Training Strong and Remaining Strong

It is probably interesting to some that a vacation would involve packing your karate uniform and belt, ibuprofen and ice packs. But for us, it's the best vacation of all!

We anticipated our Ohana cruise for months, it came and ended too quickly. The week started with Black belt promotions for Sifu Kelly (5th Degree Master Instructor), Simou Jen (rank of Senior Black Belt) and Sibak Nicolas (1st Degree) as well as a surprise - Sisuk Cameron Corder to Green/Brown belt. It was great to see so many promoted after all their hard work during the dry runs and test. Grandmaster Dechi Emperado and Sigung Kailani Koa graced us with hula performances and it felt like we were not off shore of Long Beach, but in Hawaii!

Spending time with Ohana is always fun - lots of love, laughter, stories and on this trip, food. It's great to be out of the dojo and seeing each other in "real" clothes. But the true highlight of the trip was the training, which occurred on our day at sea.

The day started off a little gloomy and the seas were a bit rough (much mahalo to Professor's sister for the seasick pills!) but as the day progressed the sun and the material warmed our hearts and bodies. What a choice opportunity to work with Grandmaster Dechi Emperado, Grandmaster Vince Black, Grandmaster Harry Herrera, Sigung Henry Aiau Koa and Sigung Kailani Koa. Meeting with friends and training partners like Sigung Jack Wimbish, Sifu Coree Foster, Sifu Medhi Hakik, Sifu Brent Dean and their students and families was amazing! It was truly an honor and privilege to learn from all of them, hear their stories and soak in their Kajukenbo spirit.

Sifu and I are so glad to have taken advantage of this unique opportunity. At that time we booked this trip, the economy made things tight and that surely continues for all of us. It required sacrifice and planning but we felt certain that doing so for the positive things in our lives would be worth it. And of course it was!!! The memories and experiences are truly priceless and ones we will cherish forever! A very special thank you to all who made the same sacrifices to be on the cruise and to those who made this trip possible, especially Professor and Aunty Lim ... you are all forever in our hearts!

Simou Jen