With utmost
respect and appreciation
Yesterday,
today and tomorrow
Sensei Kirk Farber, Osprey
Dojo
Submission for Rokudan Rank
Training
in the Martial Arts improves with time. As with years come growth, yet more
important comes wisdom. It is with wisdom that advances past plateaus. In 1993, I wrote about “Teaching is an Art”. In 1997, I wrote
about “Speaking is an Art”. Now with
time and experience comes the true vision that “Understanding is an Art”. A
Black Belt promotes respect, yet it is the actions and commitments which can
bring out greatness within a Sensei.
It
is with great honor and respect that I share with you the “Understanding” of my
role within the style of Cuong Nhu Oriental Martial Arts.
The
rank of Rokudan represents the Master level, thus I feel that there are three
main topics that should be involved/addressed prior to obtaining the rank of a
Cuong Nhu Master. Ironically, they are found in our very first code of ethic.
The first two topics are mentioned, the third is implied.
Cuong Nhu students should strive to
improve themselves and their abilities in the martial arts in order to server
the people.
Strive to Improve
“If you are
hungry – go to the kitchen”
As
long as I can remember – my Cuong Nhu attitude has always been “If you are
going to talk the talk – then you have to walk the walk”. One of my favorite
quotes has always been the words from O’Sensei “Vision without action is a
dream soon forgotten”.
In
my younger days, I would make sure that I got a workout while teaching. I was
adamant that if an instructor was going to have a student practice a technique
– then the instructor needed to demonstrate the technique.
Having
competed in martial art tournaments for over 25 years, it takes training and a
different level of attitude, as performing in front of others is a great way to
motivate ones’ self. Self Improvement creates a confidence and attitude of Can
Do!
Now
at age 47, my body can’t take the physical training from years earlier, but I
have learned that focus should not be on what one can not do, but more with
what one can do!! I can no longer run the miles that I did for so many years –
But I can jump rope for a better cardio workout then ever before – I am
grateful!
Four
years ago I took it upon myself to create my own website to share my thoughts
and ideas. The vision of the website evolved into a business, teaching and
sharing principles (found within Cuong Nhu). Multi-tasking and focus allowed me
to be my own boss.
Serve the People
“Teaching is
Learning”
Twenty-one
years ago (1985), I offered a Common Sense Self Defense (CSSD) seminar for
women at Prudential Insurance Company. There were over 300 women who showed up
for the seminar, though free it taught me that many people who are not familiar
with a specific topic yearn for knowledge and information. I saw how the
knowledge that we, as martial artists, could take for granted, could be shared
to build one’s own confidence and peace of mind. It has now evolved into
ongoing seminars for a wide spectrum of clients over the last 20 years (school
children, senior citizens, corporate
Nine
years ago (1997), I was asked to be a guest (motivational) speaker for the
juveniles in the Jacksonville Jail. I soon realized that the principles and
concepts of our training could get a positive message across, even if only one
of the kids ‘got the message’. Well nine years later, the program is the most
popular program requested in the jail. The Youth leadership program is now
called “Power, Polish, and Purpose” with the opportunity of expanding beyond
the Duval county jail. The 3 segments consist of Power (wisdom of Martial arts
to overcome the obstacles while realizing that control is more powerful than
force), Polish (toastmaster protocol of having the juveniles learn importance
of speaking/interview skills), and Purpose (character education where a word is
the theme each week). My friend,
Three
years ago (2003), I developed a children’s program to emphasize fitness
(martial arts, juggling, and jump rope) while incorporating both public
speaking and moving arts (make up kata). The name is simply F.A.C.E. (Fitness And Character Education), as Sensei Joe Varady helped create
the logo. The ideas came from my years of Cuong Nhu, volunteer jail program,
teaching children, and fact that I believed in the motto “Do what you love,
Love what you Do!”
The
program has now evolved, thru time, into general assemblies for entire schools’
population, summer camps, private lessons, receiving
grants for troubled youths, and currently teaching the F.A.C.E. program at 9 different locations.
The
theme for the last 3 years is very similar to the theme of last years’ 2005
Training campout – Making a Difference!
And this year’s 2006 theme – Passion from within.
Respect
“The Greatest
man is nobody; the Greatest self is to know thyself”
The
3-O’s is a philosophy that all Cuong Nhu members are familiar with, yet respect
is the driving principle behind the concept. We all know the importance of
“Respecting others”, but it is the confidence and ability to respect one’s own
self that allows true understanding of growth.
Personally,
I have been through some difficult times the last three years with work,
divorce, and finances. Yet Cuong Nhu has helped me “Understand” that the
respect I have for myself (through my own goals and accomplishments) is greater
than any obstacle that I can cross in life.
Knowledge
from yesterday allows changes for tomorrow. If one did not understand blending,
fluidness and change - then growth would be stagnant. As a Martial Artist who
can appreciate the traditional styles of Judo, Shotokan, Aikido, Wing Chun and
Tai Chi - We can only admire and respect our elders. But it is Cuong Nhu
Oriental Martial Arts that can teach the teachers that the evolution of Martial
Arts is a way of life. The roots have been grounded deep into the soil and the
style will grow and prosper due to the wisdom and inspiration of evolution.
It
is with great admiration and honor knowing that I am sharing a demonstration
for Rokudan rank that truly represents the spirit of Cuong Nhu. The memories
and experiences of training have allowed me to fully understand and appreciate
the importance of pushing myself, helping others, and respecting all within my
path of life.
Thank
you for the opportunity, as I have earned the rank of Rokudan.
Respectfully
Submitted,
Kirk
Farber
March
12, 2006