The Journey. Not something to cast aside as small, insignificant nor inconsequential. But a view of one’s life from a broad perspective with the understanding that with each moment, you have an exciting new possibility.
I’ve spent the better part of 35 years in the world of Martial Arts. Training, teaching and doing my best to be a part of a spiritual community that embodies love and support. Origianlly with Grandmaster Chuck Norris to Master Dae Kyu Jang. But in all that time, there are very few moment of true pride and a sense of having really made a difference.
My good friend, Ted Silverberg, who tested for his Black Belt in Tang Soo Do this past weekend. I was one of the fortunate and grateful instructors to have participated in seeing him through this process. His Journey. One that has been very long and difficult, both physically and and emotionally. For those of you who have never had this experience, it’s not something that can be summed up in a few paragraphs, just short of saying that it’s an awakening. And Ted shined ever so brightly.
Much like my life in the MINI world, the Journey is our focus. Not the small doings every day that create seemingly unsurmountable barriers, but the broad life strokes where one can say, “I did that.” Moments to be proud that you have a place on this planet.
To say that I am proud of Ted and his commitment would far underplay his journey. But I am in awe that I was there to experience it. 4 hours of grueling test materials, fighting, grappling, emotional and mental exhaustion. But with gratitude, I thank Master Dino Haynes of Warrior’s Heart Karate (Mixed Martial Arts in Agoura/Calabasas) for asking me to be on the board. A board that consisted of two 9th Degree GRANDMASTERS. Mr. Natividad and Mr. Kleeman. World renowned icons. And although my journey has been very long as well, it still has so much farther to go… and so many broad strokes to complete.
Congratulations to all. Ted, Wayne, Mary, Nicole and Megan. Now your New Journey begins.
Oh, and if you want cool suppliments, Ted’s company is www.biometics.com Yea, shameless, but we can all use a plug every now and then…
Time for some coffee, and back to work on the MOST INSANE MINI EVER!!
Week 2 at Fireballed has been slicker than… well, let’s just say that things went perfectly smooooth. Brakes from BREMBO cascaded in from Brake Heaven and wheels from KONIG dropped from the sky above (Well, at least from near Chino, CA.).
Our painter Carlos (Armar BodyWorks) revealed himself to be up to the task of painting the…. wups, I almost said it. Naw, you didn’t think it was going to be THAT easy, did you? And our Chief Engineer, Andy Limon, spun his socket like there was no tomorrow in the installation. (Did I just say that out loud?) Plus, we fitted some ridiculously HUNKIN’ MEGAWIDE body components and removed another 50lbs of MINI doodads. And yes, we kept the cup holders.
We’re discussing putting in two engines equalling over 1000hp. Hmmm…. And we have to do that anyway, ’cause we’re adding 1000lbs of SONY equipment. 12 Amps, 4 head Units, 3 SUBWOOFERS, Oh, and an extra cup holder for the second engine mechanic. He gets cranky without his Starbucks…
Other mods are…
…32 Sony Screens, DVS Shoe Shine Pedal Kit, Turbo big enough to suck in a pregnant Seagull, 4 Interlocking Sway Bars, 3 Garmin GPS’s so we don’t miss ANY Starbucks, 2 extra dead pedals and a Partridge in a Pear Tree. (What the heck is a Partridge anyway?) Um, that’s about it for now…
Oh, one more thing. Shame on you for thinking I’d reveal ANYTHING, …..Charles. Yes, shame on you, Team EVO. Bad EVO, bad…. Go lay down. No treat.
So, there I was, minding my own business when…WHACK!
…Spent the weekend at the NORTHROP GRUMMAN Employee Show, judging cool rides. Big winner was this cool ‘ol skool Porsche. Flawless as flawless gets. If you look close, you may see a Stealth Fighter lurking somewhere…
Then, at the shop, we got AWESOME CHAIRS from Millusions for the filming of STC. (Update coming in a day or so…) Big thanks to the Super Bar Stool Makers and wait ’til you see what’s comin!’
If someone can figure out a way to make Brian smile, let me know….DORK!
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