12/21/2025
Although I've been told that I'm a decent writer, today was a day that defies my attempts to describe. Today marked the closing of Jade Mountain Martial Arts, and the end of my full-time teaching career. It was a big deal for me. This picture isn't even half of the people who came through to say hello and tell me that Jade Mountain has meant something to them. So many more have contacted me to say they wish they could have come.
Today, I saw faces I haven't seen in many years. Youngsters I taught years ago now tower over me as full-grown adultsโbut I still see the same smiles and the same eyes I remember from their days on the green mat. Today, I heard stories of lessons learned and achievements unlocked, and more importantly, that all those memories are happily carried in people's hearts to this day. I was overwhelmed by all the wonderful, kind things people said about what JMMA meant to them. There were hugs, a few tears, and many laughs as the memories flowed. It was such a wonderful gift.
I'm profoundly grateful to everyone who came by, called, and messaged me. If all those kind words are any indication, then I achieved the goal I set for myself when I was just a wide-eyed kid with big dreams: I wanted to help people find confidence and strength, and learn to believe in themselves. These last 22 years were well-spent, I think.
Thank you all, my friends, for your support over the years. It's meant more than you'll ever know. Now, on to the next chapter!
(If you came today and took pictures, please post them and tag me! I'd love to see them. ๐)
