Keeping the Positivity Through Adversity
This semi-regular post will attempt to highlight positivity in the martial arts from around the world. Unfortunately, it is far too easy to find negative stories on the internet. Positive ones, however, are harder to find. Let’s recognize and celebrate those martial artists and schools who are doing good things in their communities, as well as, making great accomplishments.
If you are putting on any kind of event, workshop, or seminar, feel free to post it at http://www.martialartscalendar.com It can bring attention to your event and is free to use! Go ahead and check out the site to see what is going on in the coming months near you!
You can see the last installment here.
Lexington, Kentucky, USA
As you may or may not know, I have been a student in the Tracy System of Kenpo Karate for quite a while. Unfortunately the founder of our system, Great Grandmaster Al Tracy passed away yesterday. I want to extend my deepest condolences to the Tracy family as they deal with their loss. A recent video tribute, created prior to his passing, can be found here.
His passing is a major loss not only to Tracy’s Karate but also to the greater world of martial arts. Al Tracy was a pioneer in his development of a very successful business model for Tracy schools to emulate. In addition, he developed a very mature and stable system to facilitate the education of prospective students in the art of Kenpo. These are just a couple of the achievements he was able to accomplish over a life dedicated to the martial arts.
Even more profound than those accomplishments is the legacy he leaves behind: Us. He created an organization that will be able to move forward while honoring his memory. He left it in great hands to continue what he started and guide it into the future. I am honored to be but a small part of his enduring legacy. Rest in peace Great Grandmaster, you will be missed.
If you wish to read more about Great Grandmaster Al Tracy’s history in the martial arts, click here.
Balestier, Singapore
Like many of us martial artists, Daryl Yeo was inspired by the movies he saw as a kid. These movies led him first to Taekwondo. Watching Ong Bak with Tony Jaa, led him to study in Muay Thai. However, it was the Ip Man movies that led him to seek education in Wing Chun under Chua Kah Joo. He now has the title of head instructor at Wing Chun Kuen Training Centre, in addition to owning his own school. Now that is what hard work can bring you!
London, England
In a previous edition of the Positivity post, I brought you the story of Alyssa Fencil. She was to compete as a member of the U.S. Para-Taekwondo National Team this month. The U.S. Team did earn a total of 6 medals (1 gold, 1 silver, 4 bronze) at the event. While Mrs. Fencil did not claim a medal, she did compete in very competitive rings for poomsae and sparring. In sparring, she was able to advance past the first round but lost in the second. We here at Martial Journal are proud of Mrs. Fencil and the U.S. Team!
Laredo, Texas, USA
For Sensei Ernesto Salinas, mind over matter is what it’s all about. He recently earned his 3rd-degree black belt in Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-do. This was only bestowed upon him after a grueling testing that included full-force hits, kata, and near-dehydration. This was in addition to the pain he endures constantly from three previous ACL tears. It is this mental resolve he brings to his studio, and students, in Laredo. Keep training hard Sensei!
If you know of any good examples of positivity in the martial arts, please post them in the comments below!
As always, embrace positivity, my brothers and sisters!
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