Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Reflections on Portugal




Last week I had the honor and pleasure to travel to Portugal with Grandmaster Lim and others from our Ohana to teach at the 1st Annual Lim Kenpo European Seminars hosted by Professor Nuno Nunes. There were many students from schools in Portugal as well as some from as far away as London. I am amazed at how martial artists from other countries and cultures have so many similarities to the martial artists that we are familiar with here. Their desire to learn and the dedication to training hard and perfecting the art were very obvious and present during all the seminars.
I especially enjoyed the training time spent in Kyoshi Pedro Porem’s session. Every time I attend one of his sessions, I feel like an enthusiastic, eager-to-learn white belt. At the end of the seminars we went back to Professor Nunes’ school in Salvaterra de Magos for another day of training with just the Lim students. What a great day of training! Not all the training was physical as there was some time spent in deep conversation about concepts related to martial arts. What a treat and a joy to listen to Professor and Grandmaster talk about their perspectives on the art!
It will take some time to digest all of what I experienced, but here I take the opportunity to share some of the feelings and thoughts that I received while spending time with the wonderful people of Portugal.
I am so impressed with the young students. They helped out in many situations, and were always respectful and caring. I watched them as they chatted happily about things while waiting for one event or another to start. I never saw an expression of boredom while waiting, or heard words of irritation at having to do something for Grandmaster Lim, Professor Nuno, or a visitor. Their cheerful way of just doing what was needed was inspiring and heart-warming.
The Luau was beautiful. There were dozens of dishes, and every single one was  Ohana. It reminded me of our potlucks after our testing. I saw the young people taking care of their instructors like our STORM and SWAT teams take care of us.
I am so grateful to the people of Portugal who opened their hearts and showed their love and appreciation of the Ohana. Their attentiveness to us was overwhelming; I am unable to repay all the kindness and service that was shown to me. I know that’s not the way it works - it’s just what you do.  I feel there is something that I need to do to be more worthy of being a part of the Ohana by experiencing all the kindness and opportunities of Portugal.
Sometimes its stressful to leave, and I could easily complain about the sacrifices these types of trip have – travel is exhausting, the financial costs, time away from work, dojo and my bride. But I always am glad and grateful. This trip I have come back refreshed and renewed (and exhausted in a good way).  I have re-committed to being a better teacher and I plan to work harder in my training. More importantly, I will try to be the best person that I can be.  Thank you Portugal for the awesome gifts of awareness and love!

-Sigung Kelly

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Student of the Month Spotlight - Andrew Baghai - Kaju Blue Belt




Andrew has been training at Kaju AZ for a little more than 3 years. He is a joy to train with and is so excited when he learns a new technique.

Andrew's favorite color is red and he likes Chicken Tiki Marsala with Naan bread and Saffron Rice.

Andrew just recently graduated from ASU and is a Process Analyst at American Express Technologies. He is originally from Seattle where his parents still live. He married his lovely wife Carley in February 2012.

Outside of Kaju AZ, Andrew enjoys playing PC games, investing and hanging out with friends and family. At the dojo, he enjoys learning how to take a punch and throwing a couple in return.

His goals include getting his green belt, getting into the Masters of Science in Information Systems Management Program at ASU, and traveling.

Great job Andrew! You bring a great energy to all the classes you attend and we see you being very successful at all your endeavors in and out of the dojo.

Kajukenbo Motto: Train Strong to Remain Strong

Kajukenbo Arizona is a traditional martial arts school specializing in real self-defense through the art of Kajukenbo. Kajukenbo was founded in 1947 and is credited as being the first American martial art. Kajukenbo is a blend of five styles: Karate, Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, Kenpo and Kung Fu. Feel free to visit our school and see our programs for all ages! We also offer CrossPIT classes based on the world-famous Pit Conditioning System. Classes are 30-minutes of high-intensity old-school cardio. CrossPIT memberships available!