime 99 out of 100 people do the same thing, it’s not exactly a shock.

I’m not trying to be cute with a bunch of reverse psychology. When I was 15, there was nothing that anyone could have said to me that would have inspired me to do something I didn't want to do, especially a stranger with a TV show. So I’m not going to assume you’re any different, or pretend that I have some influence or insight that you haven’t already heard from a dozen other people who actually know and care about you. I’ll just tell you straight up that doing something extraordinary can be very lonely, and most people simply aren’t cut out for it. Being an Eagle Scout requires you to be different than most everyone around you, and being different is really, really hard. That’s why the award is called “an accomplishment.”

Personally, and for whatever it’s worth, the best decisions I've made in my own life are those decisions that put me on the outside of being cool.

Singing in the Opera, working in home shopping, staring in the school play when the entire football team laughed at me, and especially earning my Eagle, were all choices that required sacrifice, hard work, and delayed gratification. I have no idea if you possess those qualities, or even envy them. But I can tell you for certain, that not getting your Eagle, will be one of the easiest things you’ve ever done.

Whatever you decide to do, Kelby, it's important to remember that the decision is yours. Not your Dad's, not your friends, and not your Scoutmaster's. And you'll own that decision for the rest of your life.

Good Luck,
Mike Rowe"

For more information about Mike Rowe please click HERE.
To learn more about Boy Scouting please click HERE or talk to our resident Eagle Scout, Sibak Nicolas Corder.

Reap What You Sow This School Year

With everyone going back to school this week, we are reminded of a column from one of our favorite authors, Harvey Mackay. While Mr. Mackay writes about primarily about business, it is easy to see how you can use this wisdom in your academic, martial arts and personal lives. Here's to a successful school year for all our students. We look forward to enjoying your "gardens" soon!

Sifu Kelly and Simou Jennifer Corder

From Harvey Mackay: "With planting season in many places just around the corner, I came across a garden plan that you might consider this year.

First, plant three rows of peas: passion, performance and persistence.

Then three rows of squash: squash gossip, squash indifference and squash criticism.

There should be three rows of lettuce: Let us be true to our obligations. Let us be unselfish. And let us be loyal.

Next, plant four rows of turnips: Turn up when needed. Turn up with determination. Turn up with a vision. And most of all, turn up with a smile.

To complete your garden, you must have thyme: Time for fun. Time for family and friends. And time for yourself.

Water freely with patience and cultivate with affection. If you do all this, you will reap what you sow.

I've seen several variations of this advice over the years. Even if you don't have a green thumb, grow a garden like this and you will enjoy the fruits of your labors.

As any gardener will tell you, it's important to choose high quality seeds. Plant and nurture them and be careful to keep the weeds under control! The different varieties of these "seeds" make for a bountiful harvest.

Choosing just three kinds of peas is difficult, but I prefer passion, performance and persistence.
Passion tops the list of the skills you need to excel in any profession. There's nothing more powerful and more contagious than passion. Passion will enhance your performance too. When you love what you do, you'll do it better. It really is that simple.

How persistent should you be? I remember when I was starting my sales career and asking a colleague I respected how many times he would call on a prospect before giving up. He told me: "It depends on which one of us dies first."

Moving down the rows, planting squash will promote a positive work environment. Squashing gossip is necessary because the damage is not easily undone. Many times the harm that gossip inflicts is irrevocable. The tongue is just three inches long, yet it can destroy a person six feet tall.
Squash indifference or prepare to lose all your customers. Similarly, squash criticism that is not constructive or offered in a useful spirit.

The lettuce rows allow our real character to bloom. Honoring your obligations represents a commitment to your word that customers expect and appreciate. Unselfishness is fundamental to good human relations. I recently wrote that loyalty is one of the first qualities that I look for in both employees and friends. Someone can be a great worker, but if he or she isn't loyal, their employment puts the company in jeopardy.

When I plant turnips, I think about how many times people have turned up when I needed them, and I try to return the favor. I am determined to help . . . and I am determined to get the job done. Vision doesn't do the planning and it doesn't anticipate the obstacles. It gives a real idea of what is possible, if only you want it bad enough.

And while a smile may not seem like an important variety of turnips, let me assure you, a smile is one of the most powerful things you can do to have influence over others. That's why I never underestimate the value of a smile. It should be standard equipment for all people.

Thyme is among the trickiest seeds to grow. If you're like the average American, you devote 56 hours a week to work, including commuting; 70 hours to sleeping, eating and other personal care; and 42 hours to leisure activities, of which 16 hours are spent socializing with friends and family. WOW. That's not much personal time.

Remember, the width of life is as important as the length. This is just a short reminder to all of us working so hard for our living. Don't let time slip through your fingers without spending some quality time with those who really matter.

Finally, you have to have fun. I often write about working hard, and it's possible to really love what you do. Even then, you need to branch out to truly blossom.

Mackay's Moral: Don't be afraid of growing slowly, be only afraid of standing still."

Some Simple Truths of Martial Arts

(Sibak and Sisuk, 2002)

What a great weekend for Kaju AZ! Our school was well-represented at the BJJ and KSDI tournaments and it is so awesome to see the hard work and pride that each competitor demonstrated.

I have always loved karate. Growing up in Arizona, every Saturday morning was the “Channel 5 Action Movie” and I loved watching the Bruce Lee movies and good old-fashioned fight scenes in westerns. Then, I just loved the hitting and action. Now, as a martial artist, mother and Simou, I can appreciate all that martial arts can offer. And I have learned some “simple truths” about it as well.

Martial Arts is More Than Hitting. I am amazed at the mental and social development that I see each and every day. Nothing makes me happier than a child who develops and improves by shaking hands to adults and fellow students. I love seeing the confidence grow in a painfully shy young student. It is great to hear how a student stood up to a potential bully or an improvement in scholastic ability or school behavior. Seeing our students demonstrate respect, courtesy and good sportsmanship at tournaments creates a warm and fuzzy feeling. And it’s contagious! TRUTH: The social, mental and spiritual development is a bonus.

Martial Arts is More Than Mental Strength. In summary: It’s Karate, not knitting. At the Vegas event, I witnessed a green belt sparring match. One competitor got hit in the face (face contact is allowed). He balled up into the fetal position, sobbing and held up the match for almost 10 minutes. There was no blood that I could see, no protruding bones, not even a red mark. What was most disturbing to me was the thought that this green belt would possibly react this way, on the street in a self-defense situation. We say it over and over again but it is true: the way you train is the way you fight. I appreciate all the hits I have taken over the years. TRUTH: Be prepared to take a hit, take it well, get up and keep fighting.

Martial Arts is a Way of Life. One thing I have learned: The posers always surface. I used to train with someone who always said “Fake it until you make it.” She did not make it. I have seen fakers that make it up the ladder, but are they good people? NO and they eventually leave under false pretenses anyway. Students will come and go (even the higher belts), but the principles and skills taught at Kaju AZ will NEVER change. It’s what makes those of us who maintain the standards of our instructors and Kaju ancestors better in all ways. That doesn’t only apply to the students of Kaju AZ…we see it every day with our supporting Ohana. All the parents that bring their children, wash their uniforms, bring the potluck dishes, and are always patting us on the back – it’s all part of the Ohana way of life. For those parents or students who are struggling - have faith and stick with it as it is worth it. TRUTH: We are in this together – thank heavens!

Martial Arts Requires Giving More than Taking. There is no possible way for me to ever repay all that I have received from my instructor, his instructors, mentors and inspirational guides not to even mention and all the countless hours that go into each and every event, email, telephone call and class. This is not overwhelming to me because I know that as I attempt to give back to those around me – my family, my students, my community – that I am making a big difference in little ways. Most people don’t see that when they take their first karate class, you just learn it as you go. Think about the impact our little school would have on Mesa, Arizona, the US and the World, if we all gave more than we took. TRUTH: Giving feels great and makes us better people.

To be honest, I wanted my kids to do martial arts because I thought it would be cool. And it is. I can’t help but feel proud of their accomplishments and those of each and every student. But the bigger picture was more than I could have ever dreamed for my family. As the body, mind and spirit become one, our Ohana is stronger and life is just plain better.

Simou Jennifer Corder

Good Luck, Christie Gallo!

MMA student Christie Gallo is off to the Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York this week. As a member of STORM (Special Team of Role Models) she has been able to teach and assist and continue to grow as a student. Christie is an outstanding young woman who is always juggling many activities and responsibilities and maintains a high-level of integrity at all times.

Christie has been training with Kaju AZ for over two years and has worked hard to attain the rank of Red Belt. Her last test was especially inspirational as she was battling the flu throughout the entire pre-test and test. She never quit or complained and showed a true Black Belt Attitude. She has also recently learned the katana from Sibak Nic and will continue training during school breaks and holidays trips home as her goal is black belt. We all know she has all the Desire, Dedication and Discipline to do it!

Christie is always smiling, energetic and a pleasure to train with and we are excited for her new adventure. The Academy will definitely benefit from her skills and willingness to give back. She doesn’t just say it – she does it! We will miss her no-quit attitude and Kajukenbo spirit, but know she will always be a part of our Ohana.

Good luck, Christie and thanks for all the high kicks, hard hits, and great memories!

(For any of you that want to keep in touch with Christie, see Simou for her new address.)

Team Hicks Breaks Records at Mt. Kili!

At 1:00 am AZ time, June 29th, 2009 Team Hicks made it to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro and broke two world records -- the largest group of blind climbers as well as the the youngest blind climber (13 years old) to accomplish this amazing feat.

Sibak Tom arrived home on July 2nd and shared these comments with Professor and Aunty Lim:

"Our Ohana's presence at the airport send off and homecoming inspired our entire team. ... I love our Ohana so much. Many times in the past couple of weeks I was inspired by thoughts of each of you. I felt you on the mountain. I never thought of quitting or giving up and I always felt protected by your prayers and positive energy... On Kilimanjaro Team Hicks never lost focus, never fell apart, and we were the first to touch the 19,340 feet summit sign! As we made our way toward the summit all I thought of was all our Ohana praying for us. I never got a blister. I was the only blind climber to not hold on to my guides. I ascended and descended the same way. I wanted to trek independently, using my trekking poles, make my way up God's mountain! He allowed me this gift. I am so proud and am still just enjoying the memories on the great Kilimanjaro! Kili did not devour my soul. We respected her completely and faced our fears with humility every day. I feel changed forever for the incredible experience! ...

Very Respectfully,

Tom"