Post
Backyard Miyagis' of the World Unite
What Martial Artist could truly forget the bond between teacher and student in the classic movie Karate Kid? I have studied Martial Arts since I was 15 years old, I am 43 now... you can do the math, but this is not my point. I find it sickening that Martial Arts today is nothing more than a money making business, what with federation dues, monthly fees and testing fees one has to spend a small fortune just to study the Martial Arts.
My Son and I, along with an old High school friend of mine and his Son, make a weekly pilgrimage to Master John Santiago's garage. It is there that we learn the true essence of the Martial Arts, without, federation dues, monthly fees or testing fees. There is no hype, there is no flare, there are no patches, and there are no belts... just a bond between student and master and a pure passion to simply study Martial Arts.
I know there are a handful of Sensei's out there who share that same passion, and to them I say, "Open up your garages, backyards and hearts... not your bank accounts for those who have a passion to just simply learn!"
- I know what you you mean. I met my Jun Fan/ JKD/ Kali teacher through another instuctor. And I trained with him for many years at his home. He never charged me for this, and he let be borrow equipment and things I needed to train with at home anytime I wanted, untill I could get my own. It has been many years and I still stop by and we train together from time to time. And this all started over 25 years ago. He still trains others at his home gym now. He is a student of Burton RIchardson, the late, great Larry Hartsell, and Jearl Sutherland: a student ot Hartsell and former sparring of Joe Lewis-student of Bruce Lee and a former world champion kickboxer. He is a great instructor and friend to this day, who just enjoys the martial arts and teacher others.
By 
