By Barbara Vasquez

You may find this hard to believe, but my impression of the martial arts changed upon completion of my very first class at Universal Martial Arts. Prior to that Wednesday evening in June my motivation was purely for physical activity. I walked away that evening with a new sense of adventure, a quest for a lifestyle that I had never before encountered or imagined. Yes, I was tired physically but mentally I was invigorated and stimulated. I welcomed this exhilarating feeling which I had only experienced twice in the past; the first when I steered my boat on the water and the second was the first time I rode my Harley down a winding country road. Putting it down on paper seems a bit strange to compare these feelings, as I would never have thought that I could feel like this in a room, in doors. However, Universal Martial Arts is in fact much more than a room in doors. To me it is a place I come to free my mind, release myself from the daily stress and pressures of running a business, to dedicate time to myself. Yet at the same time I get so much more, I find myself repeating the things we are taught here in my mind i.e. respecting others and their property, being kind and helpful, expecting the best not the worst. This is very helpful to me as over the years I believe I have allowed myself to harden a bit towards other people, expecting the worst from the beginning because I felt that way I would not be disappointed. Attending classes and listening to what is taught is allowing me to be kinder, less judgmental person, yet at the same time has made me more committed to whatever tasks are presented to me, large or small. If I had to put in one sentence as to why I come to Universal Martial Arts I would say ‘because it makes me a better person’. In the last 9 months I have obtained a broader understanding of the things that are continuously taught and implemented at Universal Martial Arts among these are;RESPECT – understanding that all people and things have value by showing high regard and consideration for others, our self, our community, and our environment.HONOR – portrays self-respect; dignity and courage. An honorable person has excellence of character, a high moral standard, integrity and is trustworthy.LOYALTY – signifies a devotion and attachment to a particular person, place, an ideal, duty or a cause. It must be expressed in both thought and action. Loyalty is a faithful allegiance with which you defend that person or cause and not falter no matter the obstacles.