know this at the top of my karate competition days, I held my own against the best. Over the years I lost my parents 96 & 02. when I lost them my desire to compete was lost and my compassion for the art. I went back after a few years away and could not find the love or commitment to get back in shape and national level of competition. What I just realized was that stepping back and restructuring my passions would have been more adventagious then totaly leaving the arts. I dont watch karate movies and dont go to tournaments. The mustard seed of desire to compete was rekindled in EF. For me EF is not my everything, but the fellowship and Brotherhood is everything to me 3rd to God and 2nd to my family. Brother you have a gift dont let that be shelved until the dust is too much for the duster...stay humble. I feel you on staying connected by painting for I taught karate in my community free for 3 years and 1 year at a nominal fee...again I found no increase in passion and focused on working with the youth in EF as I still do ...find your knitch and you did say "at the end of the BAM season...." so you have plenty of time to pray on it....***EF is 3rd to God and 2nd to my Family..
You and I must meet this BAM season on the metal as scheduled..looking forward to conversing with you my Brother. keep in mind., I competed in martial arts since I was age 10 retired competitively in 2000(should have taken a time out and not totaly walked away). It was part of my identity, humble in the hood but a beast at tournaments. I won my first state championship in 1982 as a yellow belt fighting in Super Pee Wee (Brown and Black Belts).
I did not know that for many upcoming fighters, I was their measuring tool and they looked forwarding to competing against me no matter what the end result was ....My point
God gave you a gift...what you do with it is what you give back to The Most High....funny thing our families look forward to our involvment with the outside stimuli....my mother kept every single trophy 1st-3rd and charished each as if they all were National Championships
Stay the course Brother and remember as my instructor would say.."when competition begins friendship ends...when friendship begins competition ends"......
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Originally Posted by Mike Robertson
I must say that it actually felt good to hear from all of the guys that have called me up already and to see the posts but the truth of the matter is this...
Playing the game has caused rift between me and people that I consider family. I've heard many say that I think that my "Sh#&" don't stink, that I'm a spoiled brat and that all I care about is winning. Contrary to their belief I care a lot about the people in the hobby and helping them get better also. I travel around the Country to promote a style of play in efforts to unify the hobby not to make myself look better than anyone. Anyhow, I don't want to go into to much detail because this forum has been through a lot and deserve some positive threads for a change so I'll leave it at that. But most importantly, I need a long long break. I need to begin to dedicate weekends to my son and his youth sports. I need to dedicate more time to family and my girlfriend whom I'm crazy about. I need to save money! I travel too much! Mr. National can have his title back. haha. Most importantly though, I need to make time for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. You guys have no idea how much time I put into this hobby! Way too much. I need to allow time for spirtual growth and maturity. I need to become humble in Christ so that I may pass on wisdom to my son. I love this game but I will now put my love into painting and customizing figures. I'm not leaving the forum but you won't see me around at all the venues as you have before in the past.
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