Perseverance
“Press on: Nothing in the world can take the place of perseverance. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.”
— Calving Coolidge 1872
For as long as I can remember, these worlds from Calvin Coolidge have adorned my father’s home office wall. When I was a young boy, my father used these words to reach out and teach me the importance of perseverance. My father through his very life was an inspiration to me. He persevered through some of the most difficult moments and I am forever thankful he planted this seed with me so very long ago…
Sensei, many years later you took this lesson of perseverance to new heights for me. Through your teachings perseverance has truly become a way of life. The reinforcement of this lesson planted by my father so long ago has forever changed my life. I am forever grateful.
The birthday gift I humbly offer you on your birthday embodies this gift of perseverance. Allow me to explain. I was in Tampa, Florida for a business trip when Ari called last May to inform me that you had suspended my private instruction and that I was no long an “inside student”. Sensei I was devastated. I literally felt sick to my stomach. Sadness and emptiness took over. After the news it was difficult for me to face you. I was ashamed and know that words meant little in the way of explanation.
Thank you Sensei for calling when you did last year. It meant the world to me. Thank you for allowing me to return and not asking me to being from white belt. I know this was a gift and I have taken it to heart. Thank you Sensei for allowing me to return to senior classes. I am honored and humbled by your decision. Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do for me.
Happy birthday Sensei
Respectfully your student,
Rudy
Sensei Eduard,
The introductory classes have been quite a learning experience. Thank you for your time and expertise of the past months. Now that I have been introduced to the art and way of life of Ninpo, I must say that my expectation have been met many times over. I now feel certain that you will play a large role in my life.
After learning of my anxiety disorder some time ago and dealing with its effects I chose to search out a different path for my future. Understanding the mind has been of great focus in the past two years. Meditation has helped immensely but I believe that my membership to Bufu Ikan Ko Ryu Dojo will be the true catalyst to my breaking through free from the mind.
I know I have a long and challenging journey ahead of myself. I also know that this journey will probably last me a lifetime at the least. These are some reasons for which I feel your guidance would be key in allowing my spirit to flourish as it was meant to be.
As I enter this new phase of training I will ask more of myself to propel forward into an awareness that will one day bring me into being…
A complete human being
Domo Arigato Sensei,
Frantz Nelson
Here is my story.
In short I would describe my experience at Bufu Ikan Ko Ryu Dojo as an old dream came true.
Since my school time I was dreaming to learn Martial Art. I was afraid to make it true. I had many different fears because of my left hip – it doesn’t work.
At the moment I was tired to be afraid – I have come to our Dojo. Today, I can do things that I couldn’t imagine I would ever be able to do. Every class for me is a step forward and after every class I feel that something important is accomplished. All this making me to keep going and I am so happy, I am doing this.
Pavel Gouchtchine.
Bufu Ikan Ko Ryu Dojo student.