I started training (well that was not what I was thinking at the time) five (5) years ago with Ken Akiyama. I was overweight with 38″ waist and taking medication for high blood pressure, cholesterol and pre diabetes. Kind of a human ticking time bomb. My motivation to start was my son who at the time was interested in martial arts. I was just keen to spend some time with him and if I could loose a light around the waistline, well you get the idea, it could only be good.
I was running a business, smoking a pack a day, and drinking myself to oblivion. Not a good picture, I know. Well, I got started and after a few days of training with both Sensei Ken and Mandy Akiyama I discovered something; I wasn’t very fit!!! :stands back in amazement: I was in bad shape… But I had entered into the right place at the right time in my life, with the right people.
It was not long before I discovered something about myself, martial arts, and life – and I know you have heard this before – “You get out what you put in.” Well, I was working long and hard days and sure as eggs are eggs I was not wanting to go to dojo every night. But, the funny thing was, I was feeling fantastic every night that I did go to class… Some nights I had to kick myself in order to attend class and I still do, five years later, oh and my waistline is now 28″ and I’m off all the meds.
Truth be known, this has saved my life. I just don’t understand why we don’t all train at Akiyama Martial Arts. Well, I kind of do. It’s very hard to walk through that door and martial arts may seem silly, yes silly but its not. There is a change you / we can all make in our lives for the better and beginning you training at the right dojo at the right time with the right people is just that change you need to make. Hey, don’t just listen to me, come on in, I’m there every night and thrilled to see new members make this incredible journey in life. It’s not always easy but you will end up feeling fantastic, I guarantee you that.
Russ, Age 58
Executive
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