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
