We just returned from the Lim Kenpo Malama Event in
Carlsbad, CA. WOW. What an event. To sum it up in few words is nearly
impossible, although “exhilarated, enriched and exhausted at the same time”
comes to mind.
There were over 225 martial artists and family members in
attendance at the Academy by the Sea. It
is truly a unique setting for a unique event.
It was a honor to meet and learn from some of the best martial artists
from around the world – Portugal, Belgium, Holland, Maui, London, Wyoming,
South Dakota and more. A lot was packed
into over 4 days. We got up early and
stayed up late. We worked our bodies and
our minds. It was an honor to be there
and we gained a weekend full of memories to last a lifetime.
The title “Malama” was fitting as it means “to
take care of, nurture, or serve.” Our instructors really took care of us! What
really stood out to me was how unselfish each instructor was. They showed up to
each class with a smile and infectious attitude that clearly showed their
passion for martial arts. They freely
gave of their time, talents and energies to the building up of each individual
student. Keep in mind some instructors taught cumulatively for hours during the
weekend which is exhausting mentally and physically. Some traveled thousands of
miles at great financial expense. And yet, each class had new and exciting
material, showcased individual arts and talents and not one session was boring.
With an event this large, obviously hiccups occurred and
changes had to be made on the spot. Kids got tired and were tempted by the
beach. People weren’t feeling 100% or
were exhausted from travel. People were
hungry or sunburnt or other common travel issues.
And yet…no complaints.
No frowns. No giving up and backing out of teaching.
The instructors did not get much time to train or experience
the seminars as students but they did not seem to mind. It was obvious that
they loved sharing what they knew and were not concerned with getting anything
in return. During the free time, a lot
of them were available for questions and would extend the class time to cover
even more topics. They gave up resting
or leisure time without complaint and showed up to teach the next session with
vim and vigor!
Who hasn’t been in a situation where the instructor (in
martial arts, school, church or other events) had a “personal agenda” or showed
up grumpy and obviously not in the mood to teach? That really sucks the joy out
of the experience for me. And
ultimately, it has to suck the joy out of it for the teacher too.
I attended a martial arts program years ago in which the
instructor was going through a “grappling phase.” Every class was focused on
what he wanted to learn himself…we were just merely grappling partners to serve
his purpose of getting more roll time.
It made it difficult to really even want to attend class.
I have been fortunate to train with the best of the best
instructors and we have a lot of them at Kaju AZ. What a treat it is to experience these classes. Sigung always says “You don’t know a
technique until you have taught it.” SO TRUE and when you talk to him more
about what that means he will tell you: “You can’t really appreciate what you
have until you give it away.”
Martial arts is a gift and I am so grateful for all the
instructors willing to give me all the gifts I have in my martial arts
basket. Paying tuition or seminar fees
isn’t enough to really cover how much Kaju has made me a better person. How can you put a price on that? How can I put a price on how it has enhanced
my family? How can I put a price on the
dear and valuable relationships in my life that came through Kaju?
Good karma isn’t just received - I believe it is created. The more I give the more I seem to
receive! It feels good to give and I appreciate
the opportunity to work with each of you.
Be sure and check out all the pictures from the Malama weekend at http://kajuaz.smugmug.com!
Sifu Jennifer Corder
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