The Example of a True Elite

Some where along the way someone seems to have found the accelerator on the old time piece. Man times flying quick and there is still a ton of stuff to do by many and myself to prepare and show what a years worth of training looks like by this years I Ho Chuan class. All of that work should resonate quite clearly in each and everyone of us. When I think of how the I Ho Chuan class is viewed,  by dedicating a year to mastery and usually on the front lines of pretty much all of the Kwoon events, I think of the I Ho Chuan as the elite in the school. Some people don't like the term elite for whatever reason, but whatever it is it's theirs and that's their business. I think of elite as a balanced perspective or perhaps an accurate description of a expectation of a goal with never ending results led by example and respect to tradition.

 My personal perspective of the word elite is a term used to describe hard work, discipline, commitment, drive and a relentless vision that never sees' an end or an arrival. One who continually never forgets where they came from and practices continued respect to the very place or person that provided them with the gift of opportunity, knowledge, and acceptance through trustworthy obligation.  A practicing elite is a highly influential person of example minus the over inflated ego that tends to become the primary fuel in some along with the self proclaimed and self justified importance that is the complete opposite of what they are actually supposed to be. Forgetting where they came from, and just what provided the comfort of their existance along with insecurities and closed minded personalities have no place here. Fear of themselves and the belief that their opinions and views should be embraced by others with no solid base or action is more fitting in this case. Instead an elite powers themselves with non judgemental  character and obvious humility which becomes welcoming and attractive to others. It's a passion and determination for perfection and efficiency in doing what they believe in and are physically pursuing that sends ripples of inspiration to others that awaken the creativity and the free thinking that in turn awakens goals and dreams to come alive in others.

An elite is not afraid to hit the dirt, bleed, expel emotions that may be unnecessary at the time but in turn become inner strength to pursue the challenge and succeed. Good enough is a term seldom, if ever used by anybody that wants to take themselves above and beyond what they ever thought possible and inspire others to do the same. I also believe this type of person is not concerned to face their struggles and show how to overcome them out in the open. That to me is balanced courage and another example that others can embrace. I do my best to try work towards becoming this type of person and I always look towards those I respect or follow their example to push myself and work towards being an elite martial artist. I'm very grateful that I am allowed to train in a traditional school and earn the gift of knowledge of a traditional art. There's not much left out there that hasn't been watered down or has forgotten tradition or actually promotes it. Because that's hard or it takes too much time or holds no value to the ignorant that forgets what made them in the first place.  A place that provides opportunity and inspiration, promotes hard work and discipline, provides an opportunity to show those around us what being awesome and what it takes to awaken your inner being and self expression. A place that inspires you to become your own elite.