September 2006 Newsletter

Please give us some of your professional background.

I am an Electrical Engineer by training and spent several years working as a telecommunications systems engineer at Bristol-Myers and the Space and Communications Group at Hughes Aircraft Company. Upon receiving my MBA from the University of California, I moved into the Sales and Marketing area culminating with an executive position at General Electric. From there, I became the President of a media production company in New York City that produced daily television shows, operated a television studio and outsourced technical personnel for television and film projects.

A few years ago, I started an Investment Banking firm in New York City specializing in Turnaround Management. Turnound specialists work with financially distressed companies to either return them to profitability, raise additional investment capital or find a suitable buyer. Currently, I am a working for the Department of Justice as a Chapter 11 (business reorganization) and a Chapter 7 (business liquidation) Trustee in the State of New Jersey managing three bankrupt companies.

When did you first become interested in Martial Arts?

When I was twelve, my father was stationed in the Philippines (Air Force) for two years. We lived "off-base" in an area where Filipinos and Americans lived virtually next door. It was there I was first exposed to Martial Arts. As I recall, the training was very intense and disciplined. I'm not sure what form of Martial Art we were being taught, but I continued my training until we left the country.

Where did you first hear about PAMA and what drew you to the Academy?

For several years, I would get my car washed across the street. Occasionally, the PAMA sign would catch my eye, but I never stopped in to see what the school was all about. About one year ago, a friend from France was visiting the United States and invited me to an Aikido Dojo in Philadelphia. I attended a few classes ... which rekindled my interest in Martial Arts (along with the desire to drop a few extra pounds and improve my level of conditioning). As a result of that experience, I decided to visit PAMA and learn more about the school, the people and its philosophy toward Martial Arts.

What were your initial expectations of PAMA and the Arts? What is your present opinion?

Initially, I had no real expectations other than to learn about what form of Martial Art PAMA specialized in. The schools I was aware of (such as the Aikido Dojo) specialized in one Art. When I learned that PAMA specialized in multiple Martial Arts and had a philosophy of cross-training in several Arts simultaneously, it made perfect sense. My first training session was with Mike Lee.

As students of PAMA, we all know the training is excellent, top notch and second to none. What I find unique about PAMA is the Sifu's dedication to the development of the students. My sense is training and teaching is a way of life for him; his dedication and enthusiasm is evident. I am a strong believer in self-development and surrounding oneself with like minded individuals. The second area I want to comment on are the training methods and explanation of the "logic" behind the various drills, trapping or disarming techniques. For me, my knowledge (and subsequently my training) has been enhanced by the instructors explanation of the underlying principles behind the various attacks, counters, defenses, etc.

How do you feel about your personal training and development?

I have been training at PAMA for about ten months. I am currently training in JKD and Kali. The development of my skills has been slow, but based upon my past experience, I was not expecting any miracles. Developing reflexes and making the mind body connection in real-time is a huge challenge. However, since joining the school, my level of conditioning has improved significantly and I have lost several inches off my waist. Overall, I am very satisfied with the level of instruction and training I have received.

What goals have you set for yourself and how do you plan to meet them?

I currently train on average about five hours per week at PAMA. My goal is to continue to make steady progress in my level of conditioning, skills and knowledge of Martial Arts. I also plan add one additional Martial Art in the upcoming months ... I'm leaning toward Silat.