How Martial Arts transforms your life is often misunderstood by the general public, given that most people know only what they’ve seen in movies and on tv. It’s a most unique discipline in that it encompasses a coordination of how your mind works, which is based on how your body moves. Bodies move based on what they’re holding in memory. Proper martial arts training changes that in various positive ways.
Every hour spent properly training transforms what your muscles know, as you’re cultivating muscle memory. They begin to release old patterns of movement, which most people retain from childhood. When the body gets really hot, the muscles release old emotional memory. All the benefits of this training is for another time. This is about transformation because it’s the most important benefit.
The Black Belt Test of Summer 2013 (one of many)
Ms Marcia’s story~
Marcia Buenafe earned her 1st Degree Black Belt in the Martial Arts Program. This one was ‘her test.’ She’s only one of many who’ve been promoted to various Black Belt levels over the years.
Her test was completely incredible and it was a great testament to how martial arts transforms lives. She did so well, and worked on this for 5 + years. But what is 5 years, when you and your life are completely transformed? Marcia’s biggest challenge was emotional reactions to micro-aggressions by others. She nailed it!
Her new calm is impressive
Marcia’s self-confidence has soared! It’s such a treat to see how much change a person can go through when they are willing to get there. Dedication, grit, perseverance, resiliency, tenacity, and 100% commitment to the larger picture made the difference. This cannot ever be taken away from anyone. She can only add to it. Huge congratulations to Marcia Buenafe, a true Martial Arts Black Belt, living life her way.
My European student was present at her test
Jose Maria Gomez’ story~
Spain is the European country and my Black Belt is Jose Maria Gomez, warmly called ‘Chema.’ He was able to be on the Board for her test, since he was here for some intense training. Needless to say, he was completely impressed, as he’d never seen women move with such intensity. He’s such a shining example of what martial arts is all about.
The qualities he embodies are respect, confidence, integrity, standing his ground, and knowing how to kick-butt if he had to. He stayed with a local family in Santa Cruz.
Here is a short story the hosts, Shalom & Vito Victor, tell about Jose Maria Gomez:
“Jose Maria was a guest in our home in Santa Cruz, CA. for two weeks. He was here to work with Clara Minor to further his knowledge of Martial Arts; technique, mind set, discipline and fitness. From the beginning we witnessed his perseverance and his dedication to Clara whom he felt was the best teacher there was for him to continue his learning; although he had been an instructor in Spain for thirty years. He spent his entire time here going between Minorsan and our home. Jose seemed to exemplify the mental qualities of the teaching, in the responsible way he behaved in our home. After a training he would rush back to our home to put down what he learned before he was to return to the studio. He was neat and clean, and always left in time to be present for training. He ate simply, a self discipline that was impressive, so as not to be uncomfortable for class. He was and is a devoted and passionate practitioner of the Art of Self Defense. He explained that the purpose of the teaching was to learn to live the techniques that foster non-aggressive interactions with others. If he returns to Santa Cruz for further teachings we would feel happy to host him again.”
—Shalom and Vito Victor
Students are honored to meet ‘Chema’
Several students told me, after Chema had returned to Spain, that they were extremely impressed with his level of respect, his calm, how well he paid attention, and as a 5th Degree Black Belt, how humble he was at all times. In turn, Chema was completely blown away by how intensely the women fought throughout Ms Marcia’s test. Some of our members had a chance to meet Chema (Jose Maria), and interact with him away from the studio.
I always cherish meeting people whose homes are in other countries, and then getting to know them and their perspective on life, living, and happiness. They have so much to teach us and share with us, and vice versa. He totally understands how martial arts can transform lives, as he’s lived this experience.
Most definitely Martial Arts can transform your life
The transformation that occurs thru our Martial Arts Program makes this a very powerful discipline for anyone. There’s nothing like it on the planet. Learning to kick-butt, and then using your own spiritual guidance in how and when you apply it, is a powerful skill and a true gift to give yourself.
You’re in control of your own life, and there’s nothing better, nor more powerful, than that. There’s something that changes within your body, and that change transforms your emotions. Anger goes by the wayside. Fear levels drop tremendously. Your body understands calm. There’s also a willingness to listen to others’ perspective, and take from it only what works for you. In the words of Bruce Lee, you understand ‘fighting without fighting’ (from his most famous movie, Enter the Dragon).
Power ON…
Clara E Minor is the Master Instructor/Trainer for MINORSAN Self-Defense & Fitness in Santa Cruz, CA. You can reach her at THIS LINK
