At the Beginning

Yep, that's me before my very first white belt test. I was 15 then and weighed all of about a buck twenty or so. I think back at that time and now realize how young, naive, and clueless I was about many things. But, I also remember how happy I was (and still am, yes I still have that same ear-to-ear cheesy grin, what can I say, I love life) and how determined I was to succeed. I knew then that martial arts were "my thing" and nothing was going to stop me from understanding and practicing every little bit I could learn.

Let me tell you, it's taking great effort for me to post this picture up on my blog. I know I am going to suffer some humiliation from key people (Weston, Matt & Mel to name a few), but I think I will take that risk. You see, it's always important to remember where you have been. Only by examining the past can we measure where we are today in the present. Likewise, the past and present are our road signs for the future.

Whenever I hit a plateau in my study/practice of the martial arts, I tend to reflect backwards. I think to myself, am I better than I was a year ago? Have I grown in some capacity over the last year? Is my knowledge base better than what it was? Most times than not, my answers are all "yes." However, although I may have grown and bettered myself from year to year, am I where I want to be? That answer is always "no." My teacher, mentor and best friend, Matt Amend, always taught me that no matter how good you get, there is always someone better. Translations: (1) don't be satisfied with your accomplishments and (2) don't get a big head.

In the martial arts, we all start at the bottom, or in this case, "At the Beginning." My beginning, that this picture represents, was the first step in a journey that has not yet ended. A journey that is my passion to become the best that I can be: the best martial artist for myself, the best teacher for my students, the best advisor for my clients, the best father for my kids, the best husband for my wife. I want to become the best person that I can be. I urge you to strive for the same. It's a journey but it all has to start somewhere, sometime. Why not now?

Ninpo ik kan my friends...

David L. Holzer
Insurance Advisor & Martial Arts Guide