07/09/2024
Monday, July 9th, 1984 at 5pm the adventure began that continues today. 🙏
Naturally a lot of blood, sweat and tears over the past four decades however the blessings I have been fortunate to experience have been more than overwhelming and humbling.
Lives...Families...Children...Parents
It would be absolutely impossible to thank everyone that God has placed in front of me, on and off the mats.
However, TWO very important people that have had the most impact in my life on the mats, especially are Grand Master Larry Tatum & Khom Hama
Master Tatum for taking in a small school that lost its shepherd tragically in October 1999 and helped keep the flame in Pittsburgh burning and growing during a time when it would have been very easy to throw in the towel.
Thanks to Century Martial Arts for guiding us to the LTKKA after promoting a VHS sale "When Kenpo Strikes." THEN for Larry taking a long-distance call one late night from a nervous martial artist with "issues." That adventure began in September of 2000. The West Green days were certainly the best of times. (Then Old Pas, and Cierra Madre)
Those cross-country flights still are priceless to this very day!
Then there is Khom, especially in the past 12 years through all the training, business struggles and hard work as well as the fun times chasing all the "animals" on the mats. You have had a HUGE impact on many, many lives. People will always come and go for various reasons however YOU always leave them better, more empowered, healthier and safer with your hard work. And you NEVER cease to put a smile on their faces and an ear for them in times of crisis.
People always ask "what have you learned?" I can sum up 40 years with one analogy.
Always stay a green tomato.
A green tomato is always growing...The next step in the life of a ripe, red one is either death, it gets eaten, or thrown at someone.
Here's to the future. Thank You God!
🙏🙌❤
