Let’s Get Some Positivity!
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.
Telluride, Colorado, USA
There are few moments that top earning the rank of black belt. However, at Telluride Karate Studio, five students are about to do just that in their style of American Kenpo. Headmaster Eric Nepsky noted the rarity of five students testing at the same time. Grandmaster Bob White will be conducting the test and certify their promotions personally. Good luck to all of those testing!
San Diego, California, USA
After recent success, a young competitor has his sights set even higher now. At just 16-years-old, Andrew Heiati won first place in individual junior sparring. This was in Peru at the American Taekwondo Association (ATA) PanAm Championships last October. Now he is setting goals for competing in the Olympics, starting with the Junior Olympic trials next March. Best of luck Mr. Heiati!
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
A young woman is challenging gender norms by studying martial arts. Sam Sreychea is among the few females that practice the art of Bokator. Many had advised her and her parents not to allow her to study the art due to gender norms and the risk of injury. Sam was undeterred by these societal obstacles, even with the long distances she would need to ride her bike to get there and back home. Her determination has paid off with her being selected to represent Cambodia at the 2017 Cultural Partnership Initiative in South Korea. Keep up the hard work Miss Sreychea!
Mentor, Ohio, USA
The sixth annual International Women’s Self-Defense day is coming up soon. In support of that, Dave Frank of COBRA Defense Mentor will be teaching a free self-defense class at a local church. This event is just one of many being held across the world being promoted by fodada. Many topics will be covered ranging from situational awareness and up to self-defense techniques.
Linton, Indiana, USA
Tre Wilson is sharing the very thing that he credits with saving his life. Mr. Wilson recently began instructing at American Karate-Do, with students ranging from 6 to 40-years-old. He credits the martial arts with saving him. He notes that he was headed in a bad direction before martial arts. Yet, he now takes pleasure in teaching and helping others while continuing his own training. Keep spreading the positivity, Mr. Wilson!
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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