Hello and welcome back to Second Chance to Live. Thank you for stopping by to visit. You are a tremendous blessing to me. When I first started training at the martial arts school my Sensei — Instructor — used an illustration to outline my journey as a martial arts student at the school. What he shared with me on that day has stuck with me. That was 7 1/2 years ago.
He stated that I would be given different ingredients to bake a cake, but it was my job to actually bake the cake. Initially I had no idea what ingredients he was referring to or had in mind.
Because my interest was to learn and grow as a martial artist, I committed myself to the process. I suited up and showed up. With time, I discovered that I was being taught the style and principles of Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do, which was developed by Bruce Lee in1967. I also found out that my Sensei’s Instructor was trained by Bruce Lee
As I continued to train I discovered one of the principles that Bruce Lee shared with his students. This principle exemplifies an important concept for living.
“I have not invented a “new style,” composite, modified or otherwise that is set within distinct form as apart from “this” method or “that” method. On the contrary, I hope to free my followers from clinging to styles, patterns, or molds. Remember that Jeet Kune Do is merely a name used, a mirror in which to see “ourselves”
At the martial arts dojo or studio, we learn many different styles to enhance the nature of our abilities. Through learning and practicing those skills, our individual paths take shape. Although we all are required to know specific skills in order to progress, our journeys are not etched in stone. The goal is to provide each student with various tools.
The tools are to be used to build a foundation. As the foundation settles, the student is encouraged to explore.
Our experiences in life provide the opportunities that in turn create our journey. Our willingness to explore on that journey will determine how our destiny unfolds. The journey of becoming a black belt involves struggle, determination, perseverance, courage, and tenacity in the face of disappointment.
Please read Part 2 for context. Thank you.
All material presented on Second Chance to Live is copyright and cannot be copied, reproduced, or distributed in any way without the express, written consent of Craig J. Phillips, MRC, BA
Invitations to Subscribe to Second Chance to Live
Below is an invitation to subscribe to Second Chance to Live. You may also subscribe using email. The process is very easy to complete. Simply click on Subscribe to Second Chance to Live by email. All you have to do is enter your email address, type in the letters below your email — to prevent spam — and then left click on Complete Subscription Request. By subscribing to Second Chance by Email you will receive notification when I write a new post in your email .
You may also use a feed reader service. By left clicking o the Subscribe in a reader you will be taken to a page that has various feed readers. You may either sign in to the Feed Reader that you use or sign up with one of the Feed Reader that you would like to use. By doing so you will be able to read posts from Second Chance to Live through that Feed Reader.
Leave a Reply