Fate said to the Warrior, “You cannot withstand the Storm”.
The Warrior replied to Fate, “I AM THE STORM”.
This quote speaks volumes to me…
It is not a quote about violence or fighting, or anger and lack of control. In fact, it is the exact opposite of anything negative. What I discuss next, is not in any way “crying a river” about my life, it is my battle cry.
I was NOT born into a life of privilege. In fact, I was born with a death sentence. I was born with “Wilms Tumor” in my left kidney. The doctors told my mom, “Take him home, and so he can live through the next week with you.” Forty years later… I’m still here. While I now only have one kidney, I’ve lived a complete life and have always strived to achieve any goal I’ve sought after. My favorite activity is doing what others mocked me for even attempting… the impossible. I’ve traveled the world, studied martial arts in foreign lands, I play with Tigers and Lions, I’ve worked in films with celebrities, ride motorcycles, skydive, and ski in the mountains. I live my life… I withstand the storm.
This has not at all been an easy endeavor. Everything I’ve had or have, I’ve worked for, with my own sweat, blood, and tears. It’s been a life of sacrifice and hard work and against all odds, I continue to fight for what’s most important to me, my life. Having worked for all I have, makes me appreciate it all the more.
The mentality of “Being the Storm” is beyond merely surviving the challenges life throws at us, it’s about embracing them as opportunities to test ourselves and overcome what others think to be impossible. My goal is to inspire my students by “walking the talk” and “leading by example”. “I’ve never known a strong person with an easy past”. I challenge my students, training is not always easy, and demands the most from them… however the reward is priceless. Students gain a level of confidence they never knew they had. To say “I Am the Storm”, is about prevailing over and embracing challenges, rather than giving up.
To contact me, visit this link: KAIZEN