(Part I)

A few years ago, I was laid off with about 300 other folks from my old company.  During the 6 months where my "full-time" career was finding a "paying" career, I had to come to the realization of losing our families home, the cars, etc.,  I had come to a point where I certainly did NOT feel hopeless, but thankfully filled with purpose.

Over the last few weeks, I received a few emails from folks asking why I hadn't blogged about 'this year's resolution" for CAMA, or for one thing or another.  I'm sure we can all relate to the inevitable feelings of newness and freshness that occurs every new year; only to be replaced with a feeling of guilt for not 'hanging in there" or worse, beating ourselves up for not attaining our resolution(s).

If you've been in the arts for any length of time, or in business, you've probably heard a quote or two from the infamous book written by Sun Tzu, known as "The Art of War." 

Please join us for our annual "bring a buddy, break a board night" on Thursday, November 3rd.  We will also be taking our annual class picture, so please don't forget to wear your complete uniform and belt!  Want to learn more about us - please send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 408-837-CAMA (2262)...

The Discovery channel recently televised a show called "Curiosity," in which the topic of "Did God create the Universe" was discussed.  As you can imagine, removing God from the equation was the thesis of the work.  Utilizing mathematics, identifying different types of energy as the hypothesis for the big bang and starting point of the universe, etc.,

After watching close to 1000 students learn to tie their belt, I can honestly say there probably aren't many experiences that evoke the same emotion or confidence.  Sure, testing for future belts, winning tournaments and trophies are terrific, confidence boosting experiences.  However, there isn't anything quite like learning how to tie your own belt.  It gives the student the sense, "I belong," or "I am a REAL martial artist now..."  it reminds me of the belt of truth the Bible speaks of, where we are to literally "put on" the armor of God each day, and pick up our cross and follow him.

Tired.  So tired.  Just let me rest.  Breathe, remember to breathe.  It’s an hour and a half into the second day of black belt testing.   I want to quit.  After all, it’s all about the learning experience.  Who needs the belt?

Believe it or not, I'm not trying to get the "Old McDonald Had a Farm" song stuck in your head.  I'm really talking about the slippery-slope of how and why we do the things we do....

I was cruising home tonight with my boy while jamming out to a song by the NewsBoyz, called "Born Again."  We were anxiously getting home to watch a movie and eat some dinner.  As we drove to the last turn, I noticed a homeless man sitting on the road.  He appeared to have been there for some time.  As we made the turn, my head and heart began asking me "what are you doing..." you are singing a song about being reborn, and here you're more concerned about the movie you want to watch than a man who needs help.  I turned the car around and went to the man and asked if he needed anything - food, bed, shower, etc.,  the man said, "I'm just hungry..."

I drove back down to McD's and picked up some food for the gentleman, along with some snacks.  I'm sharing this story, more so because I'm saddened at my initial reaction - I drove right by the man and didn't think much of it.  I am reminded of the Bible verse, where Christ says, "when you provide for one of the least of these, you did it for me...."  I was saddened by my initial reaction, that I wouldn't have the instinct to immediately stop and help.  I have a long way to go in my training.  As soke says, I'm still licking the outside of the watermelon.   May God give each of you the insight, peace, and compassion to respond instinctively to anyone who needs help, by showing compassion and lending a helpful hand.

God's Peace,

KJN

If you've studied the arts for any length of time, you've probably come across a term known as "mushin."  At first glance, it seems to be a rather escoteric idea.  "No mind" is often the connotation people equate to the term.