Sushi with a Living Legend, Mike Stone

I had the privilege of having lunch with a living legend in the Martial Arts world, Sensei Mike Stone. Now in his early 70s yet looks like he's 40.  Here are some of his accomplishments:

Achieved Black Belt in only 6 moths

Undefeated in 91 elimination black belt matches

Black belt hall of fame fighter of the year 1971

Black belt hall of fame instructor of the year 1994

National, international and world karate champion

California All-star black belt team championships, producer

Hawaii vs US team championships, most outstanding fighter

The Golden Fist Awards, producer

Guiness World record "Flying Sidekick"

Promoted several successful tournaments

Acted and/or choreographed several Martial Arts movies,

including Enter the Ninja, American Ninja series, and The Highlander

Besides all of these great things, he is also a talented artist and poet.  But all of these things are external representations of an greater inner being.  I new most of his illustrious career as a fan, although we have met in passing before, it was not until this incredible time we shared together that I finally understood the complex simplicity of this soul.

I don't believe in chance encounters, people cross our paths all of the time for some divine purpose.  Some are good and some are not, it is our discerning spirit which determines the impact we allow to manifest in our lives.  In this particular experience I got a lot of my own internal personal questions answered.  I thought we were going to discuss Martial Arts, which we did for a bit, but rather, we discussed life, the Universe, our souls, our consciousness, and many other deep subjects - just in a span of two hours. Time appeared to be standing still, as if we were transported into a special place where wisdom flowed from every word that was uttered.  I'm not trying to sensationalize the story, it's truly how I felt.  Every fiber of my consciousness was tuned into his frequency to ensure I would capture what my soul needed.  Not only was this meeting enlightening, but served as a special healing for me as well.

Although some of the things said by Sensei Mike were very basic universal truths, it struck a cord within me.  I learned to focus on loving myself first before I can love others - how many times have we heard this?  I also learned that my inner most self, my soul, is not my consciousness, my mind, or my perceived entity, rather, my actual connection to God and the Universe which is and always will be.  Unchanged, unchangeable, ever lasting, and absolute truth, which has all of the answers I need.  Connecting to my "I AM who I AM" is imperative to a fulfilled life.  I know, a bit deep, but I got it!

Sensei Mike also shared with me his secrete for success; "LET=M" (Love, Energy, and Time, equals Money or success).  That is, find what you love to do, pour all of your energy into it, over time you will succeed.  We also discussed the law of attraction, also explained in the book "The Secret", which he came to realize in his life before the book was ever published.  These are natural laws of the universe, interchangeable with God's laws that are pure truths available to enrich all of our lives.  

I asked him why, in the prime of his career, did he move across the world to a remote secluded island for the last 30 years.  His revaluation to me was incredible.  Basically, he wanted to know why things came to him so easily and was able to accomplish so much effortlessly. He needed the tranquility of this remote island and living on the beach to find his answers, for which he believes by sharing with other will enrich their lives as well.  He has written many poems, and is currently writing a series of books that will share with us his findings.  Although, he currently shares this in all of the seminars he does around the world.

I want to thank Sensei Mike for sharing his love, insights, and wisdom with me.  It may take me days, weeks or even years to totally comprehend what I learned today, but I will honor him by applying it to my life and sharing it with my students.

I just published a short PDF paper called “Anatomy of Daily Prayer”. This short, yet extremely powerful paper provides the reader with a structured systematic way to approach their daily prayers. Many books have been written on the subject; however, they are lengthy and way too detailed for the non-theologian to easily digest. This document explains the fundamentals of effective prayer, with detailed structures which make up a complete praying methodology. It includes a sample prayer, with fill-in-the-blanks sections for you to customize your communication with God to enable a fruitful and successful life. This may very well change your life!

You can find it here:

http://stores.lulu.com/store.php?fAcctID=914611

Or download it from here:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/19826924/Anatomy_of_Daily_Prayer.pdf

I hope this brings blessings to you, please forward to anyone else you desire.

Thank you for your support.

Philippine Independence Day - Carson Demo

Every year the city of Carson celebrates Philippine Independence Day in a big way. Since there are lots of Filipinos that live and have businesses in Carson, the community gets together at Veteran's Park and share their culture with the rest of Los Angeles. Lots of booths selling crafts, foods, and sharing information. But there's also an opportunity to hear music, see folkloric type dances and singers. I was honored this year by my original Sensei, Emmanuel Salomon, who asked me to bring my Gosikido School and open up the show with a demonstration. Sensei Salomon is one of the head coordinators of the event and he wanted the audience to get a little taste of different types of Martial Arts which are part of Gosikido. It was also a great opportunity to reunite Sensei Roger (right on the picture), who was one Sensei Salomon's original students and one of my mentors. So, we got the boys together and put on a show for the crowed. First, I did a Kali, Lima Lama, and Aikido demo with Humberto Ochoa. Then Carlos Valdez did a very good brick braking demonstration. It was a bit surreal having both Sensei Salomon and Sensei Roger watching me demo. You have to understand that no matter how many years go by, how many styles of Martial Arts I learn, or what rank I earn, Sensei is still my teacher. He is the one that forged who I am in the Martial Arts. I still remember that September fall semester at Banning High School, when I joined the Karate class being taught twice per week by Sensei Salomon. At the time he was teaching primarily Shotokan, but also taught us Lima Lama, Kali, and Goju. When I joined Sensei Roger was already there, a senior belt under him. He also taught me a lot, although he was the class clown - but never underestimate his power, speed, and technique. As Sensei Salomon joined the Army and had to leave for long stretches of time, Sensei Roger was always there to look after me, guide me, push me, and challenge me - I will always thank him and honor him for this, and I'm glad this generation of my students had a chance to meet them both. The demonstrations went very well, at least the brick braking was executed with good focus, Chi, and technique - which is what I always strive for. Carlos has been working very hard on improving his technique. Julio (brick braking champion), who was also there with us was also impressed with the braked and called Carlos a "Braker" - a term that must be earned, and reserved for a special class of Martial Artist. My thanks go out to my Sensei for allowing us to share what we're about!

At Half a Century

I’ve often wonder what it would feel like to live one hundred years or longer. What things will I see and experience? What kind of interesting people would I meet? What places will I visit? What else will I learn? At first, it’s just curiosity, but when you’re half way there it takes on a different meaning. One of nervousness, facing imminent mortality, as well as depression realizing that you’re not even a quarter done with your list. It is however, a great time for reflection and contemplation. There is still time, you say to yourself, I can still reach my goals, dreams and expectations. Then you see reality in the mirror – your body can’t do the things it used to, every day there’s a new pain. The paths which you have chosen are hardened and unyielding. The cards that have been dealt to you can’t be taken back; history can’t be erased; only the now and the future can be changed.

My teachings have shown me that knowledge is not enough, for it is the application of knowledge over time that gives us wisdom. Many old sayings were told to me by my parents and teachers, without meaning or understanding at times, just to become clearer many years later. Now I find myself saying them to my children and students, and as I say them I’m cognisant of the fact that they may be too young to understand. But as the old cliché says . . . plant the seed now. Many things the late Grand Master Tejero would say to me while we were drinking coffee are just now unfolding in my mind (many years after his death), as I become more and more enlightened. At least I had the foresight to capture every word he said and store it away for future use – I understood then that my time with him was short.

Just like every time I read the bible, even the same verse many times, God reveals something different, I guess he knows when we are ready to receive. I know for sure that some times I have no comprehension of what God is doing in my life, to me, or for me. Only my faith in Him and His word carries me through some days. I believe in His promises, specially the one where. . .”He will not leave us or forsake us”. If I would not believe that, I would not be able to handle some of the trials and tribulations I’ve suffered in my life. Sometimes we are so self-centred that we miss God’s Universal truths and divine plan. The cards we are dealt may not be for us, but rather, to show others love, compassion, honesty, humility, and all of those wonderful things. Hence, we are merely participants in this tangle web we live in.

Although my faith is very strong and uncompromising, as a human I some times question God’s motives – it’s O.K., I have that kind of open relationship with my living God. I have a very long list of questions for him once I’m in heaven at his feet. There are some things that I just can’t understand, things that have crushed my heart to the point of irreversible damage some times. Some people have hurt me so bad that my tears are of blood, by heart is heavy, and my soul is fractured – crying in the darkness, from such a deep place that no sound come out. Over the years, I too have hurt others, and done some things that I can’t erase or take back. Sometimes I wake up at night and wished that they never happened, but they did, and my saving thought is the pure mercy and grace of God. Most things I’ve learned to deal with one way or another, it’s what has defined me over the years and forged my character. I can frankly say that only two things have gotten me through it all, my faith in God through his word, and my Martial Arts teachings.

However, the only thing that still burdens my heart are my children. I constantly worry about them and pray for them every day. The thought of my failures affecting their lives is overwhelming. Although I will go to my grave knowing that I did my best, and had all of the best intensions for their lives. The questions will always be, was it enough, could I have done more? You can debate that for a while. It has been said that Jesus Christ did not die on the cross due to the thorns on his head or the iron rods through his hands and feet, nor the spear through his side, but rather through his broken heart from all of his children. I now understand. I pray my children will find true happiness in live, fulfil their dreams, and most importantly find God’s salvation plan – and know that I love them without limits or reservations.

Looking on a brighter note, I still have the second half of a century to grow, learn, become wiser, and fulfil Gods plan for me on earth. I trust that all whom I love will be taken care of by God; I pray that He sends His powerful angels to protect them, His Blood to heal them, and His Holy Spirit to dwell within them.

GOSIKIDO Creed

I enter my studies of Gosikido with an empty mind,
As a Martial Arts warrior practicing his craft.
I will put forth absolute respect and dedication towards my studies.
I will honor and respect my teacher and his teachers before him,
Bringing dignity to my Martial Arts lineage.

I enter the Gosikido family with humbleness,
Putting other’s needs before mine.
To serve is the highest honor; to give of one self is truth.
My strength comes from unity, my weakness is within.
My only enemy is myself; my power comes from God, my family, friends, and my Gosikido family.

I enter the world with empty hands,
My faith and my wisdom are my weapons.
I will pursue excellence in the traditions, protocols,
And etiquette of my ancestors.
I will diligently train to achieve harmony of mind, body, and spirit.
I will study the way of hard and soft Chi,
Holding life as the single most precious gift from God.

Copyright @ 2008 by Si Tai Gung Nestor Morejon, all rights reserved

A Gathering of the Old School Masters

On November 17th, 2007, Master Kidd Jason produced a Martial Arts Show and Expo at the Kempo school of Shihan Stephen Gellardo, in the city of Whittier. From left-to-right on this picture you can see Master Kidd Jason, myself, Shihan Stephen Gellardo, Grand Master Peterson, and Grand Master Jerry Bell. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, other than Kidd asked me to come and perform a demo for the Expo. I've known Kidd for many years as a top ranked competitor - I would be one of the judges in his ring, although a bit hard I was always fair. I would just call him "crazy Kidd" - even to this day he is still crazy. But one thing about Kidd, he would always be very respectful and honorable. Grand Master Peterson (at the age of 82) is still very strong and has an incredible knowledge bank in his brain that needs to be admired. His accomplishments are impressive, as one of the founding fathers of Martial Arts in the United States, dating back to post WWII. As the usual bigotry of this country towards minorities, specially African Americans, the proper credit has not be given to such pioneers. Grand Master Jerry Bell was another great competitor, not just in the U.S., but all around the world. I also judged him several times and definitely admired him from the side lines - but more about him later. As the day went on, all of us shared our knowledge with the students and guests present. It turn out to be more of an instructional type of demonstration than just a pure set of demos - this was just great, to hear and see the techniques of these top Masters. Also present was Master Jim Muse and Master Freddie Cruz, whom I have known for years in the tournament circles. More time went by and somehow the mood, context, and theme of the event suddenly changed. Now, the Masters started philosophising, and sharing their inner wisdom with all present. In retrospect, this is exactly what Kidd had in mind, to bring together a gathering of "Old School" Master to share in dialogue their foundations, protocols, and traditions - he certainly accomplished that. It started with Gran Master Bell's flawless demonstration of his system. In between his expertly delivered techniques, his words were more powerful than any strike he demonstrated. Followed by Master Jim Muse, who opened with incredible words of wisdom deeply rooted in his religious believes. So many people forget that Martial Arts is different from any other sports in the world because of it's religious beginnings. You don't have to be a Buddhist to incorporate religion into your art, all you have to do is replace the Buddhist teachings with your own truth, be it Christianity or Muslim. It was obvious that all present understood this fundamental truth, and that a true martial artist was one that harmonized his mind, body, soul, and spirit. I must say that Master Muse really impressed me when he performed his forms, and for those who know me they understand that I "rarely" get impressed. He has matured so much over the years, and finally I see his opponent (you figure that one out). One of the main reasons I accepted Kidd's invitation was to see one of the Master that I used to enjoy sitting next to at tournaments to judge weapons divisions, and on several occasion I had the pleasure of competing with some of his students, Master Freddie Cruz was still in great shape and in great spirits. It moved me to hear him describe how he has found a relationship with Jesus and now he travels everywhere evangelising his word. There was never any fear in his eyes before, of mortal things at least, but now there is absolute joy in his eyes and reassurance that he's walking with Jesus right now and if tomorrow never comes, he will be with him in heaven - what a powerful full circle embodiment of God's grace. Now, back to Grand Master Jerry Bell. I remember him as a very humble, yet incredible competitor, as a fighter as well as a Kata competitor. Every time I would see him I know I would see crisp, perfect moves. I didn't know then about his extensive background in several Martial Arts, which he studied all over the world with top Grand Masters. We know now about his successful music and movie Carree, but what always interested me was how this man "got it". The thing that is not written, or hardly taught any more. The thing that always fascinated me about my teachers. That something that separated an excellent practitioner from a true Master of the Martial Arts. My dear brother, you've got it! As I listened to his words of wisdom and saw him move so gracefully, I began to understand how he "got it". There's no magic here, it is really all about self discipline, dedication, respect, and a hunger for knowledge that never stops. I can only imagine how hard it was for him, as an African America, to penetrate the Japanese culture enough to have these top ranked Master teach him. It was also very difficult for me when I started, my teachers were very "old school" traditional Masters - what would I know about any Asian culture? they must of wondered. But I showed them respect, dedication, and adherence to proper Martial Art protocol and etiquette that is rarely seen today - then they believed me, and shared with me their way of life. Grand Master Bell must have done the same, and he is still honoring his teachers by passing their knowledge to his children and students. I never believe in coincidences, I know God speaks to us through many channels, we just have to be receptive to his ways and open in our spirits. When I got home, I played the DVD that Grand Master Bell gave me, which was a documentary on his background and style, filled with many clips and interesting interview. One of the interviews was with a student of his, who said that ". . . Grand Master Bell practices what he teaches us along side of us". A simple statement, that was meant for me. It was like I turned on my mental recorder when he spoke during the seminar, and every word he said registered with me on an interesting plane that I've yet to understand fully. The DVD just solidified some things in my mind. Again, some people are put in our path through life to edify us, guide us, empower us, reassure us, strengthen us, give us hope, and Grand Master Jerry Bell you have made a significant impact in my life in just a couple of hours. Lots of the reasons why are internal to me, and perhaps some day I will have the opportunity to share them with him. I would like to thank Master Kidd Jason for having the vision to bring together to this simple gathering a rare bread of true Masters, who's wisdom is a blessing to all of us. May the seeds planted in all that were present bring forth fruit.

LimaLama - Hand of Wisdom

Dedicated to my LimaLama Teachers . . .