The Flaherty family:

Jordan Ota

Fri, 5 Oct 2018 14:10:11 -0700

My name is Jordan Ota and this is who I am. My full name is Jordan Harry Ota. There is no real meaning behind my name except for my middle name, which is after my grandfather on my dad’s side of the family. I was born on February 6th, 2000. My parents have always been loving and supportive of who I am and the decisions I make. I started out my education at Julia Morgan Elementary school. I did go to preschool, but I don't remember anything from that, so I guess I’ll start with elementary. Julia Morgan was a good school for me. I learned a lot from there about education and life. I was never the smartest person in the room, but I was for sure not the dumbest. This is the place where I began to fall in love with writing. I loved to read and write. It was a passion I’d had for a long time. I especially love to write freely and put my thoughts onto paper for myself to read and for anyone who cares about the way I think. I was always what you would call a “goody-two-shoes” in elementary school. This didn’t make me the most “likable” person in the room, but I was raised to follow the rules so I didn’t know any better. I began to keep this habit for a while, but meanwhile, other kids began to become more mature. One day I got punched for this, and that's where my martial arts career began.
One day my parents took me to a place in Gym Stars. The teacher was a “Black Belt” as a title, but now that I look back at all this, I don’t think she was a black belt at all. She trained us with frog jumps, army crawling and rolling. Those were the only things we ever did for 3 days a week for an hour each day. I never had any fun with this so after a month or two I began to lose interest in martial arts. I didn’t have a very good impression so I decided not to do fighting in general. The years went on. In 3rd grade there was a kid named Kenny in my class. For some reason, I never could get his name right and I would accidentally call him Kennedy. One day, he didn’t want to hear me call him that, so when I called him that, he beat me up at recess. That’s where everything pointed in the direction I'm going today. I am actually grateful to Kenny for that. Otherwise, I would never have joined FKKA.
The next day after being beaten up by him, my parents took me after school to Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate Association. I wasn’t too thrilled to be jumping like a frog, crawling on the floor, and rolling around a room again so I wasn’t exactly up for this. My parents brought me in and there a tall man with blonde hair at a front desk. He had a cast on his arm and he greeted us with a smile. The first impression was my hand being almost crushed from his handshake. It felt like my arm was going to fall off. That was the day I met Master Flaherty. At the time he was a 9th Degree Black Belt who was very serious about his training. I remember on the first day of training I met a boy named Sean who was the same age. Little did I know that this kid and I were going to become very good friends. We trained together twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It was a lot of fun working out with him and our Master. We were learning something new every day, and we climbed up in the ranks together.
Sean and I were almost opposites in every way. We had different styles. Sean grew to be strong and powerful in sparring, while I was growing to be more quick and elegant with my forms and sets. Even today we stay in touch while he is off to UC Irvine and I am attending SJDC here in Stockton. We watched each other grow up as, not only martial artists but as people beyond the dojo. We may have gone to separate schools, but we were always close to each other and without having him as such a great friend to train with, I wouldn’t have gotten as far as I have today.
As time went on, we grew and Sean began to excel quicker than I, once we had achieved the advanced level. I wasn’t ready so, I stayed behind in the intermediate level. Time passed and I moved forward into the Green Belt and Sean and I were still close friends. I met more people - Noelle, Gabby, Terrance, and Lance. We all competed against each other. It was always really fun, but there were rough times too. It wasn’t always easy. We struggled every now and then but we all turned out okay. As more time passed, I moved into my Brown-Black Belt. This was the hardest time I’ve had to overcome in my martial arts career. And it was around this time that Master Flaherty became Grandmaster Flaherty.
My Brown-Black Belt was a defining moment for me because this was the most nerve-racking belt I passed. I felt sick to my stomach when the testing day was coming up. In fact, I decided to skip out on the December test that year so I could better prepare myself for the summer test. I trained hard for this. I wasn’t about to mess up a test - one of the most important tests, for that matter. It was my partner, Joshua, and I. We never really got close to each other. We never really clicked as friends, but he was a nice kid and he worked just as hard as I did every day we trained. We always pushed each other forward and if it wasn’t for that we would have never made it through our test together.
In my test, I wasn’t at 100% because I was so nervous that my movements were lacking. In fact, during my test, I threw up. We had gone into the private room to pause the test and Grandmaster gave us a talk about how we should be moving. We returned to our test with a new-found determination. I began to realize that I was going to lose the one thing I had worked for these past years. I was frustrated with myself, and I used that frustration to focus on my movements. My fear turned into concentration and focus, but this wasn’t just for the test itself. It was during those moments in the back room that Grandmaster made me realize something about myself, and if it wasn’t for the lesson he gave me, I’m not sure I would be the person I am today. That lesson was that, if you let your fear and stress guide you, you will achieve nothing in life. We all get scared and nervous - we are human after all - but will you be the person to do nothing about that fear, or will you be the one to swallow your emotions and make something of yourself to survive? I will never forget this for the rest of my life.
At the end of that day I obtained my Junior Black Belt. The feeling of being handed that belt... There are no words that can be put onto paper, or be said aloud, that can explain that kind of rush. It’s a day you will never forget, that is for sure. My family and I went home that day and my parents had a surprise “Congratulations” party waiting for me with black party paper all over the house. We had pizza and artichoke for dinner which was my favorite. I know that pizza and artichoke doesn’t sound like it goes very well together but it does, I promise.
I started learning more interesting techniques and forms that were more advanced and fluent. One form in particular I liked and I clicked very well with was the form called “Mass Attacks” which was a lot of fun to learn. I even won a tournament with this form. One of the tournaments that I had attended was called the Shark Invitational in San Jose, California. In this tournament, there was one of our school’s other instructors that attended as well with his team. This was the first tournament I had ever been too, and it was a big one. The instructor came over to me and told me to perform my Kata a different way, a way that would throw away my chance at First Place altogether. I was naive at the time so I was thinking, “This is another instructor from one of our branch schools so he’s trying to help me.” But this cost me a chance at a higher place than what I got. I was crushed when I saw the results. I blamed myself for the loss, but it only made me more determined to grow and get better. I wasn’t discouraged. If anything it made me more driven to perfect what was imperfect.
The day I got back to the Dojo after the tournament, I didn’t mention what happened at the tournament with the instructor. I didn’t realize what happened to me until a month after that. I didn’t say anything because I figured it didn’t have any more relevance. I had asked Grandmaster if he could teach me anything else about Mass Attacks that I could learn to help me win more tournaments. It was after I asked this that my training for being a Kenpo competitor began. The training was at a whole new level of toughness and skill. I felt like a white belt all over again.
As time went on I was growing older and so were my peers. They were going to college while I was entering high school so our paths started to part. Sean decided to take on football instead of karate. Terrance and Lance started college, so they were moving out of town to go to school. Noelle had quit as well for school. It seemed it was just Gabby and I at the beginning of our high school careers. It was around this time that I was beginning to wonder if I wanted to try new things while I was still in high school. I knew the dojo would always be there if I ever wanted to come back, but I wanted to see more of what high school had to offer. I finally decided to see more of high school and come back to the dojo when I had experienced what I was looking for.
The last day of my time at Karate was very sad. It was a Friday in July and I had attended two classes which were sparring and arnis. I gave it everything I had in sparring that day, almost as if I was trying to make up for the next three years of classes, but I was so sad I couldn’t focus the way I normally could. At the end of sparring I cried in the bathroom, I felt so pathetic for crying, but I loved this place so much and it had a place near and dear to my heart. I came out of the bathroom, eyes bloodshot, but I still smiled with everyone and laughed and had a good time on my last day. I left that day vowing I would come back kicking and swinging harder than ever.
I don’t regret the day I quit Karate. In fact, I learned some of the greatest life lessons ever because of it. A lot had happened and a lot had changed in me as a person. I have watched people come in and out of my life. It has been sad, but it has helped me learn. I started getting more involved with my school. I joined more clubs and sports that normally I wouldn’t have time for because of karate. It was a change of pace, but I still stuck to the roots I had developed from my time with my Grandmaster. I joined a club called “Japanese Chinese Korean Club” or “JCKC” for short. I had never done pop dancing like this before. It was definitely different and interesting. If there was anything I learned from my private instructor, Mrs. Griggs, it was that your stances were your foundation because without solid stances you couldn’t balance yourself or move with graceful, fluid, movements. I used low stances and danced like a fighter. I even joined a club called “Swing” that was swing dancing with a partner with flips and eighties music. It was a load of fun and I made a lot of good friends that helped support me through high school.
After my time at Kenpo, I joined two sports: Cross Country and Track & Field. They were a lot different than fighting. There was lots of running and running form. It was a constant pain at the end of the practices and a lot of injuries from running a lot. I was surprised to find out how much form and technique went into running both sports. But my teammates were like a second family to me. We worked hard and ran alongside each other and never judged how fast or slow we were. We laughed, cried, and threw up A LOT together. It was an adventure, and something I will never forget for the rest of my life. I built up a lot of cardio from running, getting faster every day. Even though running was fun, it was never as rewarding as putting on a new belt, learning a new technique, or form in the dojo. It never made me feel like a champion at the end of a race. There was something missing from all of that, but I continued with both sports throughout the rest of the years of high school.
Normally I don’t like to talk about relationships and all of the “mushy-gushy” things that happen in private but this relationship, in particular, is what led me back to Karate with Grandmaster Flaherty. Long story short, I got involved with a girl who I really liked a lot. I thought she was going to be a great girlfriend for me, but unfortunately, it was short-lived, and she dumped me. A lot of drama happened for about a year and things never really got better. I lost my best friend, my partner-in-crime, and my favorite girl. We are young and not everything will last as long as you want it too, but even so, it broke my heart and drove me to one of the lowest points in my life. I needed to get back to something that could fill that empty hole in my heart. I started trying different ways of running from it. I started working out in the gym more. I ran harder, but I wasn’t eating right and my body was going through a lot of strain, as was my mind. I ended up in counseling to help cope with what I was going through, but it never helped fill the hole.
About nine months went by and nothing changed. I couldn’t think of what else I should do. But one day, my father got home and asked me to come outside. I told him “Just one minute!” but he came back in and yelled at me: “Right now!” I thought I was in trouble so I rushed outside to find this beautiful, red, 1971, Camaro, Z28 up on a trailer. I thought it was a neighbor’s car, so I asked my mom who bought the car? Before my mom could say anything, my dad walked up to me and handed me a set of keys and told me, “She’s yours.” I just about lost my mind. This was my dream car, and it was sitting in front of me, and I was the owner. I was ecstatic, I wanted to drive it so badly, but it needed work. My dad and I had a father-son project we could work on together. It made us grow really close together. He helped me understand even more about cars and taught me so much about taking care of them. I am still learning today about how to take care of them. It helped distract me and helped me heal. It was during this time that I realized that what I needed was to go back to something that always made me feel good about myself. I needed to go back to Grandmaster Flaherty, and train to get my 1st Degree Black Belt and continue forward with my training.
Finally, I was back, I hadn’t quite finished high school, but I was a few months away from graduating and getting my diploma. I decided not to do track my last year because I wanted to go back to my home with FKKA. I was welcomed back with open arms and new people. Some people I recognized, but a lot of the kids and students I used to train with were mostly gone. There were some of the kids that I used to train with that had grown up quite a bit. One, in particular, was named Mikayla and she'd gotten taller. She used to be this little brown belt that was there when I left. I didn’t talk to her much but she was a sweet little girl who said goodbye by giving me a hug. She wasn’t really the “talkative” type of person at the time, but it was something that I remembered.
I began training privately with Mrs. Griggs again, and the training was brutal. I hadn’t realized that being away for so long would cause me to become so unbalanced. I was falling a lot, and on top of that injuring myself a lot more. I wasn’t used to the routine anymore. I remember being able to stop my punches an inch before they hit. I couldn’t do that anymore, and I couldn’t remember all of the forms and techniques. It was interesting relearning everything. In fact, it was really fun because it was like learning something new. It was mostly remembering. Mrs. Griggs would start doing a form or technique with me and once I got going, it was like riding a bike. I loved coming back. It has healed me so much and given me a new peace of mind. I even got close to my new partner, Thomas, who is a great person who works hard and delivers one powerful kick. It makes me wish that when he nails me hard enough with a kick, some of that power would rub off on me.
As time went on, I was growing stronger and getting to know new people and learning the newer forms from Grandmaster. Joel has grown up a lot as well. He’s now a fine young man with a great passion for boxing, martial arts, and working out. Seeing him work is something else. I really hope to reach that level of skill one day. Watching everyone grow up gives me a new perspective on who they are. A lot of the kids have matured into sweet people. One little girl who is new to me is Sophie. She is the sweetest but most fierce of anyone in the room. She is incredible and inspiring, and she loves the arts. She comes into sparing with a helmet that’s too big for her head and she comes in swinging fast and hard. Even one day when she got hit a little bit too hard in the mouth and she started bleeding, she just looked at everyone and smiled like a champ.
Coming back here has been one of the best decisions I’ve made in a long time. I’m happy with myself and satisfied with everything that’s happening in my life today. I hope to inspire people who come into my life as martial artists and people in general. It won’t be an easy road and if there is anything I have learned from Grandmaster Flaherty and Mrs. Griggs, it’s that nothing will ever be easy. As my dad says to me almost every day: “If it was easy, Bubs… Everyone would do it!”

Gardale Gordon

Mon, 20 Nov 2017 17:00:53 -0800

A PARENT’S PERSPECTIVE

It is an honor and privilege to share my personal observations on the code of conduct that is exhibited by the instructors of Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate. As an institution of learning, which is led by Grandmaster Flaherty, students are afforded the opportunity to thrive in an ethical, fun, safe, and effective environment that is conducive to learning.
The curriculum and instruction are detailed, comprehensive, and embrace different modalities of learning. Student engagement is paramount, and the instructors equip all students with the necessary skills, strategies, routines, and knowledge in order to perform at, or above their established belt levels.
The instructors have high expectations for their students, and consistently provide words of encouragement, along with step-by-step explanations and demonstrations of the day’s objective. As the learning objectives are mastered by the students, ample opportunities are offered by the instructors for students to demonstrate their proficiency levels. In addition, instructors continuously review prior lessons in order to insure that students do not lose the ability to recall previous learning objectives.
Grandmaster Flaherty and his instructors continuously check for student understanding. If students struggle with certain objectives, the instructors diligently, and explicitly, re-teach the lessons in an attempt to ensure that all students are capable of excelling during testing. Once students demonstrate mastery of the required objectives, they are tested and begin preparation for the next set of objectives that are required for the next belt level. Grandmaster Flaherty and his instructors continue to run an excellent institution of learning, which truly benefits our community.

Valerie Barrows

Sat, 18 Nov 2017 00:00:00 -0800

MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKER

As parents, we strive for the very best for our children, and picking a physical activity can be overwhelming at times. Martial arts takes time to develop and master, but the mastery of the art is a valuable tool both physically and mentally.
When we looked into sports for our children, we decided we wanted them to learn self-defense. In addition, I wanted them to learn to respect others and grow mentally. The respect the children learn, whether from bowing or standing still and waiting for the next command, is an important life skill. Karate teaches great morals and values. Often I see this skill has been carried over into school, where it has helped to improve behavior and grades. Some parents believe martial arts promotes violence. I, however, have experienced just the opposite - great positivity in my children’s academics, motivation, confidence levels, behavior, and understanding of conflict resolution. Martial arts promotes self-discipline and socialization skills. Many of the instructors promote having good grades, being respectful of others, and are very supportive.
A typical session begins and ends with a bow to the instructors, or grandmaster. After a warm-up, students practice particular techniques, which may include kicks, punches, and blocks. Children learn to have physical control over their bodies, greatly improving their muscle tone. Often, the instructors will have students of a higher belt level help the beginning students learn the techniques. This is a community that works together to strengthen positive social-psychological outcomes.
Last week I decided to have my daughter start, and an orange belt volunteered to teach my daughter. When my son started a year and a half-ago he struggled with confidence and was often bullied. Now, he is a different kid, more confident, self-aware, determined, and motivated. Most importantly, the life skills he has gained at a young age are very valuable. Karate is an endless learning experience that provides constant challenge, keeping you alert and growing your confidence. Learning self-defense enhances one’s ability to feel safe, providing empowerment both physically and mentally.
Techniques can be demanding, as each technique requires concentration and strict attention. Progress is marked by the colored belt system and testing for each new color represents a good exercise in setting and achieving goals. The children learn respect and discipline from their instructors. Flaherty’s instructors not only have the time and patience to enhance our children’s techniques; they challenge them by heightening awareness of their emotional construct both internal and external. Like schoolteachers, Flaherty’s karate instructors have a responsibility to their students to instill positive values. Children benefit from the mental stimulation of learning the choreographed moves of Kenpo and the discipline of conforming to the rules of the club. An adult doesn’t have to feel self-conscious about getting the physical benefits of the exercise provided. Karate instills the confidence to walk away from confrontation, not to contest it head on. To teach these values at an early age will benefit a child for the rest of his or her life. On an adult perspective, it can shed a bit of light through the stresses of our daily routines.

Joel Simental

Wed, 12 Jul 2017 15:14:10 -0700

In the year 2009, at only eight years of age, I was ready to take on the whole world! Although I was an extrovert, I did not have a clue about what life’s challenges would bring. This was the year I willingly signed up for Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate Association! But one thing that I learned in time, was that God had a plan for me, and being obedient was my only choice. My mom encouraged me and I’m forever grateful!

I remember being a white belt in school and having the confidence of a black belt. When I was a blue belt, I thought about quitting karate. My mom looked directly into my eyes and said, “Whatever you start in life you will finish.” I quickly realized that quitting would not be an option. Am I thankful for the encouragement? Yes, absolutely. It has inspired me to be better and do better, not only in karate but also in life in general. One of the first lessons that I learned in karate was the importance of self-respect as well as how to treat others with kindness. It is not only emphasized; it is practiced and instilled in us, not only as a class, but also as individuals. In karate, we are trained to think with logic, to defend ourselves if needed, to avoid confrontation in any situation, and to always be humble.

These lessons I have learned in karate have been easy to incorporate with my walk with God. I have been a Christian all my life, and as I draw closer to the Lord, it has encouraged me to be at my best at what I do throughout my life. I have learned so much from the past 16 years—how to live a balanced life spiritually, emotionally, and physically. I also understand that I am an example to my younger siblings, and I know that they are watching every step I take, which is one reason I keep pushing forward. As a person, I strive to be trustworthy, respectful, responsible, and hold leadership skills. The combination of my walk with God and karate, has taught me to live what I strive to say. One of my favorite scriptures is “ No weapon that is formed against me shall prosper" [Isaiah 54:17], meaning no matter what I am faced with in life, it will not get the best of me.

I am a sophomore and currently enrolled in Connecting Waters Charter School and in my sixth year of home school. When I first started home school I was not crazy about the idea. But being raised to be open minded and understanding, I chose to be obedient and listen. As time passes by, I understand now, why my parents chose this path. I have learned so much from the positive people around me. I am your typical teenager who likes to hang out with his friends, enjoys listening to music, and of course karate! My everyday activities consist of playing piano, singing, and also playing sports outside with my brothers. They are also in karate along with my eleven-year-old sister, Giana. We encourage each other to do our best because we are a team! We study together, pray together, laugh together, and yes at times get in trouble together. If we had been in a regular school, we may not have been able to achieve this family bond that we share now and will last us a lifetime!

Throughout the years of studying the art of Kenpo Karate, it has taught me to walk and live with integrity and character. Kenpo Karate is not only an art but it is also a lifestyle. I would encourage all lower belt ranks not to get discouraged. Don’t quit and give up. You fail if you DON’T TRY! So try, keep at it and before you realize it, something happens to you. You walk a little taller; you walk with confidence and with pride. The hard work does pay off. I’m grateful to my mom and for her “Godly Wisdom“ that she shares with me. It's taught me to pray for discernment, to combine all that God has put in me at birth, and to utilize it. I know I could have chosen to be stubborn, and could have followed the wrong crowd. We all have that option. But I have chosen the road that will lead me to heaven one day.

That is the ultimate prize and goal for myself. I know the bumps in the road will always be there. That is called “ life.” But I also know my attitude through it all is what matters. At this point in my life, I am not quite sure what direction career–wise I want to go. I have thought about law enforcement and a few other ideas. Whatever I choose to end up doing, I know karate will forever be a huge part of my walk through life. It is in me. I breathe it; I live it. Kenpo has a hold of me and I, a hold of it.

We are inseparable! Looking back at my white belt days, it has been well worth it. Nothing has been handed over to me. I can say with pride, that I have worked hard, and put in hours of time, sweat and practice. There will always be a new block, kick, or technique to learn. The knowledge of the art and its history is endless. I am proud to belong to the Kenpo family. This I take very seriously. I take the words mentioned earlier in the scripture, “No weapon that is formed against me shall prosper, ” to literally mean that when meeting any “giants of life,” whether they be in people’s negative attitudes towards me, life’s troubles, or just not having a great day, I can and I will slay those giants that try to come against me. I have learned to stand my ground with scripture, putting on the whole armor of God, and to battle with my sword, which is the word of God. I have learned at a young age to rely on God, to follow his lead, lean on every promise that he has spoken, because He said all those promises belong to me. I have the easy part. All I have to do is be obedient, because God rewards obedience, and to stay within God’s boundaries. I’m truly learning to believe and live what I say. It is all about balance. If God said it, I believe it. If Grandmaster Flaherty tells me that I can break two boards at once, then without a doubt, I believe I can do it! Because with God all things are possible. I am not bragging, but I am not your average sixteen-year-old. With humility, I humbly say that it takes practice disciplining my flesh. Nothing happens over night. It takes a positive mindset, and on some days, more effort than other days. But the end result is self-respect.

As positive as I sound, I am still trying to understand my personal blue print for life. I know without a clear, compelling vision, I won't be able to find my place in life. I have to be on my “A game" at all times, ready and willing to correct mistakes quickly and learn from them.

So momentum is vital in my life. It is a huge part of who I am and what and who I will grow into. I strive for wisdom, and understanding, to have a servant's heart, and to be willing to sacrifice my time to help others and be a blessing to them any way I can. I am also practicing my “gentleman“ skills on my mom and little sister, whether it is opening up doors for them or telling them how beautiful they look.

I remember being about thirteen years old and my choices in life were being challenged. In other words, I was not making the best choices that I could have been making. My mom did not hesitate to bring this to Grandmaster Flaherty’s attention. Was I ever shocked when he called me into his office. Needless to say, after our “talk,“ my mom has never had to make a phone call like that again. I am grateful for my mom’s love and the fighting stance she takes over me. She has always said that she’s put too much time and prayer into me to just let me go in the wrong direction.

The high respect I have for Grandmaster Flaherty is obvious. His name is continuously spoken in our home. He cares about all his students and it shows. Many times I have seen Grandmaster Flaherty reading his Bible before classes start, and he tells us to “always put God first." These are the kinds of people I want to surround myself with. I want to observe them, learn from them, and imitate them. My mom tells me that the older I become, the brighter my star shines. I know without the right positive people in my life, my star wouldn’t really shine.

I am starting to realize how quickly time passes, and that my parents time to “invest“ in me is short. One day, before I know it, I will be on my own, making my own decisions. It is a thought that I am not quite ready to fully wrap my brain around. But up to this point, I can proudly say that my list of accomplishments so far is not looking too bad. Add a CPR certificate and my bucket list of things to do is complete. That alone is quite amazing to me!

So I will continue to endeavor to make my God, my family and my karate family proud. I have been given the privilege to have this great opportunity called life, and I do not take anything for granted. I try not to let the words “I can't,“ be a part of my vocabulary. I know because of God, I have a supernatural ability to conquer and achieve whatever I put my mind to. I try, on purpose, to surpass anyone’s expectations of what I can accomplish! After all, if I know how to pray, walk with God, honor God with my whole heart, and truly believe “FOR WITH GOD NOTHING SHALL BE IMPOSSIBLE,“ then what giants who try to come against me can’t I stand up to and take down?

I want to give honor where honor is due. To my Grandmaster Flaherty, your wisdom, knowledge of the art, quickness and self-control never cease to amaze me. You are definitely on the top of my “heroes“ list! To Mrs. Flaherty, Mrs. Griggs, and Mr. Alarca, thank you for your time, encouraging words and for lighting the way for me. You are all teaching me how to stand tough against the giants of life. To my mom, thank you for teaching me how to pray, for this is certainly the foundation of all things. Dad, thank you for your love and support.

Love:

Joel Simental

Roosevelt Jackson

Mon, 8 Aug 2016 10:24:58 -0700

It all started 5 years ago when my parents wanted me to learn self-defense in order to protect myself. They thought it would be in my best interest to learn martial arts, and we found Grandmaster Flaherty’s School of martial arts in Stockton, California online, looking through the yellow pages.
Under Grandmaster Flaherty’s guidance, I began to learn. As a white belt I learned the basic fundamentals such as how to stand, punch, kick, and of course, the karate creed.
While in the white belt stage I learned the first kata (i.e., karate form), which concentrates on how to breathe while mastering techniques Number 1 through 10. It took me about 5 months to accomplish the necessary skills I needed to proceed to the next belt level.
In the next level, the orange belt, or intermediate level of training, I found myself learning how to effectively block and punch with a focus on stances. At this point, the Grandmaster encouraged the class of test takers to join sparring for a better understanding of tournament competition and street fighting tactics. Sparring in class taught me how to avoid being hit while utilizing opportunity to strike human and moving targets.
At the purple belt level I had to learn additional katas and moves that required certain strategies, such as a right punch and block with hammer fist striking abilities, and excellent starter forms like short 2, striking set, double ram 4 point set, and jammers back knuckle 1, 2 and 3. Gradually, over time, I became skilled at all beginning and intermediate levels, learning the right punch, block and chop, and the right punch and take down and stomp and stomp, the right punch and block, hit, kick, hit the elbow and a hit to the neck, and the right punch and block, kick and kick, back knuckle and then back kick. I remember earning 3 stripes on each side of my belt. As I prepared for my next level of training and learning, I have to admit, I was getting very excited about performing and demonstrating my capabilities to the Black Belt teachers for whom I had developed great admiration and respect.
At the blue belt level I had to master all previous belt material with hard work, commitment, and dedication and proceed to the next level of techniques. Number 11, which is the right inverted punch and block, spin the elbow and punch; Number 12, the right hook punch and block, kick and punch and punch, the chicken kick, punch and high punch and low punch; Number 13, the left punch and block, chop, elbow, hammer fist and the roundhouse kick; Number 14, the left punch and pop the arm and move away the arm, chop the neck, hammer and a kick; and Number 15, the left and right punch, kick and chop, up the elbow and the claw down the face and then stomp the groin. Once again, I had to obtain 3 stripes at the blue belt before being accepted by my teacher’s approval for testing privileges.
At the green belt level I had to learn to perform the staff set, while learning technique Number 1, the front snap kick, punch and punch and punch; number 2, the thrust kick, chop and chop; Number 3, the roundhouse kick and the take down, punch and stomp the groin; Number 4, the shuffle sidekick and then fall down and kick the groin; and Number 5, the ax kick and then the go downward to break opponent’s leg. At this point, I also had to perform runners 1, 2 and 3, the back knuckle while advancing into a new direction, the spinning back knuckle and run, and the back kick.
Many students have come in for training and have left the Academy because of the intensity that is required for this type of learning and development, but many more - like myself - were up to the challenge to meet these advancement opportunities and have relished the sense of personal accomplishment each test passage offered. I should take this time to also admit that if students don’t have the proper mindset, they will either be asked by the owners to leave the DOJO, or they will simply quit. The karate teachers are very patient, knowledgeable, friendly, and generous, and it has been a real pleasure to become an advanced student under Grandmaster Flaherty’s leadership.
At the brown belt level I had to learn the finger set (kata), and the book set (kata) along with techniques 6 thru 10. Number 6 included chopping the neck, pick up the leg, and kick the groin; Number 7, the cross block, grab the hand, and claw down, hit the groin, step forward with the left foot, hit the elbow, and down the elbow and bend the knees; Number 8, step forward with the right foot, step back with right foot, kick the groin, up the elbow, and half fist and punch the neck; Number 9, step forward with the left foot scissor stance and spinning and then pushed down; and Number 10, break the arm, hit the groin, grab the sticks, hit the ribs, poke the right under arm, slide down the neck, and a hit the neck.
At the brown / black belt level I had to learn techniques 11 thru 15, which presented me with the challenge of mastering 40 techniques while learning and performing the longest system form, “Master’s 4.” Number 11 was the overhead chain attack, kick the groin, and kick the back of leg and the head, spinning the back kick and the front kick; Number 12, chop the arm and chop the wrist, chop the neck, knuckle fist and the thrust kick; Number 13, over the head club, hit with the elbow, step back with right foot, chop and chop the neck and kick the leg; Number 14, grab the hand, kick the groin and then eye poke, trapping the arm. Spinning the elbow around the arm, hit the half fist and knee and then push down; Number 15, put the hands up, turn around and break the arm, step forward with the right foot and take down, stomp the ribs, grab the arm and break the arm. At this level, I had to earn 5 stripes after learning and performing Master’s 3 and Master’s 4 along with approximately 24 different katas and sets, including my personal made up form (My Thesis Kata). I also learned techniques using weapons, such as a staff set, using a long stick, as well as how to defend against weapons like being attacked by a knife, a chain, a bat, and a gun.
Private lessons have helped me greatly! These special one-on-one classes taught by a black belt tutor helped me perfect my moves and stances and taught me how to control those moves whenever possible. I obtained confidence in my ability to perform many techniques to the best of my abilities in perfecting my craft at Flaherty's Kenpo Karate Academy.
Knowledge of CPR is required to become a 1st Degree Black Belt at the FKKA. Unfortunately, my special abilities don’t allow me to become certified. However, the Grandmaster and his staff were very understanding and offered their utmost approval of my abilities to test for Black Belt.
In order to obtain my black belt status I learned to break boards and bricks, which required me to learn to focus and be disciplined. My Thesis Kata was developed by using techniques Number 1 for white belt, Number 6 for yellow belt, Number 3 for orange belt, Number 6 for purple belt, Number 15 for blue belt, Number 5 for green belt, Number 10 for brown belt, Number11 for brown / black belt, Number 2 for white belt, and Number 10 for yellow belt.
Finally, while in private lessons or other requirements, I had to obtain a new student uniform and karate clothes, patches and sparring equipment. I also had to learn how to execute certain moves by using the punching bag and to hit pressure points while performing boxing and sparring, and to move faster and while increasing my personal speed.
I understand that moving closer to my Black Belt test, sparring will be a must. I look forward to mastering the physical multiple attack scenarios taught by the Academy’s expert instructors, along with the techniques and additional scenarios of attacks. I have to admit, the training at Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate has been second to none and given me exciting years learning and performing. I have enjoyed the mental aspects of study preparation, as well as the strength, speed, and focus I have achieved, thanks to the dedication, and loving support of my family, school teachers, friends, and my martial arts family at Flaherty's Kenpo Karate - the Grandmaster, his wife, and the Academy Black Belt Staff. I especially have enjoyed my time being a student of Grandmaster Flaherty and my teammates.
I want to take this opportunity to thank my karate teachers for allowing me to be myself when training, to grow and develop at my own pace, and for preparing me with self-defense skills that will last a lifetime. My future plans are to pursue higher degrees of Black Belt learning. I can hardly wait for the next step: 1st Degree Black Belt.

Gabrielle Hattori

Mon, 1 Aug 2016 18:46:22 -0700

I did not start karate for a profound reason. It was simply the only feasible option I had at the time. To be more specific, my mom was insistent I do some sort of physical activity. After trying baseball, basketball, and soccer multiple times (and hating every second of it) I opted to try a physical activity that didn't involve teams. Which lead me to karate.
The first time, I tried karate at gymstars of all places. Sadly, it was not what I expected. This lead my family and I to seek out an actual dojo. The first dojo I checked out was Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate (FKKA). I did not have a class when we first went. Instead I watched through the glass in the lobby. From that simple experience, I knew I had found my dojo.
My first class at the dojo was nerve racking. I was so nervous that I would step out of line. My fears were happily unfounded. I learned that I do not have to walk on eggshells, that I could be me as long as I respected the dojo and its inhabitants.
Looking back there have been many changes to the school since I joined. I remember when Grandmaster Flaherty was just Master Flaherty. I remember students that have come and gone as well. Walking into the dojo is always a collision of past and present and for that I will always be grateful.
The FKKA gave me the tools of self defense and so much more. It gave me discipline. Around the time I had my blue belt I started to resent my schedule of karate, three times a week. It was not that I resented working hard. Simply, I resented having to miss so many events and outings. However, no matter how much I pouted over having to skip a party or leave meetups early I still enjoyed every lesson and class. After a while I realized I was not abandoning my social life for myself. In all actuality I was just putting time in with my family at the dojo, and it has made life that much easier. The FKKA also gave me an appreciation for hard work. I remember coming home most nights tired, sore, and sometimes numb, but it was always worth it. Right before I went to bed I would always think that I was one step closer to my dreams of being a great martial artist.
During my first fast track I was ecstatic! I was so happy to learn and work hard to become better. I still recall giving each black belt my undivided attention and practicing when I got home. The only disappointment I could with that day was that I had to sit out toward the end because I got a nosebleed.
Karate has also given me solace. The dojo gave me a place where I could always find peace both within me and outside of me. I remember when my father died karate was my rock in my ever changing, turmoil filled world. At times when I, in typical adolescent fashion, thought I was completely and utterly alone I remembered that my martial arts would be there with me. I remembered that words of wisdoms that Grandmaster Flaherty spoke throughout the years. I remember holding them close to my heart and repeating them over and over until the world did not feel big and I did not feel so small.
I can honestly say that karate is the one place where I take the initiative to grow unprompted. I have always moved at my own pace in karate. Never have I been pressured to be more or less than what I am. Rather, I grew at my own pace. There were times I resented the distance between myself and other students. At times I would find myself wishing that I had less homework and a longer curfew so I could close the gap with more classes. It did not happen. Some good few things came out of this though. I learned patience. When I eventually came to terms with the fact that I simply could magic my homework away or convince my parents to let me stay up later I started to cultivate my patience. In my heart I knew that there would be times when I wouldn't be so busy, so I waited until that time came to start adding classes. At times when I find myself irate with waning patience I think to myself, “You waited over three years for my black belt. And just about eight for my first degree. You can wait ten minutes for a pizza.”
Of course, growing as a martial artist is not easy in itself. Many classes demand my all. I remember going through sparring and getting hit more times than I hit my opponent. Somehow, I eventually learned to avoid that. Now all the times I get hit doesn't feel so bad. Instead the brief sting of pain eventually becomes numb, prompting a smile because all I can remember are those days when I just started to learn to fight.
Additionally I learned how to persevere. Sometime during those moments when I wished I had more time for friends, I pondered on whether I should stop karate. Every time the mere thought of quitting filled me with a sense of dread. The very thought of leaving behind those adrenaline filled nights and relaxing harmony was abhorrent to me.
When I became older I was asked to help teach. I never resented the idea. In fact I was honored. I was also a bit scared. Whenever I was given a student I would constantly feel overwhelmed whether I was teaching them correctly, leaving something out or setting a good example. This worry lead to something great, though. It lead to a greater sense of empathy and self awareness. I grew to consider everyone's point of view in greater detail in an effort to understand and teach them. This leaked over into my life outside the dojo which has lead me stronger friendships. I also became much more aware of how I acted. After teaching I would catch myself thinking, “Do I want students to copy this?”. This cautionary thought has lead me to mature as a person and outgrow habits that while not unsavory, but simply an inappropriate example for what a serious student should be.
When I took my junior black belt test. Every time a hint of doubt creeped in or when I feared I had made an unacceptable mistake I silenced those thoughts, because I trust my instructors. I knew that they would not let me test until I was ready, I just had to give it my all and then I would come out ok. At the end of my test when my partner and I were meditating and the judges were putting our Gis in front of us I heard the rustle of the packaging. It was at that moment a wave of relief overcame me. I had did it. One of the judges even said stop smiling, which I accomplished with some difficulty. This is, I think, the part I will always remember from every test.
After that I grew even more as a person. I started to conduct myself with the idea of being a person worthy of my belt. This of course continued in school which has served me well during my moral dilemmas.
These days I find myself dependent on karate. If I do not go for a couple of days, I grow stressed. Sometimes I joke that I'm not conditioned to go this long without karate! While my friends would laugh, I would say to myself in my head, “No duh, you're having withdrawals. You've been going to the dojo on a regular basis since the third grade!”. In all honesty I do not know what I would do without karate. Which is why I'm terrified of what I'm going to do when I'm older. I cannot choose a college based on my martial arts, but I think I very well may implode without the school. No matter how much I practice on my own, it is not the same without the dojo. Which is why I hope to stay in California, because if I ever leave the FKKA, no matter the reason I think I will just fall right apart.
Happily though I know that if I ever do leave the FKKA it will always be there for me to return to. Which is why it has kept me grounded throughout the years. Often times when school would be too demanding, and my friends would fight with each other I knew the dojo would be there. Without a doubt I knew I could simply walk in and forget my troubles outside, where they belonged.
The dojo also took the pressure of my shoulders. When I walk in I am not Gaby Hattori, the girl with all the answers. I am no longer the friend who will do whatever you say. Nor am I the daughter who has to get good grades. Instead I am Gaby Hattori, FKKA student. Nothing more, nothing less, and it is gratifying to no longer be under the spotlight and let others take center stage.
Being an FKKA student has helped me grow into a mature person. Often, when I am asked a question I am asked to answer with the maturity that comes with my rank and not my age. This leads me to constantly think everything in detail.
Sometimes I wonder if I have sacrificed my childhood to my martial arts. Then I remember all the fun I have had. I remember the people the FKKA has brought into my life, and how many memories the dojo has given me. With this in mind I unerringly decide that my childhood was not sacrificed. In fact, I can honestly say that the FKKA has enriched my childhood.
When the dojo was broken into, I was devastated. This was my home, I was so angry that someone would do this to the dojo. It hit hard, because to me this was a place of harmony. The break in made it feel like someone had disrupted the tranquility of the dojo. Working in the dojo made it feel like home again. When we got cameras (recording: 24/7), motion censors, and cell phone video viewing with intrusion alerts I was very happy. This meant that we would never have to wonder what happened if someone broke in.
Then there was the time Grandmaster broke his arm. His telling of the experience lead me to realize I need to be more vigilant. Now when I leave my house or go anywhere I look around. This little habit makes me feel a bit safer. Karate, I think, will always be my security blanket. Hopefully it will comfort me just as much in the future as it does in the present.
Karate has given me confidence. Without it I can only surmise I would be a mousy girl with little to say. Karate, thankfully, has given me the courage to look people in the eyes. It has given me the courage to be my own person. These are gifts I will always be grateful for.
Earlier in my career as a martial artist I wondered if maybe, there was another martial art I would enjoy just as much. Then I came to realize that the FKKA is its own special experience. However, martial arts is not for everyone. A music teacher of mine once said that if he wanted to kill someone, he would just get a gun. It was at this point I realized that some people just do not understand what karate is truly about. Karate is not for the sole purpose of killing. It is about defending oneself. The martial arts is not designed to make you into an aggressor. It is designed to make you capable and deadly enough to protect yourself.
Often times people would ask me, whether i could beat up a burglar if they broke into my house. I would reply yes, but as a last resort, because in all honesty self defense requires common sense. In all reality what if I had a choice, I would call 911, hide, and jump out my ground floor window with my keys and my family. When someone would ask what was the point of karate, I would reply unflinchingly, “So running away is a first resort, instead of my only option.” Karate may always be there, but violence is not always the answer. Karate is the last resort, because harming others is not the point of what I have been taught as martial artist and a human being.
While being a martial artist does not live up to some people’s expectation of glamour, it has certainly lived up to mine. My experience with the FKKA has far exceeded my dreams. It brings me so much joy when I remember in the morning what I am apart of. That I am doing something that makes me happy. It is sad to say how many people cannot say that.
Earlier I mentioned that many people have come and gone with the FKKA. While it makes me sad that people cannot stay, it has opened my mind a lot more. When i was younger I would get so mad that people left. Then one day I realized that karate is not magical for everyone, but this does not make that person bad. Thus, karate has taught tolerance as well.
My experience has also taught me to not stop when I hit a wall. When I had trouble getting a form, or memorizing my techniques, I sucked it up and kept working. Perseverance was not something I was familiar with before karate. Things came easily, and I did not truly appreciate the beauty of hard work.
Sometimes I sit on the panel for judging during tests. The first time this happened I was absolutely terrified. What if I judged too harshly? What if I judged too nicely? So many “what ifs”! While I do not panic every time I have to judge, I still wonder if I am doing a good job. Now when I judge, I think, “What is the expectation? Did they meet it? Did they have energy?”. While my word is not the be all end all, I know people listen to me. Which makes happy, because my word matters, even if I am not the school owner or an official instructor.
It makes me proud to say that the FKKA has turned me into a proper person of society. It has given me respect for the rules, hard work, and common sense. In fact one of Grandmaster Flaherty’s sayings are “Practice, Practice, Practice!”.
Speaking of Grandmaster Flaherty’s words of wisdom has always been helpful in karate and life. In addition, I remember the three A’s - “Alert. Alive. Accurate.” It taught me that skill and power mean nothing if you cannot properly apply them. Happily, I was taught this early, and now I take every opportunity to apply what I learn in the dojo into practice and what I learned in school on homework. Another, saying that taught me a lot is “Perfect practice makes perfect.” This lead me to realize that it is not only important to practice regularly, but also pay enough attention that you are learning the correct way to do things.
I must confess, writing ten pages about my journey through karate is difficult. It is not that I am untouched by my experiences. Simply, that it is difficult to put into words what I feel. Because words do not properly describe the way karate makes me feel. Perhaps that statement in and of itself can give an idea of how much karate means to me.

Ben Alarca

Mon, 25 Jul 2016 18:39:10 -0700

My road to Black Belt...

His death was a tragic loss. At such an early age, the world lost one of the biggest icons that the martial arts community has ever seen. Aside from his contribution to the arts themselves, it was his influence on the people, through his movies, interviews, and books that made him so prolific. Bruce Lee’s influence can be found in almost every martial artist in some way or another. His impact has lasted decades, and continues to draw new interest in martial arts everyday.
I was like every other boy back in the early 70’s that saw their first Bruce Lee movie. We all wanted to be just like him. We as kids were all amazed as we would exit the theaters, and demonstrate the moves we saw on film, on each other. We all wanted to be Bruce Lee back then. We all wanted to be lightning fast, and be able to fight exactly like he did. His impact was felt on many young children who grew up in the 60’s and 70’s. Children everywhere were watching his movies and imitating him.
I grew up in an era where it seemed as though everyone wanted to be a martial artist. Karate was big in the early 1970’s. Watching the likes of Chuck Norris, Bill Wallace and Jim Kelly, in the movies, and on TV, made every young boy eager to learn karate, and I was no exception. I could watch karate movies for hours at a time. It was the big rage back then, and all of us young kids wanted to be a part of it. You couldn’t find a kid who wasn’t interested in learning karate or one who wasn’t being inspired by the martial arts movement in some way. Back yards were full of young boys practicing their own version of karate and anything else they were picking up from the movies. The success of films like “Enter the Dragon” had all of us excited about martial arts. Back then, you’d be hard pressed to find a boy who didn’t own a home made pair of nun chucks, and didn’t spend hours flailing them around, banging up his forehead and elbows. We would save our old broom sticks and cut the handles in pieces and connect them with small lengths of chain, or nylon cord. We wrapped the handles with black tape to make them look more authentic, or to resemble the ones Bruce Lee would use. We would have contests to see who could twirl them around the fastest, and the longest without messing up. We visualized opponents as we swung the sticks around, imagining we were taking out everyone who challenged us. I didn’t think about it back then, but we were actually improvising forms and katas that only made sense to us. We created strikes of our own to emulate actual weapons techniques, which we really knew nothing about at the time. We grabbed sticks and pretended they were staffs. We bounced around and added kicks and punches to simulate a big gang fight that undoubtedly, we always won.
That was me and my friends at the time. Bruce Lee and Evel Kneivel posters filled our rooms. Back then, we rode bikes, played football, baseball, and everything else outside in the streets, and in parking lots. We “played karate” among other things, to pass the time before we had to go home for the night. We told mom we were going outside to play, and then we wouldn’t come back until it was time to eat. We stayed out all day long. There was no internet, cell phones or tablets to play with, so we ventured outside, leaping over small fences and boxes, showing off our flying side kicks, and karate chops. Were young daredevils looking for adventure. We were “karate chopping” everything we could find, seemingly unconcerned about hurting ourselves. We would take on the persona of popular martial artists, and fight each other. My favorite person to be at that time was “Superfoot”. I was always impressed with his kicking ability. It was amazing to watch.
I remember, as a kid, buying “Black Belt” magazine, as well as “Karate Illustrated”, and spending hours reading them over and over, learning all the key players on the tournament circuit back then. I was interested in learning who’s who in the martial arts world. I remember reading about the early days of sport karate, and looking at pictures of Joe Lewis, Don, “The Dragon” Wilson, Skipper Mullins, and John Natividad. I remember learning at an early age that Ed Parker was the “Father of American Kenpo”. These are just a few of the names I became familiar with while growing up and becoming interested in martial arts. I guess it’s fair to say that I was bitten by the karate bug early in life.
I lived a couple of blocks away from the Confucius Chinese School, in a predominately oriental neighborhood. Many of my friends back then attended the school. Most, I’m sure, at the insistence of their traditional Chinese parents. When I would ask what they were doing after school, they would usually respond, “I have to go to Chinese school”. I was always intrigued by what went on in there because I wasn’t allowed to go inside. It was like a secret that you were dying to know. The most we were able to get away with was squeezing through the gates to play basketball on their playground. If you were lucky, and walked by it while the doors were open, you could see the young boys training in Kung Fu. There were times when I wished I was in class just so I cold learn the art with them. It was mysterious, and secret, and I was so curious. I could only imagine what they were learning in there, and I remember thinking how lucky they were.
It wasn’t long before I asked my mom if I could take lessons. Karate had intrigued me for some time now, and I just wanted to be a part of it. I couldn’t wait to get into a formal class and start learning. By the late 70’s, I was enrolled in a local school, and got my first taste of what would become a lifelong ambition for me. I took the first step on my long road to the coveted black belt. Little did I know I would be in my 50’s before I reached that goal. Better late than never, I suppose. It has been a long road with many detours, but now I can say, I’m on track to do it. My body isn’t as cooperative as it once was, but I’m hanging in there. My old bones and muscles keep me from being as flexible as I once was, but I’m not giving up. Sometimes it takes a little more effort to get up from the mat these days, but it will all be worth it when I tie that black belt around my waist for the first time.
At the time I began taking lessons, there were a couple of well known Karate schools in our area, and it seemed as though everyone who was studying, was attending one of those two studios. They were very different styles, but both well respected schools. One was a Chinese based art, and the other, Japanese. Although my knowledge of both styles was very limited at that time, I chose the Japanese style of Renbukai. I started instruction at a reputable school, run by a very accomplished practitioner by the name of Ron Marchini. He was a local hero who had gone on to have a very successful tournament career, made a number of movies, and actually sponsored many of the local tournaments. It was no doubt that because of his success in the ring, that he was a big advocate for sparring, and competition, and encouraged his students to compete if they chose to. It was during my brief tenure at his school that I tried my hand at competition. I participated in a couple of local tournaments, but I’d have to say my biggest claim to fame was placing 4th in my sparring division at a major California tournament held in Stockton back in the early 80’s. I was so excited to get the medal that I was awarded, and see my name in the local paper as a participant and winner in my category. I initially thought I’d stick around on the tournament scene, and maybe make a name for myself as a competitor, but unfortunately, it didn’t pan out that way.
I remember seeing guys like Steve “Nasty” Anderson, and Ernie Reyes Sr. and Jr. perform at a tournament, and remember thinking how much I wanted to get to that level someday and become a black belt. Tournaments were the best places to go to see all of the various styles and different arts out there. I would sometimes go to tournaments just to watch different artists perform their respective styles. I knew the martial arts consisted of many forms and styles, but I had no idea of the different variations to some of the styles. I loved watching the freestyle form competition because it was always so flamboyant, and spectacular. It was so motivating to hear the loud kiai’s heard during a competition. It drew a lot of attention, and it was exciting. The incredible weapons demonstrations were always a favorite to watch as well as the kumite. There were so many talented artists, and some are even legends in the field now. It was amazing and a thrill to watch the competition.
I initially enrolled in karate lessons with my cousin and we would go to class together every day. We took such pride in what we were learning that we decided to gather kids from the neighborhood and put together a karate club. We had a lot of fun. I silk screened t-shirts for all of us to wear and we would get together in the front yard and teach the other neighborhood kids what we were learning in class. It was nothing formal, but we were so proud, and had a lot of fun doing it. I remember putting the kids in a line and teaching them some techniques. I remember thinking how much I would love to own and operate my own karate school someday, and teach others. That was one of my early childhood dreams.
Financially, formal lessons were a big burden on my mom and family, so I had to end my training for the time being. Money was hard to come by for us back then, and I understood what was going on and knew it made sense for the family. There were other needs more important at the time. Who knows where I’d be if I had been allowed to continue from that point without a break in lessons.
It was then that I knew I would have to find other avenues if I wanted to learn any martial arts. I was going to take any opportunity to learn what I could, regardless of style or discipline. I remember tagging along with another cousin of mine to his Hapkido class, and sitting in on seminars wherever I could find them. I once took part in a free escrima seminar/workshop as part of a festival that I attended somewhere around the late 1970’s. I recall an old Filipino man at the head of the class teaching everyone how to correctly hold the stick and do simple strikes. To this day, I wish I had remembered his name. I’d watch a lot of karate movies and pick up anything that I could absorb. I would try to copy the moves for myself, and see if I could do them as well. I was determined that If I couldn’t afford to pay for formal instruction, I was going to find some way to learn some martial art.
I joined the Army in 1982, right after high school. I enlisted for an initial term of four years in the Infantry, and while stationed in Panama, I reenlisted for another four. During my nine years of service, I sought out the guys who were studying, or have studied some form of martial art. I would pick them out in the gym, because they were they guys who were throwing kicks at the heavy bag, and looked like they knew what they were doing. I would ask friends if they had studied any of the arts and I would try and train with them when I could, and absorb anything I could learn. The benefit was being exposed to the many styles that I came in contact with. I didn’t care what style or discipline it was. I just wanted to learn. It has always been a big interest of mine. It was always interesting to see how many different ways a basic strike, block or kick could be performed and, the similarities from discipline to discipline. I distinctly remember training with a close friend of mine in our platoon, while stationed in Saudi Arabia during the first Gulf War. If memory serves me right, he was also a Kenpo practitioner. During evenings when we had down time, back in the Bedouin tents that we lived in right before the war kicked off, we would empty out our duffle bags and fill them with clothes and blankets and practice striking and kicking them against each other. It was not a heavy bag designed for that purpose, but it served as a tool that I could use to keep training. It was another way to keep the skills sharp without formal instruction, or adequate facilities and equipment. I always wanted to train in some form or fashion. Whether it was practicing a basic horse stance, inside block and straight punch, or just letting it all out on a strong shuffle side kick, I never lost that desire to train and learn more. That hunger never went away. It still lives in the fact that I want to learn as much as I can, and I always strive to get as much information as I can. I am always looking to further my knowledge of the art, and am equally as interested in the history of it as well.
Fast forward 25 years or so, and, my 6 year old daughter brings home a flyer from school offering after school instruction in various activities ranging from dance to self defense. She is very athletic and loves sports. She asks if she can take the karate class that was being offered in the evenings at one of our district schools. The rates were about as reasonable as you can ask for, so it made sense. Needless to say, since she seemed interested in it, I was behind her 100%. I started to tell her that I did it when I was young and that she may actually enjoy it. I told her it would be good for her. I was excited that she was curious about it, and I looked forward to taking her to her lessons. I think I was more excited than she was. We signed her up, and began taking her to the classes. The classes were large, and not what you typically see in a professional school. The instructor was clearly overwhelmed with 20-30 young kids running around the school gym yelling and screaming, but my daughter was interested, so we hung in there. We purchased her uniform and began regular classes once a week with this organization. She actually earned her way up to yellow belt, 3rd degree, before she lost interest and wanted to play soccer instead. It was during her karate lessons, that my own desire to train would resurface. Like I said, “it never went away”. While watching her train, I began to feel myself wanting to get out there and practice right along with her. If the class wasn’t restricted to children, I probably would have gotten involved somehow. It was at this point that I knew I had to get back to learning and training once again, and it had to be formal classes so I could finally earn my black belt.
I began researching for a place to study. I wanted to do my homework. I visited many websites and made a couple of calls to different schools. None were impressive enough for me to pursue, so I kept looking. Growing up in this area, I was somewhat familiar with what was available to an eager martial artist. I knew of some of the older schools that had been around for many years, and was well aware that many of the schools were catering to the MMA style that is so popular now. I was not interested in the MMA, but rather a more traditional art and school of instruction. Coming from a traditional school of thought, I was interested in what I like to call “old school” instruction. Sensei Marchini had long closed his studio, and I didn’t want to settle for just anything. I happened upon GM Flaherty’s website, “Karatetoday.com”, and was totally impressed. I read though his biography, and looked at the picture gallery and saw the artists that he was associated with and I was hooked. I saw familiar faces, and recognized many of the names. I particularly liked the blog page where you were able to get a peek inside the mind of the founder of the system. I knew instantly, that this is where I wanted to further my instruction, and ultimately earn my black belt. I was familiar with some of the people I saw on the website, like Bill Wallace, Benny “The Jet”, Ed Parker, and Joe Lewis. I knew this was the “real deal”. I knew right away that the FKKA presented good strong roots, and that this was the lineage I wanted to be a member of. The website was full of information that made it easy for me to make my decision.
I walked into the studio one Saturday morning and met GM Flaherty, as well as Mrs. Flaherty. Immediately, I was impressed. I have to admit that it felt good to be back in a karate studio, where I felt my absence had been way too long. It was like instantly reliving old memories. The sights and sounds were something I remembered fondly as a child. It appeared that a class had just ended, and I remember seeing some of the children and their parents leaving. I spoke with the Grand Master briefly, and let him know I was interested in joining his school, and that I had some previous training in my background. I was so convinced that I had found the right place to train, that I declined the free lesson that you are typically offered, immediately paid my initial dues, filled out all the necessary paperwork, and took home my uniform. I had finally taken the first step in reacquainting myself with the martial arts, and starting formal lessons after all these years. I couldn’t wait to get “back in action”. I started the following Tuesday, and have been a devoted student ever since.
I showed up on my first day and remember going over the first five techniques with Mrs. Griggs. New students are usually asked to stand aside and watch during the round of basic kicks, so I did, but I remember thinking that I had done all of those before, and felt confident that I could perform them that evening. However, I did what I was instructed to do, and watched the students perform them, waiting for my chance during my next class. It felt good to be training again, and I looked forward to my next lesson. I got through the first five techniques, and finished the class that evening by earning my first stripe. I was on my way.
I tested for my first promotion to orange belt just 4 weeks after I started, and did fairly well. Before the test, I was hoping I would not forget anything, or make a major mistake. I was nervous of course, but I tried hard and got it. It is always my intention to do the very best I can during each test. I want to leave an impression with the judges, and I firmly believe that this is how each student should approach the tests. It wasn’t long before I tested for my purple belt at the next scheduled test date and received that belt as well. At the purple belt level, I attended my first “Fast Track” event. I distinctly remember going into the workshop not yet learning the form “short 2”, but by the end of the day, I had it down pretty well. Well enough, in fact, to test for my next belt just a couple of short weeks after that training day. I went on to get my blue and green belts shortly after that, and by the end of my first year, I was a brown belt. That following summer, I went to my second fast track training day, and got another very good workout. The following month, I received my brown/black belt. I remember feeling that now that I earned my brown/black belt that I had finally got to the point where the black belt test was near and I can focus all my attention on the “big test”. I knew the test would approach soon, and I wanted to be ready.
At this point, it’s been about 2-1/2 years of training, and learning all that I can. I’ve been to many of the special training events, and always look forward to when they come around. I’ve been to my third “Fast Track” and got an extremely good workout, and more practice on the material. I want to take every precaution to be ready to test when the time comes. You learn so many intricate details of the system at these classes that you can’t help but become a better martial artist. Whether it’s learning to break boards and bricks, or the correct way to perform the stances, each class is designed to enhance your ability as an artist. Grandmaster Flaherty takes great pride in teaching the finer points of movements and techniques at each of these training days, and it really helps. I have evolved into a much better practitioner as a result of Grandmaster Flaherty’s instruction. I particularly enjoy when the Grandmaster will show us techniques taken from the IKKA and his previous studies. He will sometimes show us movements formed by Professor Chow, and Mr. Parker, and articulate how they relate to what we are learning now. He will often show us how a specific technique was created in the early days and how he translated it into having a more productive result in the FKKA. It is always very interesting to hear how some of the movements, techniques and forms were formed, and the stories behind their creation.
I want to make the Grandmaster proud of my performance at my test. I want to earn my black belt. I am learning so much, and getting a better understanding of the system at each class I attend. I really enjoy speaking to the Grandmaster about the history of Kenpo, and the many personalities involved in the evolution of the FKKA. I like hearing about the “old timers”, and how their influence relates to the system we are learning at Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate. To learn how some of the movements started, and how the Grandmaster has taken them and streamlined them into the FKKA is an amazing thing to hear, and witness. To see a technique taken from its rudimentary beginnings, to the finished movement as performed by the Grandmaster is eye opening, and gives me a better sense of the art. I learn that there is meaning behind everything I am learning, and that movement is not to be wasted. The fact that the FKKA is ever evolving, and encourages you to adapt to what works for you, within the realm of the system, is definitely an incentive to learn this style.
My road to black belt has been a long one, one that originally started many years ago. It’s taken many twists and turns and detours, but I’m now back on track. I have finally been afforded the opportunity to commit without interruption and I couldn’t be happier about that. There is finally a light at the end of the tunnel, and the black belt is within grasp. Although I know that essentially, my journey is just beginning, I am looking forward to continued progress and learning. I am keeping my eyes set on even farther down the road. I am eager to get to the next phase of my study. In essence, the road never ends, but is a constant journey, and a continuous progression, for the true martial artist. I started as a curious young boy with an interest in martial arts, to preparing to earn my black belt from the founder of the FKKA.
I couldn’t be happier with the environment that I’m learning in, and plan on studying as long as I can lift my legs. I will continue to work hard at my craft, and get even better at it. I will continue to practice, because practice will make me better. For me, Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate is the perfect place to learn the craft. It is a system that caters to my own personal style. It is a system that allows me to evolve within it. Grandmaster Flaherty has created a style that encourages me to become my own martial artist. It is a system designed to allow me the options of movement and technique that are fitting of my own capabilities. The school is a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere in which to practice, and receive great instruction. The classes are intimate, and afford everyone a great opportunity to learn. The associate instructors are always willing to lend a helping hand and do a great job at guiding you to reach your greatest potential.
I am honored to be receiving my black belt from Grandmaster Flaherty and the FKKA. I am honored for this opportunity and I will wear my belt with great pride. Earning this rank from a teacher, whom I admire, and have the greatest respect for, makes it all the more meaningful, and is something I will cherish for the rest of my life. I am very thankful for the opportunity that the Grandmaster and Mrs. Flaherty have given me by allowing me to test for my black belt at this stage in my training. I am grateful for his instruction in preparing me for the task at hand. I greatly appreciate the hours of instruction, whether it was in group classes or private lessons. His attention to detail in guiding me has been second to none. I also owe a great deal of gratitude to my assistant instructors who have been very instrumental in getting me ready for this endeavor. I could not have made it to this point without their dedication and patience. Their help has made me a better martial artist.
I have many things to be proud of in my life. I’ve served my country honorably in battle, and I have a very beautiful family. I have traveled to many parts of the world, and have seen many cultures, from the sands of the Middle East, to the jungles of Central America. I have worked hard all of my life, and I continue to do so. I try to live a good life and be a good person. I try to be good role model for my children by maintaining my integrity. There are always those particular moments in life that stand out and have extra meaning, and earning my black belt will undoubtedly be one of the highlights in my life, and one of the things that have been on my personal “bucket list” for as long as I can remember. I look forward to the opportunity to pass on what I have learned to many others. I look forward to taking what I have been taught and imparting it onto others. For as long as I am able, I will continue to teach those who are willing to learn and further their own knowledge. I will help those who are motivated and have the desire to perfect their own skills to the highest level possible. I will do my best to pass on the invaluable lessons I have learned, and maintain the Kenpo spirit.

Robert Garry

Tue, 22 Jul 2014 15:03:56 -0700

Ever since I was young I've been fascinated with martial arts. My brother has been my best friend since we were born. We've done everything together. We would play all sorts of games outside like tag, hide and seek etc. We loved to play cops and robbers and boxing. I would get in trouble with the boxing because I would try to do non-traditional moves. We loved to throw each other around and pretend we had injuries, wounds. Looking back, of course, it was not a laughing matter, but we were kids enjoying ourselves.
We watched many movies and various shows that had fighting. The several that stand out to me are Jean Claude Van Dame movies like Blood Sport and Kickboxer. I recall the intense training and tournament fighting that would take place - how in one movie he would constantly kick the tree to get his shins stronger, and how he used ropes and pulleys to widen his legs for the splits. I used to try that when I was younger, emulate that to be able to do the splits. He was constantly hurt by that tree until he was full of anger, and the anger allowed him to focus and break the tree. He trained blindfolded so he did not have to rely on his sight to know his opponent but was able to use other senses, which came in handy when he was temporarily blinded in the big fight at the end by powder.
The movie Highlander made me love sword fighting. I remember playing sword fights with my brother and all the trouble we caused by flailing our "swords" around. Combined with Star Wars and the light saber duels, they were amazing things to try and recreate. I ended up taking fencing and learned a little about sword fighting and parrying and action and reaction there as well. I enjoyed the back and forth in our classes as we sparred, and I felt really good about how it set me up for martial arts.
Jackie Chan's movies were also a big influence on me growing up, watching the effortless movement and style and flowing moves he could do. Grandmaster Flaherty emphasized this in my training as well, becoming one with the movement and letting it flow. There was a scene in which Jackie Chan was training near the beginning. There was a wooden doll with wood posts sticking out, and the idea was you would chop one way and execute blocks and strikes to practice action and reaction. I tried to emulate this with disastrous results when I was young, popping myself in the face a few times. I have taken the idea of that simple movement of action and reaction and have continued to apply it to my training today. By focusing on a strike and following with a parry and check to say a chop. These moves were all a continuation of the moves in that endless cycle of action and reaction. It ties into a training with the Grandmaster over a technique he called "sticky hands". One partner overhead back knuckle as the other blocks down and continues with a back knuckle. That repeated action is uncannily similar to that scene in the movie, and I have enjoyed practicing it myself as well as with my brother-in-law at home, to just feel the flow.
Besides the many sport games and other genre games that we played when were young we played numerous fighting games. The two that had the biggest influence were Ninja Turtles and River City Ransom. The Ninja Turtle game we played the most was called "Turtles in Time". The combos and the various weapons you could attack with were amazing. Of course, we both wanted to be Leo, but Don was also a great character because I loved the staff. This has been a great influence, as I look at my karate staff set and incorporate the movements from the game to the set, just flowing with the staff. Every movement is a strike, when you get to the moment of planting the staff to the side and transition to a side kick, then continue to strike your opponent over, then under, as you bring the staff up and poke your opponent, then transitioning to the opposite side. Even a movement as subtle as bringing the staff over and down onto your opponent leaves you with an upward strike to a second opponent approaching from behind. One thing I look forward to is continuing my learning with the staff.
River City Ransom was a great run around, beat-them-up fighting game with some role playing elements, but just heavy fighting. As you progressed through the game, you got skills like stone hands that allowed you to punch rapidly. When I perform kicks like the jackhammer kick or the jammer back knuckle, I have this game in mind. The constant movement and explosion in movement is something that I focus on and take with me from studying martial arts and the experiences that shaped me.

I always wanted to take martial arts when I was younger. I just wanted to learn. After watching Jackie Chan movies I did lean towards Kung Fu, but my family did not have a lot of money. I had toys and all the essentials but monthly payments for martial arts was something that we could not afford. My mom wanted me to do extra-curricular activities and I did them in school. It would have been great to have a martial arts class through the school system but that did not exist, unfortunately. I know that my mom did everything she could for us up until the time she passed when I was 13. I put martial arts aspirations on the back burner. I still watched the movies and enjoyed the art but I never was able to get into learning it as I had dreamed.
As I got older and graduated from high school and eventually college, I started to think about training in martial arts. I held myself back because I did not know what I wanted to train under. I looked around the Internet, read reviews, read about various arts and styles but never found one that really felt right to me. I kept in mind various places to call and try but just found myself too busy to be able to commit and get started somewhere.
I worked at a Chinese restaurant delivering food for them, and had worked there for 7 years with no issues until one fateful evening. There were all the signs, bells and whistles that something was wrong. I normally caught them and refused to deliver or rolled out there, confirmed it is not a good place and then called my boss. It was the address of a customer I normally went to, but this time he came at me with a gun. All those years of putting off training, putting off learning an art had caught up to me. To put it simply, he robbed me with a gun of the food and my cross necklace that had been a graduation gift, and I have been upset about it ever since. I look back now with questions: Did he let down his guard here? Did he make some mistake? Did he over estimate my defense? Did he relax? Did he put the gun down away from me? etc. As time passes it does become a little fuzzy, but my sadness and anger about it are still there. The feeling of utter helplessness at my inaction to do anything, including run, was sad, but I had never been robbed before, so I didn't know how difficult an experience it could be.
I intended to use that experience as motivation to get myself into martial arts and learn to defend myself. I wanted to never be left frozen or unable to act and desired to be ready to act in case my life was ever threatened. I checked again several places around town and was getting ready to go try these places when I was in a motor vehicle accident. Another car ran a red light and hit me. I did not break any bones, but had a mild concussion, whip lash and bruises and sprains. My car was totaled, and I was in severe neck pain for months. I put on hold my martial arts training while I focused on healing and getting a doctor's clearance to resume working out and engaging in physical activity. It was later on during this time that my brother-in-law was finishing high school and found himself in need of a project to graduate. He chose martial arts and decided to turn his attention to learning various arts and writing a paper about what he learned about styles.
He wanted me to practice and learn with him so he would not be alone in class. I told him I wasn't sure what arts to chose from but left it to him to research and decide which ones he liked. He called several places and worked on narrowing down his options. He finally chose Flaherty's Kenpo Karate, and after his first week he insisted that I join him in class. I was shy and tried to put off joining because of work but knew that it was something I wanted to experience. I went to my trial class, and it instantly clicked. Of course, I can look back now and see a vast differences in my ability because I have been training, but I know how clumsy I was when I first started, how uncoordinated and raw I really was when it came to executing something as simple as a kick. My brother-in-law moved on as the nature of his school project required, but I never quit and continued to study and learn from Grandmaster Flaherty.
My early training was slow, simply because it took me time to grasp the terminology. I quickly learned to focus on execution and the Grandmaster's favorite, stances. I gradually learned a number of stances to make me a stronger martial artist and a better fighter. I tried to attack each technique and form that I learned in two phases - by learning the movement involved, the blocks and strikes and the progression. I would follow by learning and focusing on my stance, position and direction as I got down the form. As I was taught beginner one, for example, I focused on the grab, the right snap kick to the groin, then an inverted punch to the ribs, collapsing the arm and chopping the neck. After I was confident in what I was able to achieve, I focused on feet execution, positioning the kick landing and shifting my body so I ended in a neutral bow, firing the inverted punch in. These subtle things that I was taught by the Grandmaster made a world of difference. I was where I wanted to be and have enjoyed every minute of it.
Shifting gears and looking deeper at my definition of martial arts from my educational experience, I look at many things in terms of how they are taught and applied. Martial arts to me is the study of movement. How you act and react instantly is key. This is especially true in the forms that we learn. The detailed explanation of "short 3" is a prime example. As you move through the form and act and react, it really plays out. The best hands-on example is the black belt set with a partner. When in sync, it becomes a dance as the two fighters move around blocking and striking. Grandmaster Flaherty has emphasized flow. He explained the two opposing ideologies when it came to kenpo. The mechanical/emphasized movement that I was heavily guilty of when I started was called being "stiff" by the Grandmaster. The opposing view is the flow, the natural progression of movement as you let the form carry you through completion. My first true feeling of this was performing the "advanced 15" technique and just firing through the arm lock to take the opponent down. I recall the Grandmaster remarking how "it flows the way it needs to flow, with a very flowery handset movement and style". He made me perform that movement a few times by itself and explained to me that I needed to embrace it and use that feeling to be less "stiff". I have taken that approach, relaxed and let my moves flow. My steps and my entire approach to training has changed since that moment.
Something had clicked. I took the flow to another level for myself, and, with my confidence growing, began to really explode and perform at an entirely different level. There were several things that would advance my martial arts experience and make me a better martial artist. The first was movement/understanding and flow. The second was a favorite quote of Grandmaster Flaherty, "If I hit you, you will be a better martial artist". We were in a pre black belt session and he was explaining how we have to explode in the red zone and let the moves fly and put everything we have into it. The Grandmaster showed us various punches and asked which one was what we needed to do during our test. The choice was the one with the most energy. The Grandmaster was demonstrating the various punches and unloaded on my chest, accidentally, but as part of the learning. He did not hit me with full power for sure, probably not half power, and I doubt even quarter power, but it did hurt for quite a while. The Grandmaster was naturally upset by the accident and checked on me every day when I came to class. I assured him I was just fine, but took the moment to remind him that I learned several things from that punch. I learned he punches very fast; I learned I have to really use my Ki to reduce the impact of a strike, and I learned what it truly means to be hit in the chest. From being hit by the Grandmaster I did, indeed, become a better martial artist, just as he said.
Another major thing I learned from martial arts is confidence. Just being able to stand up and perform and execute is something I was very hesitant to do several years ago. My two biggest fears were heights and stage fright. The stage fright included everything from public speaking to standing up and performing to even just sharing my opinions. The confidence I have gained has been tenfold. I have become a stronger martial artist and an overall better person in work as well. I was afraid of height and struggled to climb poles in training. But because of martial arts and the confidence it created. I was able to succeed, I could not have done so without it. Furthermore, I have gotten better at pole climbing. I was deathly nervous for my white belt test, but for each test after that I have gained confidence and a feeling that I am there to show off what I have learned. We all know nobody is perfect and mistakes will be made, but it is how we handle and work through the mistakes that we will succeed. My best test by far was my last brown-black test. I look forward to my black belt test to blow it out of the water and have an amazing test.
Putting all that I have learned together, I feel secure enough that if I had to defend myself from someone with a gun, I could seize the open opportunity and quickly dispatch the person attempting me harm. I approach every technique and form as if I am lacking something because after every session I come away with a sense that I need to fix this or tweak that. Nobody is perfect, and I have learned to always seek to improve myself and my form and get as close as I can to perfection. I seek to work hard and achieve my personal best through martial arts. I am excited about experiencing more scenarios with the Grandmaster as well as an extension of weapon forms. I have heard a lot about the flower hand set, and judging by the way all the techniques and forms flow now, I cannot wait to get there some day. I would not put the cart in front of the horse, but I have enjoyed my training so much I cannot wait to learn more. There is a simplistic beauty to kenpo that Grandmaster Flaherty has created with the merging of the style and the weeding out of what works from what does not. Ultimately, this is for self-defense, and this system is exactly what I have learned. My thesis kata and the simple creation of a form has been so exhilarating, I know that there is a lot more I can learn to improve my martial arts aptitude.
I continue to learn from every class that I attend and especially from teaching. I enjoy teaching other students what I have learned from the Grandmaster. I enjoy the look on students' faces when they understand what is being taught, when they execute the moves for the first time and just feel the crisp, correct strike and step or kick. I was going to be a teacher at a high school before I got my current job at AT&T, but have found that with my current job and with kenpo I can enjoy teaching and helping. At work I have such confidence, I take over for my manager when he is off or unreachable. I am able to make decisions with confidence, help my coworkers and help other techs who reach out for help. I have no problem picking up the phone and calling other managers or load managers and getting the work done properly, safely and with the customer in mind.
Grandmaster Flaherty has been a big help in this change in me and my only regret is starting so late in my life. If only I had been younger I would have fully reaped the benefit of his expertise and training sooner. That would have helped me tremendously.
Martial arts has done wonders for me and has been a huge influence even long before I ever started training in martial arts. I look forward to working with the Grandmaster and expanding my knowledge to the 9th degree. Every step I take and every student I can help enriches my life. I have gained confidence, true physical grit and the know how to move and flow like a martial artist. I have learned to tap my inner Chi to help me in meditation, in performing work and just gaining strength when I am tired and need to push that extra mile. I have always been a relaxed individual who enjoys what I can out of life. I have a family and I have a great job, and I am achieving what I always wanted to achieve in life in terms of martial arts. As I advance in kenpo I also advance in other areas of my life, I get better at all hobbies, a better guitar player, a better farmer, and most of all, a better person overall. I have nothing but gratitude toward being in Flaherty's Kenpo Karate and being able to achieve my potential. The Grandmaster has been a great instructor and mentor, and I only wish to be able to give back as time goes by.

Lance Taganas

Tue, 22 Jul 2014 14:40:33 -0700

At this point of my journey in karate, I realize how much I have grown from when I started four years ago. Back when I was six years old in the Philippines, I was a very active and charismatic child. Everyday I tried to imitate the Power Rangers or the Dragon Ball characters from my favorite television shows, who, I thought, had amazing fighting skills. Watching those television shows not only fascinated me about fighting, but also made me into a more violent kid. Additionally, self restraint was something that I had trouble with around the house. If I didn’t get what I wanted, I would throw objects, or I would abandon the house for the whole day. In school, I was a constant distraction to my fellow students and my teacher. I also picked fights with many of my friends, which led to those friendships being lost. When my parents, sister, and I left the Philippines and came here to California, I became a much calmer individual. Knowing that I left my friends and extended family back in the Philippines changed my attitude and gave me a chance to become a better version of myself.
As we moved around the city of Stockton, looking for a place to live permanently, I heard horrible stories about the town, such as homicides and gangs. I knew that if I was going to live in Stockton I had to be alert, aware, and active in my surroundings. My parents agreed with my view and thought that I should learn how to protect myself. I was fascinated with Martial Arts at the time, but did not have any knowledge of it. Watching action movies with fighters executing incredible feats was my only background in Martial Arts. My desire for learning self defense grew as time went on.
Fast forward to when I was eleven years old and I entered Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate Association. At this time, I was not a student in the class, but was a spectator. I saw students learning and enjoying their training. I also watched their instructor, Grandmaster Flaherty, who was teaching movements to his students. Although this was the first place my family looked at for me to train in self-defense, I believed that this school was the right fit for me. My parents thought it was a big deal for me to learn how to defend myself, since they were scared of me getting hurt, so they signed me up. In addition, they wanted a physical activity that I would stick with for a long time. I entered my first class in the school with a curious and excited mentality. I was welcomed by the gentle instructor, Grandmaster Flaherty, who demonstrated to me how and where to bow, introduced me to the class, and showed me the basic routines that the class runs through every session. Every month I trained three times a week, and I learned the white belt material quickly. The first five techniques were easy to understand and maneuver. The Triple Ridge Hand Set became my most practiced material, because the ridge hand was a strike that I looked to improve and later use. After two months, I tested for yellow belt and passed.
It was an undemanding transition from white belt to yellow belt. The next five techniques were added to my self defense, and I realized that more movements were required to execute each one of them. I had seen Master’s One being performed before, so I knew that it was the first ten techniques. It was the form that I practiced the most and looked to as a way to enhance my techniques. The Blocking Set made me aware of my stances as I did upper body movements. I was told to keep a strong stance as I blocked to maintain good form, and I completely agreed with that. In summary, I trained as a yellow belt for two months; then I was given the permission to test for orange belt.
Now during my orange belt test, I did something that jeopardized my test and another test taker's. Midway in the test, I was kneeling all the way down, in line, facing the wall. Another test taker next to me whispered to me about how we were going to be the loudest and fastest to perform in front of the judges. I whispered back in agreement, but when our names were called, we were reprimanded once we stepped in front of the judges.
Grandmaster Flaherty asked both of us if we were the ones who were talking at the back. I admitted that we were whispering. Grandmaster Flaherty said I could continue the test because I was being truthful. After passing the test I realized how important each colored testing was. Although the test was for beginners, students were expected to perform their best and to show respect. I was being disrespectful by talking when I was not supposed to. Thus, that test for the orange belt has been engraved in my mind, for it reminds me to always be respectful to others in the school.
As an orange belt, I could attend sparring, something that I would soon fall in love with. My first couple of weeks sparring were incredibly challenging. I was not as aggressive in fighting as the other, higher ranking belts. I had trouble blocking or evading shots by my opponents. Sparring class soon became the class that I looked forward to, because I wanted to enhance my fighting abilities against other students in the school.
The techniques, forms, and sets of orange belt were way more difficult to get, than that of white and yellow belt. Long One, especially, gave me a hard time. Fortunately, I still managed to soak in all of the material in two months and tested for purple belt.
When I became a purple belt, more effort was centered in on my fighting. I started to integrate the Jammers One, Two, and Three into my sparring. I also had to start reviewing more frequently techniques from white belt through purple belt. I liked the Striking Set and the Double Ram Set, because both were quick sets to perform, and they focused on strikes. The form Short Two, gave me trouble in transitioning into different stances. I thought that the techniques for purple were not that complicated, because they were all for right punches. In all, I stayed at purple belt for four months then tested and received my blue belt.
In the summer of 2010, I visited the Philippines, so I stopped karate at blue belt. When my family and I returned to Stockton I did not return to karate. During my absence from Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate Association, I missed karate. I would practice the material at home, but it was not the same as doing it in the school. My mom and dad saw my desire to return, so they called the school and said I was to carry on my training. After an eight month hiatus, I came back to the mat to continue karate.
It took me a month to review everything up to blue belt. My muscle memory was strong, so I caught up fast. I really appreciated Grandmaster Flaherty's and Ms. Griggs’ help in getting me caught up on the blue belt material. I thought that this belt gave me the most challenging time. Short Three and Masters Two took me at least three months to completely learn. Along with the techniques and Blockers One, Two, and Three, it took me eight months to finish up blue belt, so I could test for green belt.
As I wore my green belt, I saw a change in the basics. There were more jumping jacks, pushups, and crunches. I was excited about the fact that everything was ramping up in the advanced level. In addition, I began to learn how to do hands on for my techniques. It proved to be harder to do techniques hands on, than in the air. I had to land my shots at the correct area of the attacker, and I had to do it quickly. I was also introduced to the Staff Set One, which I thought was the coolest set in the system. It took me six months to learn all of green belt, so that I could move on to brown belt. I was told that brown belt was for mostly cleaning up all that I had learned, while also learning more advanced movements. This proved to be true, because I got to review everything in greater detail. In addition, I learned the Finger Set, which helped me increase my hand speed.
I was also able to do the Book Set, and I thought that this form was very hard to do when it was performed. This was because it gave me a hard time in doing movements in an intense and slow manner. As a brown belt, I was exposed to techniques that had to do with weapons. The particular weapon for all the techniques in brown belt was the club. I believed that it was a great idea to learn how to defend ourselves from armed individuals. When I did hands on with the clubs, it felt as if I was actually being hit by an armed assailant, and this was beneficial, since I wanted to simulate a real attack with a man using a club. As I kept progressing with brown belt, Grandmaster Flaherty kept recommending that I do private lessons. Now I never tried one out, but I did have some one-on-one training with Grandmaster Flaherty on Saturday mornings when I was the only one who came to class. Those kinds of classes gave me a look at how he did private lessons, but I could not get in on the private lessons, since my parents' schedules were not set up for that. After six months as a brown belt, I tested for brown/black belt, and I believed that it was my best performance in all of my tests. Everything felt great. I moved with confidence and threw my moves cleanly. In sparring, I was fighting with the balance of aggression and defense. My kiais were loud and controlled the room. I felt great overall during the whole brown/black belt test.
It has now been almost a year wearing a brown/black belt. I am now attending shared private lessons with my black belt testing partner. I come to class almost every day of the week. Additionally, I help out Grandmaster Flaherty teach other students when he needs my help. By doing this, I aid other students with their material while getting a chance to review old material. The last five techniques in brown/black belt include defense against deadly weapons, such as a steel chain, a knife, and a gun. I think that these are really important techniques for us to practice, because these life threatening weapons can be stopped with the use of these techniques.
Masters Three and Masters Four are great forms that I now practice to review the advanced techniques, and the system’s forty techniques. The Black Belt Set has given me and my partner improvement in our hands on, and in the ability for us to adjust when performing together.
This has been my most difficult year inside and outside Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate Association. I am attending Stockton Early College Academy, one of Stockton’s most rigorous high schools. After a hard day’s work in high school, I step on the mat to train. Although I feel tired from high school, I enter my karate classes with focus and intensity. Everything that happens outside of Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate, stays outside. I don’t want to bring in a bad personality when I come to group sessions. I come to group classes or private lesson classes with my mentality focused on training, and just that. To me, Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate has been my sanctuary when going through a long day.
My relationship with Grandmaster Flaherty is at its strongest. He has been a great role model to live up to from the beginning. I am always looking to be as nice and respectful as he is to other people. In addition, I want to also be as dangerous as he is. Even though Grandmaster Flaherty has reached his goal of black belt, he makes it his goal to help his students achieve their goals. This generosity that he possesses influences me, because I, too, want to help other students when I’m in the class by teaching them.
Truthfully, for the first couple of years in F.K.K.A., karate was my sport and pastime. Now it has become an activity that I want to continue my whole life. My goal of reaching black belt was something that grew throughout my four years in the school. The way that the black belt instructors taught persuaded me to want to be a black belt. Their more advanced training also aroused my thoughts of becoming like them. In sparring tournaments, the black belt divisions contained highly experienced fighters that I look to later fight against. Before, I never desired to rush any belt just so I could reach black. Every time I received a belt, I wanted to wear it proudly and that is what I will do when I achieve becoming black belt. I know that becoming black belt is a privilege, and those who make it become highly regarded.
The reason I want to be black belt is that I love helping Grandmaster Flaherty teach, and I want to continue learning new material after the colored belts. I am not looking for popularity as a black belt, but I am looking for opportunities to grow as a martial artist. Additionally, I want to grow as an instructor in the school. As of now, I am working hard in conditioning my body and preparing my mind mentally for the test. I know that it will be the hardest test of my life. I have learned that I will have only reached 25% of the system when I reach black belt, and I have the determination to continue my training of the remaining 75%. I am very excited for this upcoming black belt test and enthusiastic to continue karate afterwards.

Joey De Anda

Mon, 22 Jul 2013 11:46:19 -0700

Karate has always been my base fighting style. Even when I was younger my mom entered me in karate at a very early age. My instructor gave me a different impression as a young child, and he seemed very arrogant and didn’t seem to have the right state of heart or mind in karate. So as a young kid I thought that all karate fighters were like that, so I lost interest in that school, and was somewhat confused. Then I was entered into grade school and it was a whole new world for me. Always being alone and being independent made me quiet and a little shy around other people as a young child.
I had trouble making friends, and often kept to myself and just found ways to kill my boredom. Then I met my first friend Josh, he was pretty much like me, only he seemed more outgoing and talkative. We started to hang out often and got to know one another better. Then he introduced me to his other buddies Ryan and Marcus. Together we played at recess and one day we were playing hide and seek, and I saw a tall big kid picking on another smaller kid. Making fun of him, calling him names, making him cry and throwing sand at him. I didn’t like seeing the kid cry, but more importantly I didn’t like the injustice that was happening. I didn’t do anything to help the kid, but I remember just staring at the bully, having thought of wanting to end the bullying.
Then one day a kid in my class who was friends with the bully told the bully about me and how I’m quiet and shy. I just remember one day playing outside during recess and the bully saw me when I was alone and approached me. He had a kickball, and kicked the ball all the way across the school. Then he said, “Go get the ball or I’ll beat you up.” Me being 2 grades lower, I was afraid. So I ran and got the ball, then he repeated the same process, only he kicked it further. I was afraid of him because he had this image that was intimidating to me, and he was a lot bigger. So I got the ball and returned it, and he started to beat me up anyway.
Making me cry, and all of his friends laughing and making fun of me too. I was only 9 years old, and they were 11-12 year old kids. I just remember always being afraid to go to school, having to face all of those bullies on my own. None of my friends would side me, so I had to deal with this myself. One day I just couldn’t hide or take any more bulling from this guy. His name was Emanuel, he was the leader of his “group”. I was walking down the hall and he pushed me, but my hunger for retaliation was stronger, so I pushed him in return, pushing him into a wall. He then seemed hurt, and he left me alone after that. I then grew addicted to fighting at that point. Loving the feeling, the want to dominate feeling, it was the best feeling I had ever felt compared to all my other hobbies.
Finding a love and passion for fighting at the age of 9, gave me something to put my focus towards. I would then get even more inspired when I played the video game Street Fighter. Just seeing how the main character, Ryu, was a focused and determined karate fighter, gave me a bigger interest in fighting. Only during that time my parents divorced. It was just my little brother, my mom and me. My mom had no choice but to move us to Sacramento with my grandparents. I then would have no friends, since I moved away from Josh, Marcus, and Ryan.
Moving to the slum area of South Sacramento was a very tough adaption for me to make. The neighborhood was run down with a high crime rate. Being that the gas station that was a block away, was robbed a year before we moved there, and it resulted in a murder. With the cashier being shot in the head. This made me adapt a lot slower. I then still played Street Fighter, but that was the only fighting I could pursue during that time. So I just grew inspired by Ryu even more, taking his traits and putting them with my personality.
I then learned the value of being focused and determined. Loving the fact that I was reaching my goals with ease since nothing else mattered to me except for reaching my goals. I would often hear others mentioning how they “can’t” pursue something. It made me realize that being focused and determined was rare, since I saw a lot of people pursuing their goals with other people. Being dependent on other people to reach their goals. I then wondered what it would be like to have a body of people to talk with and hang out with. No one would ever give me a chance since I always seemed quiet and independent. I would sometimes be approached by people, but they seemed unbalanced, and I felt I would be downgrading. So I just kept to myself. Then with all this time, me finally being 16, we moved back to my hometown, Lodi.
I spent my senior year at Lodi High School, and I graduated with all my classmates. Only when I returned, all of my old friends had changed, leaving me on my own again. I was somewhat reliant on my old friends for happiness, but I then just relied on myself for my own happiness. I always knew that I would always be happy if I just relied on myself. Now with me graduating high school, I found a job, and at the age of 18 I entered in Taekwondo. Wanting to kick high, I then learned on how to do the splits. My instructor, seemed nice, but I could tell he was playing a sales pitch. He didn’t seem pure of heart. I stayed with him and learned a few tactics, but nothing was at all for defense or for weapon disarms.
It was mostly all kicks and punches, and majority of the techniques were with kicks. I found them impressive, but pointless in a fight since it seemed mostly for flash. So I learned how to improve my kicking height by holding my legs in the spread position, and moving them more apart as they grow comfortable to that position. I would practice for hours until I got to where I wanted to get my skill level. Then accomplishing my goals, going way further past my goals then I expected, made me want to learn more, grew more addicted to fighting and had my determination levels grow even higher. It soon became an addiction. I then grew more inspiration from another video game, Final Fight.
One of the characters I could deeply relate with, since he had an addiction for fighting as well, was Cody. He was a fighter who stood for justice. He not only stood for justice, but he also was deeply addicted to fighting too. He just had to fight, or he felt misplaced. I could relate to that deeply too. Cody was the most inspiring character ever to me, making my addiction for fighting even greater. I then learned for myself that Tae kwon do was a beautiful art, but I wanted to explore more. I wasn’t satisfied with Tae kwon do alone. So I searched for more martial arts schools. I eventually found Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate. As soon as I joined, I felt I was home.
I was then 20 when I became consistent with Kenpo Karate. I left Tae kwon do for Kenpo Karate. It was a better fit for me since it had a well rounded style of fighting. It also had tactics for disarming weapons, which was something I wanted to learn since a lot of stabbings occur in Lodi almost every week. I saw Grandmaster Flaherty (main instructor) perform all the tactics and techniques with ease, as if he was the founder of the art of Kenpo itself. I then grew inspired by Grandmaster Flaherty as well. As I continued training often, I just became more addicted to fighting every time I fought. Loving the fact that I was reaching my limits, and past what I expected. I wanted more, and more, and more. I was then at the age of 21, and by this age I was very addicted to fighting.
Nothing else mattered to me besides when my next fight was. I still have this mindset to this day. I feel with fighting I have been fighting my whole life. Not just with the physical concept, but with the mental concept as well. Fighting through the curveballs life would throw at me. Kenpo Karate was also a state of mind to me that it was a fighting style that could always be improved.
So I would practice karate, and I then grew an interest in boxing as well. Both are stand up fighting arts, so I felt addicted to both. Scrapping in both karate and boxing helped me develop a unique karate/boxing style of fighting. It was something I could always push myself past my limits. Cody (Final Fight/Street Fighter video game character) was always focused and determined as well. Only he was so addicted to the point that he landed himself in jail for fighting too much. He is a fictional character, but he inspires me more than any human-being, besides Grandmaster Flaherty himself.
Grandmaster Flaherty is my main inspiration from any human fighter, and Cody is my main inspiration from any fictional fighter. With both combined I have felt now at the age of 22, what it takes to become a real fighter. Requires a lot of hard work. Hours of training. Reaching perfection is the ultimate, but if I want the ultimate, I have to be willing to pay the ultimate price, which is hard work and pain. I know there’s so much more to learn. So I have also learned to keep an open mindset, always allow information to enter. Being eager to succeed will get a focused individual far if they keep it consistent. I’m always eager for success and I’m always eager to learn more. As long as I’m just scrappin’, I know my life will always be fun and worth my while.
Seeking different kinds of fighters, different kinds of fights. Just having a fight style that’s consistent, whether it’s a fight that’s organized, or a fight that isn’t organized. Kenpo Karate I know is a deadly art, and it’s an art that requires years to master. My steps that I’ve taken so far have taken me far not only in fighting, but in life. Fighting to me is a way of living, just depends on the individual on how serious they take it, and how much addiction they crave for it. Almost like wanting to breathe air, only I feel my addiction is much more over passing, being that sometimes I have trouble breathing when I pursue fighting as usual. This generation of fighting I really don’t know what to say. Seems most people go towards MMA, but sometimes the matches are just all grappling.
Just fighting in general is important, and in order for anyone to be successful they need to focus on what they are pursuing, not other people. They have to scrap for all the right reasons, reasons that will keep them coming back. I’ve learned that enjoying training, enjoying the pain, enjoying the discomfort will always make it fun. Finding new styles of fighting and fighters, putting myself out there, whether it’s against one guy or twenty, having fun plays a big role. Going up against people who are friendly and respectful, and going up against people who are arrogant and disrespectful also helped mold me as a fighter. I’ve learned that just keeping my mindset the same regardless will lead me to accomplish my goal.
Some fighters throw in talk, hype, and etc, but I honestly find talk pointless in regards to fighting. Fighting alone should be more than enough than what people can handle. Point is with me, as long as I’m scrapping, I’m happy and living my life to the fullest. Pretty much all I care about is when my next fight is, talk and words can only get you so far, but the actions and words will get you further I feel. I accept to fight anyone, anything, any place, anytime, anywhere. That’s all I care about besides my family and etc.
I want a fight, whether it’s a fight to better my character, a fight to better my abilities, or a fight to better my relationships. Fighting is my only way of life. Without fighting I feel like I’m nothing. All my life I’ve been a fighter, just fighting through just about anything. When I set my sights I set my sights to the stars and beyond. Push myself until death. Put all my training, fighting, and focus, on fighting to be the best I can be.
I know with hard work and determination it will pay off in the end. With fighting I know that I can protect myself, and everyone else around me. I can’t help but to have a strong sense of justice as well. Fighting for fun and fighting for justice are the main reasons why I fight. Fighting for fun always helps me in areas, and fighting for justice is also fun for me, but also its fighting for a purpose rather than just for fun. To maybe clean up someone’s act, protect someone from a trouble maker or just anyone bad in general. A lot of people have different reasons for fighting, but mine is strictly because I love it. I don’t need a reason.
Whether it’s a professional, an amateur, or some random person I’ll take on the fight. Whether it’s
one person or multiple people at a time, I’ll take on the fight. It’s fun, and to me there’s always
something to improve on. All records are meant to be broken. It’s never a complicated process for
me, just fight. It’s been such an exciting journey for me. I can’t do Kenpo Karate without boxing, and I
can’t do boxing without Kenpo Karate. Both have advantages, but I believe that Kenpo Karate only has
advantages. It’s an art that is flawless with every tactic. Grandmaster Flaherty I believe sets the true
origin of the art itself, and it’s a tremendous honor to learn from him. I have sought out many
martial arts schools, at least 8 different schools, and Grandmaster Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate over came
all those other schools by a long shot. Grandmaster Flaherty is the best of the best when it comes to
instructors as well as a fighter too. I’m just eager to see what else there’s in store for the future of
fighting.

Barbara Griggs

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:28:56 -0800

I’ve been fascinated by Martial Arts since I was a little girl, but it wasn’t until I was thirteen that I had the chance to join a traditional Shotokan Karate Dojo, thanks to the advice of an acquaintance of my mother who was an instructor at that school. All I can say is that I loved it instantly. I used to look at those who had been in the Martial Arts for some time while they practiced, and I remember how I desperately wanted to achieve what they had - that exhilarating mix of gracefulness and power, and their sense of confidence and control. I wanted to achieve all that, and I eagerly dedicated myself into learning as much as I possibly could about Karate, from the actual techniques and katas to the origin and history of the Art and the names of the Masters who developed the discipline. Unfortunately, though, my father wasn’t very supportive of my choice; he was very critical of my performance, believing my interest in Karate to be another brief yet expensive phase soon destined to die down anyways (I have to say that there were some issues between my father and I at the time). After a few disparaging comments from his side, and only a year later, I relented and quit. I regretted that decision for the rest of my life.
Skip forward to many years later. Now I am in my mid-forties, and mother of two young boys. I had kept myself fairly physically active in my youth, from gymnastics to aerobics to belly dancing. At one point, many years ago, I even entertained the idea of studying to become an aerobics instructor, but the time just wasn’t right and things fell through. However, in the back of my mind, I always felt that what I really wanted to do was going back to the Martial Arts. I don’t know what exactly stopped me from pursuing that dream; I think it was a mix of lack of money, lack of time, and real-life hurdles and obligations; things like school, family problems, peer acceptance… and, years later, work, marriage, children, lack of money and time again, and whatever else life throws at you. For many years, I did nothing. At one point, I simply felt too old, kind of “out of the loop”, and I was ready to give up, but by the time my children were old enough to engage in sport activities, I knew I wanted them to join the Martial Arts. I wanted them to experience that exhilaration, the surge of strength and excitement that I felt at thirteen while I was performing my Karate moves. The thing was, where to start, and when? Could we afford it? Most importantly, was it going to be a reputable school, a place where my kids could experience what I did so many years earlier? I knew what I wanted for them, but I simply didn’t know where to start from.
One memorable day, I found a flyer in my mailbox advertising Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate’s program. It was just what I’ve been waiting for, I suppose; I am one of those folks who believe that everything happens for a reason, and I liked what the advertisement promised: experienced instruction at an affordable cost with no binding contracts. I decided to check it out first, thus starting my search for the “perfect place” for my kids to join. Nowadays, I find myself smiling at that day, knowing how destiny had a huge play in what happened next. I met Master Flaherty that very afternoon, when I showed up to his Dojo to gather information. It was early and he wasn’t even wearing his Kenpo uniform yet. Even though he identified himself as Master Flaherty right away, in his everyday clothes he might have passed for an average person advertising his business; however, he immediately projected a sense of self-confidence, integrity, and respect that was impossible to ignore. Clearly, this wasn’t your average person. Within minutes, I knew that I wanted my boys to join this Dojo and, more importantly, for the first time in years I felt that I wanted to join myself, sweeping aside the negative feeling that I was too old and too out of shape to even try. Today, I am grateful that I was wise enough to follow my instincts. I joined Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate about three years ago, and I’ll be glad for that decision for the rest of my life.
I started my journey with the FKKA in 2009 as a white belt, and I still remember how I immediately felt at home at the Dojo. I was struck by the friendly and pleasant atmosphere; there was a powerful feeling of purpose and respect, and I could sense how all the students present were working together, even helping each other, to learn how to become stronger and more self-confident. That day, incidentally, the class was led by a guest Black Belt, a formidable lady around my age trained in the more traditional Western version of the Kenpo Karate martial art, in some ways different from the Northern style offered at Master Flaherty’s Dojo. That’s one of the things that attracted me to this school early on: the open-minded approach to different styles, and the willingness to share insightful tips that reach beyond conventional rules with its students. The style of Kenpo Karate is actually inspired by many different martial art disciplines, including elements of Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, and Korean influence, just to name a few. But besides that, all of my reservations about being maybe too old to engage in serious training flew off the window as I realized that age really didn’t have a say in that: look at that amazing lady running the class, and look at Master Flaherty encouraging all to give their personal best. That’s when I realized that I could do it.
At the beginning, it was tough, really tough. I had been inactive for many years, and of course I knew that I wasn’t getting any younger. Nevertheless, I threw myself body and soul into the training. I found especially difficult to memorize the first techniques: they were so different from anything I’ve had to learn before, but undeniably intriguing. Who knew that you could react in so many effective ways when facing a real threat? When I was thirteen, all I was taught were stances and katas, with no reference to actual techniques and how to apply them in a real life situation; there were no hands-on demonstrations. I suppose that it would eventually come if I stayed and progressed in rank, but the thing is, at Master Flaherty’s Dojo, from the very first day you learn how to effectively defend yourself. As the instructor shows you exactly how a technique works, you realize that at the beginning it isn’t so much about form as it is about practicality (proper form will come later). This is stuff that could save your life, starting today. I definitely liked that.
At first I was a bit discouraged by my own performance, however. I had the feeling that it’d take me forever to learn the basic techniques, and when I finally qualified to test for my next belt (orange), I felt still uncertain that I would make the cut. I mean, even though I’d came to terms with the fact that I was starting a whole different journey at an older age and gave it my all, I noticed how younger people seemed to almost effortlessly sail through the motions I was still struggling with. Even as I tested for my orange belt and ultimately earned it, I was aware that I could have done better. I wanted to be better, but I had to be sure that I was up to the task for the long run, or otherwise I might just have quitted right then and there. After some serious thinking, I decided that I was going to tough it out and make it through. Today I am glad for my stubbornness, and my willingness to excel. Besides, as a second thought, my kids were also working towards their next belt, and how would it look if I’d let go and quit just because it was too hard? I had to set the example because I was the one to introduce them to the discipline, insisting that it would be best for them, but most of all I personally wanted to reach for the best I could be. I realized that this Dojo was the right place to achieve that; the constant attention and encouragement from Master Flaherty and the other Black Belt instructors inspired me to continue and reach for more.
One of the perks of Orange Belt status is that you qualify for sparring. When I first joined the Dojo, there wasn’t a weekly scheduled sparring class yet; rather, the first week of every month was dedicated to sparring and, for safety reasons, only students who already owned their sparring gear were allowed to fully participate. The rest of us were still involved and guided into sparring maneuvers, and we were allowed full use of the punching bags and “Bob” dummies to practice, but couldn’t quite join in hands-on fighting. As interesting and fun as it was, it just wasn’t enough for me; I wanted to learn how to fight against a real person. I promptly got my sparring equipment, and soon I found out that I absolutely loved sparring. I liked it so much, in fact, that only a couple of months later I decided to participate to my very first tournament. It didn’t go very well; I had thought that I’d be facing another intermediate belt, but out of all five women in my age group, I soon found out that I was the lowest ranking belt and that my very first (and last) adversary would be a brown belt in Tae Kwon Do. So I didn’t win, but it didn’t matter; I held my own and I still earned two points against a brown belt (something I was proud of at the time). Most of all, I had truly enjoyed the whole tournament experience. I had the chance to watch amazing performances in forms, weapons, and sparring from different martial disciplines; I cheered for my FKKA fellow students engaged in competition, and I faced my very first fight with only a hint of apprehension. Overall, it was a good day, and besides I learned where I needed to improve and that I had to practice much more before my next tournament.
Eventually, I earned my purple belt, and something extraordinary happened then. Right before taking my test I had decided to increase my weekly classes, from two to four. I thoroughly enjoyed practicing, and I wanted to get more. I also wanted to get much better, and even though I found that I was learning new techniques faster that when I first started, I figured that I needed the extra classes to at least keep up with the new belt requirements in a timely manner. I’ll forever be thankful that my deep interest was recognized then, for I was one of few people that were offered a chance to sign up on a “Black Belt contract” by Master Flaherty, meaning that in recognition of our potential as black belts, we had the chance to pay upfront an all-inclusive predetermined fee instead of regular monthly payments. It would give us the opportunity of joining unlimited classes and weekly private sessions towards our goal to reaching Black Belt status. In exchange, we had to commit to fully take advantage of the program offered and actively train to become black belts within a preset reasonable amount of time. Master Flaherty made it clear that, even though several people were given this extraordinary opportunity, only the first two to accept would be part of the program, so that he could effectively dedicate himself and his resources to their training. This was a once-in-a-lifetime offer, and even though money was a bit of an issue in my case, my husband (who’s always supported me and my decision) and I found a way to afford it, so I signed up and immediately started taking advantage of it.
At this point I was attending classes every day, and once a week I would enjoy a private lesson with my then-private-instructor Ms. Pash, a first-degree black belt. I was guided into the purple belt material and I was getting ready for my next step, blue belt. It’s around here that I started being consistently asked to help teaching lower belts their own material. I soon found out that its the best way to practice and memorize all-level forms and techniques. Not only you get to practice them as you teach them; you also take in all the various questions from your students, which forces you to think and form all kind of questions of your own and then, if still in doubt, leads you to the source (Master Flaherty) to verify your knowledge. There isn’t a better way to learn than that: your students bringing up a question you never thought of and you finding the answer, sharing it, and then absorbing that information as well. It’s a never-ending process. I learned a long time ago that you never stop learning and there’ll always be room for improvement, not only in Karate, but in everything else in life. It’s somehow comforting, and exciting, to realize that you can always discover more than what you think you already know.
Even before earning my blue belt, I’ve heard how reaching this particular level was especially hard; several advanced belts let me know that this is really the belt where you either make it or break it. Indeed, the blue belt material is quite demanding; it’s actually the last intermediate stage before entering the advanced status, so there is a lot of expectation there. If you can endure the blue belt requirements, then you have a chance to continue and proceed towards your black belt goal. If it is too much for you to handle, then this is the time to drop off and do something else, because things are only going to get tougher from this point on. Honestly, I struggled a bit with this belt at the beginning, but I loved the challenge it offered and I wanted to perform it at my best. I was grateful that I could count on my private lessons to catch up with the material. I actually spent six months learning all the techniques and forms required for this belt; at the time I felt that I needed that amount of time to ensure that my performance at the test wouldn’t be merely average, but absolutely stellar, to the extent of my abilities. I felt overwhelmed with pride and emotion when I received, at the end of the test, not one, but two “Best Student” recognitions, in the form of a medal and then a certificate as well. It was totally unexpected, but it definitely went to show that, in this school, hard work and dedication will pay off, and all your efforts will eventually be recognized. Needless to say, with the blue belt hurdle finally behind me, I felt my confidence and my resolve to continue training towards my black belt grow ten-fold
At first, the green belt techniques seemed deceitfully easy when compared to the challenge presented by the blue belt level. However, I soon realized that much more was expected from the advanced students than from the intermediates. I noticed a particular attention to correcting stances and concentrating on the details. I clearly felt that the expectation was for us to step it up a notch; all the techniques and forms learned so far had to be performed better, faster, and more accurately than before. Even the basics (warm up, stretching, basic blocks and kicks) felt somehow tougher. Maybe, as an advanced student, I simply felt the push to try harder and unconsciously complied. In any case, I felt my performance and my confidence increase as I continued to give it my all, and eventually noticed how much I had improved in what seemed like a short while, even before learning the challenging green belt form Staff Set One. I have to say that I struggled quite a bit with this form at the beginning. It wasn’t like any of the forms I had learned earlier: this one includes a weapon that has to be handled efficiently and seemingly effortlessly as you ideally use it as an extension of yourself while facing multiple opponents. The first thing I have to say about this form is that it’s absolutely fascinating, beautiful to watch and awesome to perform. The second thing is, it isn’t an easy form. Luckily enough for me, the ‘Fast Track’ day was approaching: a whole day of special training, with the constant guide and instruction from several Black Belts completely dedicated to basically pound into you everything you need to know about your belt material. As I participated, I realized that this kind of training was powerful enough to allow me to leave, that day, with most of the knowledge I needed to meet my next belt’s requirements. Indeed, I learned the whole Staff Set form in that one day, and with constant practice after that I was able to qualify for my brown belt testing.
Once you reach the brown belt level, it’s like you suddenly realize that there is only one more belt left between your current degree and the black belt. Indeed, I felt the pressure to really start doing things right: correct stances became increasingly crucial; accurate hands-on practice turned out to be especially important, with a distinctive attention to details, and I was encouraged to perform my forms with more precision and speed. Even as I was working on improving on all that, however, a funny thing started happening: I started mixing up my techniques. For example, if a particular technique called for a stomp on the ribs after taking down an opponent, I would naturally end it up with a punch instead, or in another instance I would chop after a block instead of kicking - not so much because I had forgotten the technique, but rather because my movements would effortlessly flow from a specific technique into another one, with a result that would most likely be just as effective in a particular scenario, even if the two techniques weren’t originally designed to work together. One would think that straying from a conventional technique isn’t a good thing, but Master Flaherty helped me realize that, eventually, you will gain the ability to change and adapt any technique to fit your needs without thinking as your body will instinctively react in a real life situation, and that no response will be wrong as long as it is efficient. In other words, your Kenpo training will come through for you in the time of need. That is quite a powerful thought.
Six months after earning my brown belt, with constant training both in class and privately with Master Flaherty, and also by participating in all additional courses and special events offered at the school, I finally qualified to test for brown-black. I remember how my previous private lesson instructor, Ms. Pash, had told me a time ago that the brown-black level is when you suddenly realize that you don’t really know whatever you thought you knew, and how everything you’ve learned up to this point is still the same yet looks very different. To be honest, at the time I had no idea of what she was talking about, but nevertheless I kept on with my training, getting ready for my next belt testing. Meantime, I kept up with instructing other students, and I felt especially privileged when I was invited to teach actual private lessons. That was the ultimate validation that, even though I still had a lot to learn, I had worked hard enough up to that point to be trusted to share what I knew in a one-on-one setting - although, of course, Master Flaherty would always be available and ready to answer a question or address any concern. At any rate, I felt ready by the time testing day came along, and at last I earned my brown-black belt.
So I was finally only a step away from reaching my first black belt degree. Only one belt left. But, just as my past instructor Ms. Pash had previously advised, this was by far the hardest level yet: everything I had learned up to that point had to be carefully scrutinized, analyzed, corrected and perfected. Every stance, every form, every move, had to be reviewed in crucial detail while undergoing a thorough cleaning process. Indeed, it did feel like everything I had learned up to that point had completely changed. From an outsider’s view, a technique might just look the same, but I realized that it involves so much work and detail, from the correct distance between your feet to the right angle of an elbow or the position of a knee, that there is virtually no comparison between what you knew before and what you are expected to perform now as a future black belt. In my case, just about everything I thought I knew before was no longer acceptable at this level, and so began the painstaking process of relearning.
I faced a major setback when I overextended my left knee during a sparring session. One of the ligaments in my left knee partially tore up when I twisted it in the wrong way. The funny thing is, I wasn’t so worried about injuring my knee per se; what concerned me the most was that it might affect my overall performance in Karate, and maybe prevent me from pursuing my goal – to be the best I could be in every aspect of this Martial Art and successfully earn various black belt degrees. In fact, since I’ve started Karate, I’ve found that I’m not all that afraid of getting hurt, although I understand that it is a possibility regardless of all the precautions taken; bruises, maybe a black eye, even a broken nose or bone…well, it can happen. Accepting the fact that there might be this kind of consequences is part of the fun. What I wasn’t prepared for, though, was to have to slow down while so close to reaching my black belt status; I knew that a broken bone would eventually mend within months, but a torn up knee ligament usually requires surgery, and then maybe a year or so for recovery. I didn’t want to wait that long, and it wasn’t even that I’d have to wait longer to test for my Black Belt, but rather that I’d have to give up practicing Karate altogether for quite a while. Thankfully, I was able to find a reliable, professional brace to keep my knee in place while I practice and, after a short uncertain and painful while, I regained confidence in my performance. It wasn’t easy, and I still struggle with my knee’s condition a bit, but I am thankful that eventually I was able to go back to doing what I like most: learning and practicing Karate.
At the present moment, as I’m getting ready for my imminent black belt test, I sometimes take a
minute to reflect on how far I’ve come since I took the first step into my personal journey with the Martial
Arts. I’ve learned that every belt level has something important to offer, that you are never done learning,
and that there’ll always be room for improvement no matter how good you think you are. Most
importantly, I realized that I still have a long way ahead of me, as there are so many things to explore
and unveil in the Kenpo Karate Martial Arts. My journey is not over, but just beginning, and I can’t wait
to find out what will be coming next.

Roland Gonzales

Sat, 18 Dec 2010 15:09:35 -0800

I Roland Gonzales have known Mr. Randy Flaherty for over 20 years. I have known Mr. Flaherty as a Martial Artist and also as a close friend. He has always been an honest and outstanding person and a very reliable person. We have worked together as Martial Arts Instructors and I have found him to be respected by his students and peers.

Mr. Flaherty has built himself a very good reputation as a dependable martial artist through his continual hard work.

Ricardo Chaverri (Center)

Sat, 18 Dec 2010 10:48:30 -0800

Nothing would please me more than, to talk about Martial Arts and all positive people and things that go with it. My friend and colleague Randall Flaherty, whom I have known for over 25 years is one of those, who likes to teach Martial Arts to everyone. He has been in the business for many years, and enjoys working with students of all ages. He has a good rapport with the adults and children in the school. Randy is very good at what he teaches. He knows the extent, different as they are, of each person’s learning abilities. Everyone at his school respects and admires him for his patience, generosity, and sincerity.

Anybody acquainted with him is always glad to work along side him and enjoys his company. His business is successful because his students are very intrigued by his knowledge. With goals and expectation for himself to excel and succeed in his endeavors. He wants a fulfilling, exciting, and happy career with room to expand his capabilities to be able to live his dreams. I appreciate Randy and I’m very glad we have a continued friendly relationship.

Wes Akau Sr.

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 10:19:08 -0700

Quest For Knowledge

My Quest for Knowledge in Martial Arts started back in 1959. I’ve studied a variety of self-defense arts ever since I was nine years old. I am what you might refer to as a “Jack of many of arts and master of none.” I’ve studied Chinese Kung-Fu; Japanese Shotokan, Kenpo Karate; Judo, Jujitsu, American Boxing, and Filipino Kali. My initial reason for learning the arts were primarily for self-defense, but I soon appreciated that there were a deeper meaning or philosophy that could be applied to a means of living as well as fighting. I have discovered that my previous years of experience in Martial Arts has allowed me to develop principles which have been significant to life in general.

After receiving my MBA in 1999, I decided to concentrate on my health. When my son Jeffrey grew interested in a Kenpo Karate school, I saw a way to advance my Quest for Knowledge in Martial Arts once again. Master Randall Flaherty owns the Kenpo Karate School I selected.

I would like to add my deepest appreciation to Master Flaherty for his transfer of knowledge and for giving me the spark of confidence to rejuvenate my love for Martial Arts. I have always enjoyed teaching others because I know that when you help others unconditionally, you receive so much more in return. I’ve come to the realization that others will care only when they know you care and that this is merely a natural sense of direction. People will follow leaders and other successful people not only out of envy, but also out of being associated with a positive force towards a quality of life.

I would recommend the FKKA because of it’s simplistic but most efficient techniques for defense against virtually any kind of attack.