Over 25 years ago I was sitting in a classroom in junior high school, when one of my friends mentioned that there was a martial arts class in town. We were both excited and managed to somehow talk our parents into letting us try it out. To be honest, I don't remember my first class but I remember my instructors, fellow students, and the dojo. They never seem to age in my mind, but such is the way with great memories.
Class was held once a week, you paid for 3 months at a time, and spent a lot of time practicing on your own. I really owe a lot of credit to my mom at this point. My father died when I was young and as a single mother she made a lot of sacrifices on my behalf. My first class in logistics was mom getting me to class, on time, making sure the class was paid for, and never a complaint. I helped pay for classes by working at my grandfathers business and delivering a local area newspaper. Over time, I was able to drive myself and started attending class other days in a town farther away in order to train more often during the week.
Class was held once a week, you paid for 3 months at a time, and spent a lot of time practicing on your own. I really owe a lot of credit to my mom at this point. My father died when I was young and as a single mother she made a lot of sacrifices on my behalf. My first class in logistics was mom getting me to class, on time, making sure the class was paid for, and never a complaint. I helped pay for classes by working at my grandfathers business and delivering a local area newspaper. Over time, I was able to drive myself and started attending class other days in a town farther away in order to train more often during the week.
The years passed by and I grew into a young man, earned my first black belt, and joined the United States Army. I found myself searching for a school that met my needs. I was hungry for knowledge and something different. It was here that I met my current instructor and mentor Hanshi Balfour Wright. One of the guys that I went through basic training with that saw the flyer and mentioned it to me. I watched a class and instantly knew that I had found what I was looking for. We trained in the unit "War Room". The dojo rules were simple, "Everyone works, Nothing is Free, and All Start at the Bottom". It was here that I made friendships that have passed the test of time. I trained, sweat, and occasionally bled alongside some great karate-ka. The picture to the left depicts Kyoshi Sam Carlson and myself the day we earned our black belts in Goju Ryu.
Last year, I traveled to our organizations annual training camp, to train alongside the same people that I had trained with almost 20 years ago. Martial arts training is a lifelong journey. I have traveled around the world and trained with people who have become life long friends. I look forward to sharing this experience every day...
Keep on Punching...!
Kyoshi Gorman
Last year, I traveled to our organizations annual training camp, to train alongside the same people that I had trained with almost 20 years ago. Martial arts training is a lifelong journey. I have traveled around the world and trained with people who have become life long friends. I look forward to sharing this experience every day...
Keep on Punching...!
Kyoshi Gorman