During mat-chat for the adult class, Instr. Mears reviewed the objectives of the UKKSA, and paid particular attention to Association Objective # 4 - To Contribute To The Prosperity And Improvement of Each Other By Developing Closer Relationships.

This is a powerful topic for me. There are many places you can go for instruction on kicking drills, proper form, how to beat the bejesus out of someone, and what equipment is required -- and who it must be purchased from. And I have to tell you, the school I choose to attend is one of the least convenient insofar as location. We drive about 20 miles across town to class, passing several other branches and different martial arts schools on the way. Why do we do it?

The Relationships. Two of my very best friends and their children attend Mears Karate, the Summerfield branch of the UKKSA. They introduced me to Sr. Head Instructor Brad Mears, who impressed me as a thoughtful, dedicated, and exuberant teacher; I got this impression from our short meeting at my friends wedding celebration, and it has been proven true repeatedly. After one visit to the school I was struck by the teamwork and camaraderie between the class members. I was hooked and wanted in.

Now that my family has been training for 3-4 months, I have seen and experienced these connections first hand. These Relationships. I work with students many ranks higher than myself, but I never feel like "the n00b in the white belt." In these few months I have met and connected with a wonderful group of people, and they are just the first circle of students -- our branch. The commitment and friendship extends between all branches and students in varying degrees, different but always apparent, always positive, always valuable.

These relationships...these friends...inspire and encourage me. No one is judgmental. When I try and don't succeed completely, or even partially, all I hear is encouragement, support, and constructive advice. Instr. Mears insists on respectful behavior -- and is quick to call out a student who loses focus or drifts away from the matter at hand -- but maintains a warm and friendly training environment. All of his black belt instructors are knowledgeable and supportive leaders and each an accomplished martial artist in his or her own regard. And they are as humble, committed, and caring as Instr. Mears himself.

This single objective, and the way it is demonstrated by every association member I have met, is more valuable and important to me than any degree or symbol of skill I may achieve, the number of bricks I may break, or any tournament awards I may achieve. These people who train, study, sweat, and achieve with me are what makes the UKKSA great and makes me humbly honored to be a member.

And it doesn't hurt that we have some top-notch practitioners among our highest ranks...but that is just icing on the cake. The people themselves and our bonds are the reward.

I hope you find this as inspiring to read as it has been for me to experience. I encourage you to call Instr. Mears or any of the UKKSA branches near you to find out how you can begin to build these profound relationships -- and learn some great self-defense while you are growing with us!"

Respectfully,

Jeff Pettorino
White Belt student
Summerfield Branch of the Universal Kempo Karate Schools Association