WHY I JOINED TEN TIGERS

I admired this program from a close distance as a student at East West Kung Fu in Franklin. I heard current Tigers talk about the program, and I enjoyed their positive energy in class. I wanted to be a part of the next Ten Tigers, but I was concerned about time and money. Honestly, I was concerned about these two things in December when my first child was due. The last time I attended class was before Christmas. My wife Daphne was due any day, and I did not want to be over an hour away in case she went into labor.

Our beautiful daughter Bo was born on January 6. I debated a number of options in regards to my kung fu training from taking a break from training, to just doing private lesson with Sifu Steven, or even changing schools to be closer to home. I wanted to put my daughter and wife first above all else. I debated within myself if I was letting them down by being away from home to train. I live a little over an hour from the school.

Thankfully, Sifu Steven is not only a wonderful teacher, but a father himself. His advice and patience helped me tremendously during this time. Also, Daphne knows how important kung fu is to me, and she believes it makes me a better person on a number of different levels. I guess the bottom line is that kung fu makes me a better human being spiritually, physically, and emotionally. A few years ago in my training, I had to have major shoulder surgery. Actually, I had four surgeries at once on my left shoulder. The recovery time was approximately six months. During that time I practiced only stance work and Chi Kung. Dr. Burton Elrod, my surgeon and team physician for the Tennessee Titans, asked me if I had any children before informing me I needed surgery. I told him I did not yet, but may in the future. He said it was important for me to get the surgery in order to be 100% for my future children. Dr. Elrod said to be the best father you can be, you must be in top physical shape. Also, you must be able to continue doing the physical activities you enjoy to give you peace of mind to once again be the best father you can be.

Recently, I reflected on not only the view of Dr. Elrod, but the views of Daphne and Sifu Steven as well. After meditating on this, it all became very clear that I NEED Ten Tigers. Sifu Steven has set up a program that gives me the opportunity to work on being a better all around individual. That includes husband, father, teacher, actor, human being, citizen, etc. The bonus is that it includes kung fu training too. Money no longer is an issue when you need something. Time is no longer an issue either. As a teacher, I utilize time management in my classroom. As an actor, I understand that time is money, and it is important to use my time wisely in order to show respect towards others. I was beginning to let time manage me, and I was not managing my time. I was beginning to lose my center. Fortunately, I have found it. A huge part of that is Ten Tigers.

I am very excited about completing this program. I'm looking forward to the private lessons. I have enjoyed these in the past, and they have improved my kung fu journey greatly. Since I may not be able to attend regularly scheduled classes as much as I used to, I look forward to the group training sessions as well. I chose fatherhood as my new undertaking, so I can stay motivated to be the best parent I can be. I'm currently reading The Spiritual Path by Osho. It has been collecting dust along with hundreds of other books on my shelves over the years. I've already gained a number of insights through it.