April 2008 Newsletter

Was PAMA your entry into martial arts?

Not counting a year of training when I was about 12 years old, PAMA was my real introduction into martial arts.

What first enticed you into martial arts?

I always tried to stay in shape, but found that for most of my life, my weight would fluctuate up and down. I was never able to maintain a healthy weight for an extended period of time.

I found myself getting bored at the gym or with whatever exercise routine I was doing after a few months. I thought martial arts would be a way to stay in shape and learn something valuable at the same time.

How did you first hear about PAMA and what motivated you to join the PAMA family?

After watching the Bruce Lee Story, I became very interested in JKD. As I began to search for schools that taught the art, I became aware that one of the top schools in the country was right here in my backyard.

How long ago did you first begin training at PAMA?

I began training about 6 or 7 years ago. I took a couple of years off and I am very excited to be back. It only took one class to recognize the value that training at PAMA adds to my life.

Are their any differences in your training intention and purpose from then until now?

I have been fortunate to attend a number of seminars with Guru Dan, and of the many things I learned from those seminars, one lesson stayed with me. He said that it is one thing to develop your skills to a certain level... and it is another thing... and often harder to maintain those skills. This is especially clear to me as I began training again. Conditioning, timing and even appreciation of what the arts at PAMA offer need to be re-established. I still try to do my best with every drill, but I guess what changes as I get older is that I am more comfortable than when I first started, in realizing which techniques I will have the most success with. I do not get as discouraged with my inability to perform techniques that are more physically challenging for me.

What do you enjoy most about your training?

When I am training at PAMA it is probably one of the only times I can completely clear my mind. It's hard to be thinking about work or other concerns in your life, when you are trying to block kicks and punches.

What inspires you?

What inspires me is learning new techniques and accomplishing something physically that I did not think I was capable of. Another lesson from Guru Dan that was taught to me by Sifu is: one way to grow physically and spiritually from martial arts is by putting yourself in uncomfortable positions. For me, an example would be the grappling class. I find that the most physically challenging. Although it is the class I have to push myself the hardest to attend, it is however, the class I walk away from feeling the most confident and inspired.

What do you appreciate most about PAMA?

There are so many things I appreciate about PAMA. The diversity of arts, access to some of the most respected martial artists through seminars, and most importantly the opportunity to train with Sifu. There has not been a class I attended that I did not learn something. Sifu has been especially inspiring in helping me to appreciate the value of martial arts beyond the obvious. My first day back, which was right after New Years, I found a beautifully written letter pinned to the bulletin board from Sifu to his students, wishing us a happy new year and offering lessons on how to get the most from our training. After reading his letter, I was reminded what I was missing in the time I took off. It was great to be back.

Beyond the physical, in what ways has your Martial Arts training changed you?

Upon returning to training at PAMA it is very clear what type of an impact, martial arts has on my life. When I am training, I am more patient, more aware, more confident, and better able to keep daily problems in perspective.

Anything else you would like to add?

My apologies to Guru Dan and Sifu, if my interpretation of what I have been taught is not accurate. People tend to remember things differently than what was actually said.