11/20/07 - Happy Thanksgiving! I appreciate all of the positive energy and hard work everyone is doing at CTC to make it the best martial art school anywhere!

Here is the next installment of my thesis:

The Power of Self-Defense


The only people you have to get even with are those who have helped you.
R.H. Rehwinkles

Our first line of defense is self self-defense.
Paul Korchak


I like to tell my younger students that they are like “ super heroes in training.” and that the extraordinary abilities they are developing have to be used for good always. They really relate to this concept.
Internal peace comes from building confidence through challenge. It comes from developing the mind, body, spirit, and emotions, through determined practice. It also comes from becoming aware of our higher purpose in life.
External peace is a direction of a student’s inner peace. Parents and students who are concerned that martial arts encourage violent behavior find that well trained black belts are the most peaceful, grounded humans you could meet. Developing inner peace dissuades students from needing to fight for survival. Human interaction turns into cooperation and compassion. The ability to be able to fight for survival with one’s hand and feet allows the martial artist to move through life with inner confidence. He or she will also exude this confidence and will not be targeted by bullies and predators.