This Tuesday was the Dojo’s twelfth anniversary. As I reflect on all the wonderful students that have come through these doors and the amazing experiences we’ve shared, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. There’s nothing I’d rather do with my life. It is a true joy and honor to share the mats with each of you.

When we first opened the Dojo we had one kid in each of the first classes and six in the first Adult class. Since then we’ve moved to a new location, gone through Covid, added more classes and students, and tested our first two Black Sashes. Much has changed, but so much remains the same. Though the classes are certainly bigger and have more energy, the philosophy and intention remains the same. We learn some new techniques but the principles are consistent. As more senior students get the chance to teach, all of our experiences become richer, yet practice is of the same flavor.

Anchored through change

They say you never step in the same river twice. This saying speaks to the truth that all of life and the universe is in constant flux. This is the one thing we can count on: nothing remains the same. Yet in the ever shifting waters of life can be anchored in that which is changeless. Our practice helps us explore new aspects of ourselves, yet teaches us what is constant. As we learn new postures and forms in Tai Chi, we connect to the same flowing yet changeless breath. When we spar in Kung Fu and roll in BJJ, we come back to our relaxed mind. As we flow without ourselves and our partners, we find stillness within motion.

In meditation we sit still, yet the mind sometimes rages like a tempest. We sit long enough and find stillness within. When we take this mindset into our physical practice and the rest of life, we recognize plenty of opportunities to become still. This is a fundamental aspect of a Martial Artist’s approach to life. We consistently take on new challenges and know that they will help us find our true self.

Finding stillness in the motion of life

Life is change and that change lets us see ourselves more completely. We are like the full moon on a cloudy night. As the wind blows the clouds across the sky, we catch glimpses of our light. Some nights we hardly see ourselves at all; other nights the changing sky allows us to shine fully. 

Most of you know my first child is due to be born at the end of May. This change is massive. I’ve been fully warned about sleepless nights and developing carpal tunnel from all the diapers I’ll be changing. Though I can’t help but be overjoyed and excited, I know the challenges we face as a family will be real. I also know I will more fully find myself in this role as a father, like I have more fully found myself in the role of a Sifu. As I wake up at three am to rock my crying baby girl back to sleep, I look forward to finding that stillness within motion.