Fast forward 23 years and here I am. Originally trained in ITF Tae Kwon Do, I then started studying Shotokan Karate, then Japanese Goju-ryu, followed by Jiu Jitsu. I added to my knowledge by studying bushido (weapons), Tai Chi, Wado Kai Karate, and currently Kendo. Actually, there's not that many martial arts that I haven't done. I've met many masters, watched (if not competed against) many World Champions, and been involved in over 500 competitions as either a competitor, coach or judge. I continue to review the different styles and always seek new insight into the evolution of martial arts.

As I continue to learn about the martial arts, I am always amazed at how the basics of each style are so similar. Early on I thought "Of course everything is similar, people are all made the same way. A fist is a fist is a fist, all over the world." I have questioned all the hype made about the differences in the martial arts styles since that thought entered my head many years ago.

In 1994 I opened my own studio with nothing more than the joy of martial arts in my heart and a few pennies in my bank. Today my studio has a comfortable membership of around 400 students, a great group of Black Belt instructors, and not a single person on an annual contract. Yes, I am also in the business side of martial arts, and for me the success of my studio lies in how and what you teach, not in a contract.

I view today's martial arts as serving our current society's needs. Self-esteem and relationship issues attack people more than bullies or bad guys do. So just like the old kung fu movies of my youth I focus on teaching not only the amazing techniques from the many different styles I know, but also the character development training that I honestly feel is a must for anyone involved in the martial arts.

Throughout my young martial arts career I've met great Black Belts and not so great Black Belts. I won't spend much time on the not so greats. However, the not so greats had, and continue to have, a major impact on my career. I believe the most important part of your martial arts training should be about who you are as a person, not your rank. As a Black Belt, you should realize the incredible responsibility that accompanies being a Black Belt. People who do not do martial arts will be impressed with your accomplishment and people working towards a Black Belt will hold your opinion in high regard. In a society of fallen idols a Black Belt and what it symbolizes is a breath of fresh, strong and wholesome air. Then you come across one of the bad guys in the martial arts. Their Black Belt came with way too much ego, their methods of training are more abusive than helpful, or they even put the almighty dollar ahead of integrity. Well eventually they do end up like the movies, losing everything. It's the people affected along the way that bothers me.

There is a new breed of martial artists emerging. They teach quick fix approaches with gross motor control movements and nerve cluster striking and if it saves you one day, great. Does it make you a better person? The better person part comes from struggling to achieve your goals. It's why the Black Belt is so honoured. If you have one, you know exactly what you had to do in order to get it. And guaranteed, it has made an impact on your life and who you are.

Respect, seek it and it will evade you, demand it and it hides, but take complete responsibility for your life and it will embrace you forever.

Everyday I enjoy the journey that the martial arts has put me on. I encourage you to enjoy your martial arts journey as well.