Don't Be Like An Oak Tree

(Courtesy of inspirational author Harvey Mackay's daily column. For more info, go to: http://www.harveymackay.com)

Failure is all too common in business and in life. Remember, you can't live life with an eraser. You can't anticipate every possible problem, no matter how hard you try. But you can resolve to face challenges as they arise. Keep your mind wide open for solutions, listen to those around and under you, reprogram your brain for success and dig in.

A great oak tree grew on the bank of a stream. For one hundred years it had withstood the winds, but one day a violent storm felled the oak with a mighty crash into the raging river and carried it out toward the sea.

The oak came to rest on a shore where some reeds were growing. The tree wondered how the reeds still stood after the strong winds.

"I have stood up against many storms, but this one was too strong for me," the oak said.

"That's your problem," the reeds replied. "All these years you have stubbornly pitted your strength against the wind. You were too proud to yield a little. We, on the other hand, knowing our weakness, just bend and let the wind blow over us without trying to resist it. The harder the wind blows, the more we humble ourselves, and here we are!"

It is better to bend than to break. People who can bend and not break have the gift of resiliency that let them bounce back from adversity.

Mackay's Moral: Don't let hard times turn into end times. Let them lead to your best times.

Martial Arts Made Me A Better Person

When people find out I am a martial artist I often see a surprised look on their face followed by “Wow, I would have never guessed.” My close friends think it’s an insult. I consider it a compliment.

For almost 10 years, I was the consummate Dojo Mom. I was very good at this – supporting my husband and sons, laundering gi’s, cooking for potlucks, tournaments, cheerleading, ohana events, karate movies, and so much more. Martial arts has impacted my family in such positive ways and it’s always been an honor to be a part of the experience. But I was always on the bench, never on the mat.

Sure, I had trained a little bit here and there. But I never made the real commitment to stick with it and go for black. In my mind, there was no way I would ever be THAT good at it.

Then, an instructor suggested I get off the bench and experience first hand what my family was doing.

Was he crazy? I certainly thought so! After all, I was overweight, uncoordinated, beyond non-athletic, clumsy, 37 years old and quite frankly, afraid of getting hit. I made up every excuse imaginable. He smiled and said I “owed it to my kids” to try it. “Martial arts is for everyone,” he said.

Did he not realize how safe it is on the bench? You don’t sweat when you are cheering. You don’t get taken down when carrying water bottles. You don’t feel the anxiety of testing when you are watching on the bench. It’s easier to remember techniques when it’s not you. Trust me: it’s safe on the bench.

Out of respect, I decided to try a class. I thought I would be the one student my instructor would realize he couldn’t help. We set a date and time and I invited two other friends so I wouldn’t have to go it alone.

I almost cancelled about 25 times. As I walked into the dojo I was as anxious as I was on my first date with Sifu Kelly. How many times had I entered before and not been nervous? Too many to count! The class consisted of stretching and basic warm-ups. In terms of numbers, I did not do an enormous amount of pushups (maybe 5?), crunches, squats (still don’t) and I discovered muscles I did not even know existed (still do). We learned basic self-defense techniques and before I knew it, the 45- minute class period was over.

I was hooked. I felt empowered that my mind was really able to control my body! Sweating felt great! I was able to experience a bit of what my family endured. It was awesome! My friends felt the same way. All four of us signed up.

Of that class, I am the only one that had the desire, dedication and discipline necessary to get my Black Belt. I have seen a lot of fellow students come and go.

Becoming a black belt is one of my crowning achievements. Why? Because martial arts represents EVERYTHING outside of my comfort zone. I overcame my biggest fears through my training. Are my kicks the highest in class? NO. Have I finished learning? NO. Can I knock out the most pushups in class? NO. It’s not about that.

Martial arts has made me stronger physically and mentally. I routinely push the limits of what I can do in all aspects of my life. On my knees every day, I punch the mat and announce that my mind controls my body, not vice versa. My martial arts training has made me a better person.

I used to lead the cheering during tests. Now I have my own fans.

Instead of just watching my family from the bench, I train right next to them.

I no longer just attend class, I teach it.

I hit as many times as I get hit. I can hold my own in a self-defense situation.

Boxing and karate movies are my choices on date night.

I am not just married to a black belt. My husband is too.

And when I feel like I have nothing left to give – in any life situation – I remember how I mustered up just a little more effort to finish a particularly hard training session. I think about how I relied on nothing but desire when I couldn’t get the technique right. I remember how I did not let a broken foot keep me from testing. I think about the countless times I came back to class when every single muscle hurt from the last training session. I remember how I never quit even though my body had given up during the last three minutes of my tests.

Martial arts improved my life, my thinking, my family, and my heart.

25 years ago I would have never thought I would be a Simou, working side-by-side with Sifu in our own dojo. It’s been an amazing journey that keeps on getting better. Becoming a black belt made it all possible.

So, when someone shows their surprise and disbelief at my martial arts achievements, I am happy. I know I don’t look like the “typical” martial artist. But one thing is for sure…martial arts is for everyone. Even me.

Simou Jen

CrossPit Training Starts at Kaju AZ!

With the dojo remodel 95% completed (still finishing the personal training and fitness area), Kaju AZ has started our CrossPit Training classes. Based on Sifu Kelly’s Pit Training with Kumu John Hackleman, the classes are 30-minute bursts of cardio and conditioning that blend anaerobic, aerobic, plyometric, strength training, and calisthenics.

The Pit and Kajukenbo Arizona share the “genuine family feel” that Kumu has emphasized since forming The Pit in 1986. We strive to maintain the old school toughness while keeping it upbeat and fun. Balancing our family-focused dojo with real world martial art skills and fitness is our top priority.


We offer four classes per day, Monday through Thursday, of the specialized CrossPit classes and so far the reaction has been very enthusiastic. All belt ranges can benefit from the intense training as everyone can work at their own level. Our traditional program students are required to attend a minimum of two classes per week. Our goal is for all our students to achieve peak physical fitness and continuing the mind, body and spirit connection.


We invite non-martial artists to come and try our CrossPit program. No one will be disappointed! CrossPit only memberships are available as well.

Thank you to Kumu Hackleman, his better half, Jennifer and the entire Pit Team for helping us achieve our goal of offering the very best in martial arts and elite fitness training.

Dojo Remodel Almost Done!

Thank you to all our wonderful students and supporters for all your help in this project that has been in the works for over 6 months! We have had our first classes in our new space and we love it!

We anticipate having everything in place when our new schedule kicks in on August 11th. We are on our regular schedule this week (even though everything is super dusty!)

Keep watching for updates and thanks again for all your support!

Sifu & Simou Corder