chien_fu

I have trained in the martial arts for 20 years. I have worked as an engineer behind a desk for 10 years. Most would not look at me and say "warrior". I believe that a warrior can be built from within and that one does not have to subscribe to the toils of war to live a warrior lifestyle. (Note that I have only the greatest respect and appreciation for our troops) In peace times in Japan the Samurai class had MUCH different responsibilities, but still conducted themselves in certain ways to uphold their morals. I consider myself to be living a warrior lifestyle because: I keep myself and my family safe from harm not through fighting for them, but through tactics of situational awareness and other security measures. I uphold the morals of my training, everyday, in my life. Effort. Etiquette. Character. Sincerity. Self-Control. I question every answer and every solution, always finding the best solution for myself and my family. I anxiously accept new physical, mental and life challenges. I teach. I desire to be the best I can be in every facet of my life, and always improve. I live each day as though it was my last. Shihan Dana Abbott explained to me that the "Spirit of the Samurai" is akin to the "American Spirit" or the "Entrepreneurial Spirit" in the west. The urge to create new business, or create something from nothing, or fulfill a need where no one else has succeeded, is the act of a warrior.

5-10 million martial arts practitioners in the US sounds like a LOT! Based on about 18,000 schools in the country, if each school has an average of about 50 students that's not even 1 million students. Sometimes (like at tournaments) it seems like everyone trains MA, but in other environments, like at work or around my community it often seems like martial arts is a fairly foreign concept still.

Hey guys, Just wanted to say hi. I've made martial arts a big part of my life since age 10. Started with Shaolin Kempo and moved on to Capoeira and Northern Praying Mantis Kung fu. Hope to join in on some good discussions here! Tim