Many times, over the course of several years, I realized I needed to follow a healthy lifestyle,…read morebut I sure didn't want to go to a gym! What was this lazy 50 year old advertising agency guy going to do? I was never an athlete growing up and I can tell you that I have never set foot inside of an LA Fitness. I tried out various in-home fitness programs and saw some results, but it became boring for me, I quickly lost interest and there was a complete absence of motivation and challenge. Although I was always eating healthy, I knew I needed to find some kind of fitness program in order for my diet to be worth the effort. I needed something more, but what?
Oh, how lucky I was that there was someone in my life who cared enough to give me one of the greatest gifts I could ever hope for: an introduction into the world of martial arts. My friend brought me to a different school that was teaching a watered down version of what I call "moo doe lite". Moo doe (which is taught at Oom Yung Doe) is traditional martial arts, with lineage that goes back centuries and was only passed on to the wealthy and privileged in East Asia. After spending almost two years at this other school, I was naturally led to the School of Oom Yung Doe in Oviedo for more proper and advanced training and focus. Our school teaches the principles of 8 martial arts combined and taught as one - it is brilliant! We learn the principles of Kung Fu, Bagwa, Aikido, Tae Kwon Do, Jujitsu, Tai Chi and all the classic martial arts weapons are available to learn. I instantly felt comfortable that this was the correct path for me. The increase in my strength, coordination, flexibility and even my confidence is unbelievable.
One of my favorite parts of the school is the amazing students I have met and the quality, dedication and a sincere sense of caring from the Instructors. The leader of our school, National Instructor Rich, has been practicing for almost 40 years and teaches classes every week. There are also two Head Instructors who consistently provide some of the most rewarding and challenging lessons available. The Instructors truly make this school one of the finest martial arts school in the country. And if that's not already amazing, we have regular visits from International Instructors and Masters who provide specialized training throughout the year. You could not ask for a more talented, experienced and honorable group.
During my journey I quickly noticed improvements at work in the form of my focus, energy level, problem solving abilities, attitude and patience. My boss has commented to me numerous times that I am "on fire". My clients benefit from my increased level of creativity and leadership, and see their business goals being clearly defined and hit on a regular basis. I am excited to see how I progress further through my training.
Over and over again I found myself applying principles from class into my personal life; not just saying them, but incorporating them into my life. Through my training at Oom Yung Doe I have learned about what's truly important in life and how to become a better man... a better citizen... a better human being. It's more that just sweating, it's about following the correct path in life and making a difference for those important people in your life. And the most beautiful part of all of this is that I have just scratched the surface. But, how lucky am I to have received this gift of learning traditional moo doe from some of the most amazing people in the country.
Every day I realize how much I am benefiting my mind, body and spirt. I envision myself practicing traditional moo doe for the rest of my life... an endless supply of positive energy and movements added to my life. A group of people that I am proud to be associated with and who I am proud to serve, learn from and become more like them. I have barely started learning all there is to learn at Oom Yung Doe. Please check back in a year or so and I'll update you on my journey! In the meantime I hope to see you in class - adults, teens and kids always welcomed!