Dojo.com Blog

Good evening. I am going to speak tonight about overcoming adversity, but before I get to that, I want to extend my congratulations. For those of you who have just been awarded your First Degree, you are now in the elite 1% of all who begin martial arts training.

For those who can now call themselves Second, Third, and Fourth Degree black belts, this is an affirmation that you are closer to that milestone known as mastery of the art of Shaolin Kempo karate.  If you have earned the privilege of being called Master Black Belt, you have ascended to the summit of the mountain. It is rarified air up here. Many have fallen along the way but you  persevered.   

I acknowledge you for doing what so many today are unwilling to do- get off your rear ends and engage in an endeavor that requires time, discipline, sacrifice, and commitment. Our schools and communities need more people like you. Parents, I commend you for support and encouragement you surely gave your child. His or her accomplishment will be an asset for a lifetime.

 You know, we learn many skills during our training. Some of those skills are less readily apparent than others.  One of those skills is the ability to overcome adversity. Shaolin Kempo karate training not only prepares us to face a physical challenge but also how to meet the obstacles of daily life.  Whether it’s an English test, a career challenge, or a difficult relationship, life throws problems large and small into our path every single day. 

  You may not be aware of this but the Shaolin animals possess mental characteristics that complement the physical principles we use for health and self defense.

  When you identify and utilize the following mental tools of the five Shaolin animals you will possess a powerful strategy to help you successfully face and overcome any of the challenges life may toss your way.

Tiger- Tenacity 

Persistent determination. Unwillingness to easily quit.

Crane- Yielding

To give way to force of pressure

Win by losing

Snake- Patience

Composure- not getting rattled, emotionally clouded

Leopard- Certainty

No hesitation

Trusting oneself

Seize the opportunity

Dragon- Wisdom

Knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action. Time and experience. Pay attention to what’s going on around you. Taking control of your life.

I hope you do not rest on your laurels. You are Black Belts and role models, and in my opinion the best way to express that reality is to take action and stay involved. Your belt does nobody any good if it’s gathering dust in a closet.

 I want to end this talk with two quotes:

“To be the best of Masters, you must first be the best of students.”

“Adversity causes some people to break, others to break records.”

I hope you break many records.

Thank you for listening, and enjoy the rest of your special evening.

… and my 36th year with Villari’s, I think back to my first class in Framingham, MA back in the dark ages (1972). Man have things changed for the better. It was brutally physical training with someone getting hurt or bloodied virtually every class. I’m not sure how much I learned about Shaolin Kempo Karate, but I sure learned how to take a beating!

There are so many teachers that influenced me along my path, and I want to acknowledge several who have had a major influence on my development:

Grandmaster Fred Villari, who continues to inspire me with his skill and depth of knowledge;

Master Art Singer, who gave me the confidence to keep going by believing in me;

Master John Fritz, whose rare combination of intellect and ability taught me how to teach.

Who is the Villari instructor(s) whom you consider to be your mentor(s)?