Ohana is More than a Word!

Testing is a very special event that happens just 4 times a year. I always look forward to the tests and I think it is so important for all of our students to come. But why? What can you do just by showing up?

First of all, a test isn't really a test. It is more about showing what you have learned in the days, weeks and months before. We work hard everyday. We push ourselves to train harder. We learn new skills and polish skills that we already know. Every day that we show up we are testing ourselves and showing that we have what it takes to get where we want to be on our Martial Arts Journey.

A test and promotion is a chance for us to learn even if we aren't being promoted that day. There is so much you can learn simply by observing, especially by observing more advanced belts. By watching, you can see how the skills you are learning today can be used in a different way as you learn and grow. Some of the things that I bring to my training today are because I saw something during a test that I had never seen before.

Next, your matital arts journey is your own, but you don't travel it alone. There are so many people along the way to help you along. We all need our ukis to practice our techniques on. We need our instructors to help guide us along. We need people there to cheer for us when we get tired and think we can’t go on. So, it is important for us to be there for others and cheer them on when they are need it.

It is always a treat to be able to see and hear stories from our special guests. Grandmaster and Professor Lim are our guests and it is always a pleasure to hear them talk about what martial arts means to them. They have so much wisdom to share and stories about those that came before them. Sifu Greg Hoyt will also visit us on occasion and it is always fun to hear him talk about Kajukenbo.

Lastly, but almost most importantly, it is a time to build our spirit of Ohana. We are two separate dojos, but we are one school. Coming together at these times gives us a chance to visit and share our experiences. We all come from different backgrounds. Carpenters, truck drivers, nurses, police officers, teachers, students, business professionals. We are all so different, and yet we share one passion. We have one thing that brings us all together and makes us Ohana. For us, that is Kajukenbo.

This September, we have another opportunity to come together and share our love for Martial Arts together. From the tiniest dragon testing for their first belt, the juniors and adults testing for their patches all the way up to our two black belt candidates, we have an amazing heritage to share and be a part of.
-Ms. Jessica

Fans Across America School Supply Drive

Ms Katie and I had the honor of delivering a van full of school supplies to Fans Across America this morning. While we were there George, one of the co-founders of this great organization, gave us a tour of their facilities. They have everything you can imagine, from gently used clothing, shoes and household items, to school supplies and personal care products.

George told us that this school season they distributed more than 800 backpacks and supplies to families in transition in the Chandler Unified School District, Tempe Children First Academy, and Sojourner Domestic Violence organization. And they had packed and ready to go out 75 more backpacks for this week. They also gave out more than 6000 pairs of socks and underwear to children in need.

I can not tell you how heartwarming it is to see where all your generous donations went. We can all make a difference in the communities we live in. Even the smallest donations can make a huge difference in someone's life. George shared several stories with us about families and children he has had the pleasure to help over the years.

Thank you Kaju AZ students for making this such a huge success. George was so grateful for all of our donations and I think a little surprised just how much we brought to them today. Please keep Fans Across America in mind when you are thinking of donating. They help needy families throughout the year and are always looking for gently used clothing, new backpacks and school supplies, new underwear and socks, food items, personal care items and anything that may help a family in transition.

Thank you also to Ms Katie for all your hard work and organizing our school supply drive!

Ms Jessica

Please visit Fans Across America to learn all about their organization.

Moving Water Has Power

I am a lucky man. The past few months have been action-packed and while I could easily complain about the general busyness I am grateful for all my opportunities.  AND the summer isn't even over yet!

My whirlwind started in March, when several students and I traveled to the Pit in Vegas and competed in the PIT games.  April was Aunty Lim's 30th Anniversary celebration and many of our students took advantage of that outstanding event to learn and mingle with martial artists from all over the world.  I went to Connecticut to receive training and a promotion from Master Luigi Mondelli in BJJ (and made preparations for our new BJJ Program).  I accompanied Grandmaster and Aunty to the KISD seminar event and promotion organized by Sigungs Phil and Remy Dang. Within the past two weeks, I traveled to Chicago for the Kenpo International Gathering of Eagles PLUS attended the Martial Arts Supershow in Vegas. In Chicago I assisted Grandmaster Lim and in Vegas I participated in many seminars and assisted PIT Master.  Last weekend I was back in Vegas for the annual KSDI Seminars and Competition honoring Sijo and the pioneers of Kajukenbo. Whew!

Earlier in the year it was the ACS tournament, the Continuous Sparring seminar at Hoyt's Kajukenbo, The Pit Training in San Luis Obispo, the Tough Mudder Competition, and I'm sure I am missing a few.

People often ask "Why?" "Why do you stay so busy?"

Grandmaster George Lim said this just recently, "Moving water has power..." SO TRUE! It can make a path, can push obstacles out of its way. Standing water turns stagnant and becomes nasty.

I want to be moving water. I want to be active in my support for others and active in my continued education. No matter how many hours I teach on the floor, I will not master the martial arts without listening, learning, and training with other masters. I do so not necessarily for new techniques (we have plenty of those!) but for concepts, and thoughts, and pearls of wisdom that can influence our martial art and help us to be a stronger and more successful school.

We have awesome power as we stay busy and keep moving. We have the ability to improve our lives and leave problems behind. As we get on with our lives and not waste time dwelling on the problems, our shortcomings, or even our mistakes, WE BECOME HAPPIER!

I'm blessed to have a day job  to support my family and have the opportunity to travel and learn. I know that the harder I work, the luckier I seem to come. Funny how the harder I work, the more opportunities present themselves. And further, the harder I work, the happier I become.

I am not saying work 80 hours a week like your Sigung.  I am saying: Make the most of your time, and do what you love! A wise person once said,  "If you love your work you will never work a day in your life." This is so true! I love my work!

During our break, I have the honor of traveling to Hawaii and training with one of my most favorite instructors, Solomon Olohe Kaihewalu.  I look forward to attending his seminars. He's a hard worker and a great teacher. He always gives 100% of his time and effort to whatever event he is participating in. I will have the opportunity to teach while in Hawaii and  I look forward to this as well since it gives me a chance to share what I have learned from my teachers. I hope I am able to represent them properly and respectfully.

Coming up will be several more opportunities for us to participate and grow: Olohe will visit Arizona, a grappling competition, Self-Defense Saturday, our own belt testing event, the annual Lim Kenpo tournament, and more! Please take the opportunity to attend one or more of these events. Prepare for them - and work hard when you attend. I promise you will be a better person, more fulfilled and HAPPY!

Train Strong to Remain Strong,
-Sigung