Master B's Web log

Kevin Thompson Has been called the 8th wonder of the world. Devoting his whole life to martial arts Kevin changed the world, just ask anyone that spent time with him. When I was competing heavily in the 80’s Kevin and I competed in the black belt weapons category many times in the A rated national tournaments.  Even though I was hoping to win I mostly was in awe of his performances in weapons, forms and sparring. He was known as a triple threat and often won first place in forms weapons and sparring and grand championships with his performances.  One of the greatest matches ever was Kevin versus Steve “nasty’ Anderson.  Nasty was twice as big, equally powerful and fast (the days heavyweight winner) versus Kevin, the lightweight winner.  For sure it was a David and Goliath day.  Kevin took it to Nasty, and with no fear and no reservation beat Nasty to win the Grand championship that day. I loved his intensity but I more admired what a gentleman he was....

Not Babe Ruth but Babe Didrikson Zaharias. Born in Texas in poverty. Decided she was going to be great in sports She had the kind of will that makes a champion. She asked a coach about throwing a javelin.  He showed her the basic technique.  She beat the American record on her first throw. She was all American in tennis, golf, swimming  softball and basketball.she was national champion and an Olympian winning two medals She went on to break records in golf. At the peak of her career she was diagnosed with cancer and told by her Doctor she would probably not survive the operation. She survived and a year and a half later win the national golf championship. Develop your mental toughness through martial arts training!

Getting a black belt and being a black belt are definitely two different things. Like driving to the prom and staying in the car Like getting a driver license and never driving. Like cooking dinner and not eating The first day you get your belt it doesn’t even feel right.  It takes time to feel like it is really yours and you deserve it. I awarded a black belt to a student once whe never even came back to one class to wear it.’’ Did they get a black belt or become a black belt?