A True Martial Arts Brotherhood

  In life, it is difficult to find a strong connection between a group of individuals dedicated to their cause.  That's why it is so fulfilling and refreshing to observe them in action.
 
A few weeks ago Sensei Eckman invited me to the 4th Degree Black Belt testing of two Shito-Ryu Karate Masters:  Sensei Shon Barnes and Sensei John Connelly.
 
 We walked into their Shito-Ryu Karate school and Sensei Eckman introduced me to everyone including those giving the test, namely, Sensei Eckman, LeAnn Berry, Akio Anderson, Tara Bivens, myself and others.  
 
I was under the assumption that I would basically just be observing, but, to my surprise, Sensei Eckman asked if I could sign the certificates of those testing.  My signature would be on the same page as martial art masters who I look up to.  It wasn't a very big deal to them for me to participate and help judge because, to them, I am a fellow instructor.  It was a surprise, but it was a huge honor for me.
 
I am not throwing all this out there to gloat about how they were honored to have me there because of some great stature, rank, position, or title I have.  Definitely not!  I was probably the most inexperienced martial artist there!  My point is that they respected me without hesitation for none other reason than that of, for lack of a better phrase, A True Martial Arts Brotherhood.  They knew I was there because I loved the Martial Arts.  They also knew I was an instructor in Rexburg and a student of Sensei Eckman and Grand Master Southard.  I hadn't met any of them prior to that day with the exception of Sensei Barnes because he attends the Southard Combat class Monday nights.
 
During the course of the testing, my votes, input, feedback, and opinions were not only merely asked for, but also appreciated and humbly accepted.   I shouldn't have been surprised at the incredible passion they unconditionally possessed for Martial Arts due to the fact that these were not only fellow martial artists but also personal friends of Sensei Eckman, but it was an eye opener.
 
It wasn't even their great skill at everything in which they showed proficiency such as Katas, JuJitsu (self defense) Techniques, Board Breaks, and other things; but their devotion to not only the Shito-Ryu style but also to the world's collective MA styles, many in which they are also trained.  These are very versatile martial artists.  Words cannot express how humbling it was that they recognized me as a fellow instructor and enjoyed having me as a part of their testing, which by the way, was very successful.  They both passed with flying colors.  Like I said before, it's NOT because I am in the same league as they are (I certainly am not!).  It's because they love Martial Arts and have a most profound respect for those who engage themselves in MA training.  
 
I've been to numerous different testings in various different martial art schools over the years, but I've never experienced anything like this.  This was an "ah-ha!" moment in my life, as it was somehow confirmed in my soul that the study of Martial Arts will remain the focal point of my profession as long as I live.  The experience brought a very personal and sacred remembrance to me as to exactly why I got into this in the first place, and just added to my desire to continue and excel a hundred fold.  
 
In a world so crowded with McDojos and businessmen wanting to make money off of selling watered-down martial arts it is so incredibly relieving to know that A True Martial Arts Brotherhood exists, and so close to home at that.  
 
 
Patrick Asay
Applied Martial Arts