From A Martial Arts Family, A Son Shines

Martial Arts has been a constant presence in my oldest son’s life from as soon as he began watching Kung Fu movies with his dad at two years old. He couldn’t take his eyes off the screen. He called today just to chat with Dad about his training. He switched martial arts styles from Kenpo to Jiu-jitsu several years ago and does well in competition. He’s teaching now, a natural leader even as a child. I’d like to think that he’s following in our footsteps, but my son has always created his own path. It’s all him.

When we opened our Kenpo school, my oldest child was a higher rank than I. In the dojo, rank was all that mattered. He helped me learn, and was so sweet and respectful while he did so. He was that way with all the lower ranking students, setting a standard of his own. He had a way about him. He was patient and encouraging. A natural martial artist, at four he had the best rear thrust kick I’d ever seen. The boy has power. And now he has mass behind that power.

When family members train together, it’s necessary to check your normal relationships at the door. My husband is forever my instructor. Even though we’re both Black Belts, my belt stays off until he puts his on, only then does mine quickly follow. Respect is an integral part of training and skill derived from rank reflects that. It’s an intense atmosphere, after all, we’re teaching people to defend themselves against potential injury or death. So respect for each other is critical. It’s necessary for control, particularly if training includes body contact, as it did in our dojo.

We met some of the martial artists he trains with at his wedding a few months ago. The camaraderie was lovely to see, and they sought us out, sharing how much they like our son.  Martial artists are a different breed, a blend of childlike innocence, gentleness and quiet determination as they pursue their art. Many of us have a snarky sense of humor about what we know how to do, as an offset to its destructive nature I suppose. But it’s all in good fun.

I couldn’t be more proud of my son. He’s accomplished much in his 35 years, homeschooler, college graduate, martial artist. But all that aside, it’s just nice that he called.

~Blessings to all!