Suvivor
Combat Experience Trumps Youth and Skill
Sunday, March 20, 2016
Lessons Learned
Another time of reflection: Often, just when you think the ship is sinking and your ready to drown, God sends messengers. He sent me a good family doctor who knows me better than I do. He sent some good specialists who are fixing what the others couldn't. He sent me my Elite Martial Arts family who support and encourage me. He sent me Kaleb Irving who got me back into the martial arts. I still have all my life long friends. My kids bring me joy. My grand baby on the way gives me hope for the future. Shelly shows me love and respect. My friend Amy has shown me the healing power of yoga. Then the profound learning experience of months happened yesterday: As I sat watching my teacher instruct the children's class a beautiful little baby sat next to her Ma Ma. She was intent on watching the class while she played with her little dollies. She smiled at me and showed her dollies to Molly who sat next to me. Then I heard her mom mention she does not like her new prosthetic and how she had just finished her last chemotherapy treatment. A sinless child. Innocent. Smiling and playing. At that moment I realized I really do not have any problems. How blessed I am to have all that I have. When you think you have it hard, just remember- someone has it a whole lot harder.
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Monday, February 8, 2016
Despite my limp and my pain in my hip, I was able to reach down deep and take my brown belt test in Kenpojitsu, at Elite Martial Arts in Warsaw, N.Y. I could have not done it without the encouragement of my teacher Mark Bellinger and my peers. The above picture includes two fine lady warriors- Any and Katlyn. It was an honor to test with them and see them receive their brown belts as well. This is a memory I will cherish forever.
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Leave a Legacy of a Life Worth Living
- THE ABOVE VIDEO IS OF AMANDA AND THEN JEROME IN FIGHTS RECORDED IN JAMESTOWN, NEW YORK. ENJOY THE ACTION
Take each day as a precious gift to be lived to its fullest. It is not just about the destination, but about the amazing journey. Write a new chapter in your story, then move onto a new chapter. Make memories and stories that will encourage those coming up behind you. Leave the young a legacy that will energize them to succeed.
Saturday, January 30, 2016
Escaping the Surgeons Blade
When I was in my teens and my twenties I believed my time on Earth was forever and my youth without end. I felt indestructible. Yes, my life had included contact with the Martial Arts, sometimes intensely and sometimes at a bare minimum. When I did train hard it was at a very intense pace. I am sure the thousands of kicking drills took a tole on my joints. I am sure hard physical labor did as well. Injuries were not uncommon for me in sparring and in my personal life. It would not be to my surprise these had a future influence on my current physical difficulties.
Other things in life took my energies into other arenas of life that I should have never tread. A destructive life style and riotous living took a chunk out of me. Some of the residual effects of the past chapter of life still haunt me. This of course makes training even harder at times. Sometimes my concentration and memory is poor. I suppose some of this is from the life style, the poison that went with it and head injuries.
Having been knocked around and beaten on by an abusive instructor in my early teens I am sure has played a role in my current status. A thirteen year old who's brain is still developing should not be getting their brain knocked out by a grown man. But, that is a thing of the past and that is forgiven. The man meant well, thought he was training me well and I am sure learned things the same way he was a kid. He has moved onto being a better man and I a better person as I have matured. But having said that, I think the head blows may have began some of my woes that have lingered.
Now I am racked with Osteo Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and fhybromyalgia. Neurological difficulties are transient Along with chronic pain, exhaustion and brain fog accompany the symptoms. Sometimes I have trained hard at the gym, other times I have petered out to a bare trickle- which is the case currently.
Thanks to the strength I have gained from my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, along with my stubbornness and determination I have been able to accomplish the seemingly impossible. What man in their 50's, with multiple health issues can push hard enough to hit the ring twice, with opponent much younger than him? Not many I say. I am not bragging, but am just amazed myself I was actually able to pull it off. I guess I just would not allow quitting to be an option. I simply would not give into any obstacle that would keep me from my dream.
Now my condition has worsened after a period of it having quieted. To make a long story short, my hips are shot. I am looking at hip replacements in the future, hopefully later than sooner. Deep joint steroid shots are being administered hope that pain will be relieved and mobility returned. This of course will be the determination of how long I go before getting surgery. We hope it keeps me going until I am older.
My goals now? I have many. I am getting ready for my Brown Belt test in Kenpojitsu at Elite Martial Arts in Warsaw, New York. I hope to get my black belt before any drastic surgeries. I would like to get in the ring for a boxing match. I am also interested in doing some weight lifting to build my body up. I hope to eventually help my instructor
teach the younger folks. I am attempting to get a part time writing career in order and I am working hard to better my character.
If you are considering training and have things that limit your abilities consider Elite Martial Arts as your training ground. We are family there and everyone encourages the other person. The instructor, Mark Bellinger, has had a life time of Martial Arts training. He too has suffered from chronic pain and understands the struggle. His character is outstanding and his empathy for the needs of others endless. He will be sure to make sure your personal limitations are noted and your training modified to meet your needs. Without that gym I would be a mess. To the people there I own my gratitude. They have kept me from the surgeons knife thus far and I am sure they will for a long time more. And- who knows, I believe in miracles, My friend and physician Jesus just might keep the surgery from happening forever. Time will tell I guess.
Other things in life took my energies into other arenas of life that I should have never tread. A destructive life style and riotous living took a chunk out of me. Some of the residual effects of the past chapter of life still haunt me. This of course makes training even harder at times. Sometimes my concentration and memory is poor. I suppose some of this is from the life style, the poison that went with it and head injuries.
Having been knocked around and beaten on by an abusive instructor in my early teens I am sure has played a role in my current status. A thirteen year old who's brain is still developing should not be getting their brain knocked out by a grown man. But, that is a thing of the past and that is forgiven. The man meant well, thought he was training me well and I am sure learned things the same way he was a kid. He has moved onto being a better man and I a better person as I have matured. But having said that, I think the head blows may have began some of my woes that have lingered.
Now I am racked with Osteo Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and fhybromyalgia. Neurological difficulties are transient Along with chronic pain, exhaustion and brain fog accompany the symptoms. Sometimes I have trained hard at the gym, other times I have petered out to a bare trickle- which is the case currently.
Thanks to the strength I have gained from my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, along with my stubbornness and determination I have been able to accomplish the seemingly impossible. What man in their 50's, with multiple health issues can push hard enough to hit the ring twice, with opponent much younger than him? Not many I say. I am not bragging, but am just amazed myself I was actually able to pull it off. I guess I just would not allow quitting to be an option. I simply would not give into any obstacle that would keep me from my dream.
Now my condition has worsened after a period of it having quieted. To make a long story short, my hips are shot. I am looking at hip replacements in the future, hopefully later than sooner. Deep joint steroid shots are being administered hope that pain will be relieved and mobility returned. This of course will be the determination of how long I go before getting surgery. We hope it keeps me going until I am older.
My goals now? I have many. I am getting ready for my Brown Belt test in Kenpojitsu at Elite Martial Arts in Warsaw, New York. I hope to get my black belt before any drastic surgeries. I would like to get in the ring for a boxing match. I am also interested in doing some weight lifting to build my body up. I hope to eventually help my instructor
If you are considering training and have things that limit your abilities consider Elite Martial Arts as your training ground. We are family there and everyone encourages the other person. The instructor, Mark Bellinger, has had a life time of Martial Arts training. He too has suffered from chronic pain and understands the struggle. His character is outstanding and his empathy for the needs of others endless. He will be sure to make sure your personal limitations are noted and your training modified to meet your needs. Without that gym I would be a mess. To the people there I own my gratitude. They have kept me from the surgeons knife thus far and I am sure they will for a long time more. And- who knows, I believe in miracles, My friend and physician Jesus just might keep the surgery from happening forever. Time will tell I guess.
Thursday, January 21, 2016
A fighting family
A fighting family: At the end of June, New York’s ban on professional mixed martial arts was slated to be voted on by the state Assembly. As it has in so many years passed, the repeal failed to reach the Assembly and New York maintained its position as the only state where professional MMA is illegal. Fans and proponents of the sport were disappointed, but at Elite MMA in Warsaw, the decision isn’t keeping any spirits down.
Sunday, January 17, 2016
Fighting Father Time
No Martial Artist thinks there will come a day they will suffer the stiffness, pain, medical issues and slowing of reflexes as middle age sets in. In younger years we train hard, stay strong and perfect technique. We develop our minds and harden our bodies. In our youth we heal rather quickly when injured. It seems time is on our side and nothing will ever slow our progress.
Then it happens. Months pass. Years pass. Our bodies remind us of old injuries. Some of us develop medical issues. Others develop Arthritis. Our joints have worn. Our strength and speed seem to be attempting to fail us and we fight to hang onto our abilities.
Many become frustrated and think of hanging up the gloves. Others strive on and fight the good fight. Some drastically adapt their training programs to keep them in the game. Once a warrior, always a warrior deep in the heart. Those that have to retire often fall into despair and depression. It is like having part of one's soul ripped from their body.
So as it is, I speak of myself as well. Old injuries, surgeries, medical problem, severe arthritis- all raising their ugly heads beginning in my earl 50's. Returning to the Martial Arts after training younger years saved me from a complete failing of all mobility. Now at age 53 the arthritis has reared it's ugly head again. My hips are stiff and the pain sometimes is unbearable as I train. I have had two Kickboxing fights in the ring at age 52. One win, one loss- to men much younger than myself. Now my training is focused on Kenpojitsu and boxing.
Now I await my next appointment at a sports medicine, orthopedic treatment group. I am looking for relief and the treatment needed to continue my way of life. The way that disciplines me as a man. The way that even makes my personal relationship with Christ better. The way that gives me purpose. The way that gives me a chance to serve younger people seeking the same path in life.
Yes, the warrior spirit lives inside of me. I refuse to give up and will rise above the obstacles. I will not quit, it is not an option. I will keep the path I have chosen and give to others what I have gained. If what I do does not benefit others it is done in vane. A warrior I will be until I fade off into the sleep of death,to begin a new life on the other side.
Then it happens. Months pass. Years pass. Our bodies remind us of old injuries. Some of us develop medical issues. Others develop Arthritis. Our joints have worn. Our strength and speed seem to be attempting to fail us and we fight to hang onto our abilities.
Many become frustrated and think of hanging up the gloves. Others strive on and fight the good fight. Some drastically adapt their training programs to keep them in the game. Once a warrior, always a warrior deep in the heart. Those that have to retire often fall into despair and depression. It is like having part of one's soul ripped from their body.
So as it is, I speak of myself as well. Old injuries, surgeries, medical problem, severe arthritis- all raising their ugly heads beginning in my earl 50's. Returning to the Martial Arts after training younger years saved me from a complete failing of all mobility. Now at age 53 the arthritis has reared it's ugly head again. My hips are stiff and the pain sometimes is unbearable as I train. I have had two Kickboxing fights in the ring at age 52. One win, one loss- to men much younger than myself. Now my training is focused on Kenpojitsu and boxing.
Now I await my next appointment at a sports medicine, orthopedic treatment group. I am looking for relief and the treatment needed to continue my way of life. The way that disciplines me as a man. The way that even makes my personal relationship with Christ better. The way that gives me purpose. The way that gives me a chance to serve younger people seeking the same path in life.
Yes, the warrior spirit lives inside of me. I refuse to give up and will rise above the obstacles. I will not quit, it is not an option. I will keep the path I have chosen and give to others what I have gained. If what I do does not benefit others it is done in vane. A warrior I will be until I fade off into the sleep of death,to begin a new life on the other side.
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