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Do martial arts really have the power to create transformation? See for yourself!As a lover of education and learning and a seeker of transformation, Ron constantly pursues opportunities to expand his knowledge, skills, and abilities. This intense passion for learning encompasses all areas of his life, including martial arts. Constantly striving to improve oneself is an admirable pursuit that, at worst, costs some time and money, but imparts some small thing of value and, at best, costs more time and money, but transcends the learning niche and creates transformation in your life. Despite having trained in a number of martial arts since 1988, having had some pretty darn good teachers, learning quite a few things here and there, and experiencing some personal growth and development, Ron never felt that he was being transformed.
Ron was contacting well-known martial arts teachers in an effort to secure a teacher for a seminar he was organizing at the military base where he worked and taught. After much research, he contacted four individuals. Number one was way too expensive – well beyond his event budget. Number two did not respond initially. Numbers three and four responded. With his timeline pressing him to secure a teacher, Ron verbally committed to number three. One or two weeks after verbally committing to this teacher, he received a small package in the mail from teacher number two. What was in the package, you ask? And, why was his response delayed? The package contained two videos and a handwritten letter on professional letterhead. The letter informed Ron that the videos were his to keep regardless of whether he selected this teacher or not. As it turned out, his response was delayed because he was in Europe teaching seminars. Ron immediately watched the videos and loved what he saw! He then called teacher number two. Are you thinking … What about teacher number three? The one Ron verbally committed to. Ron called teacher number two for three reasons. Reason #1 – To thank him for the videos and handwritten letter. Reason #2 – To tell him he loved what he saw. Reason #3 – To ask him if he would be interested in teaching at next year’s seminar. You see, Ron is a man of his word! Ron had verbally committed to teacher number three and he honored that commitment.
The following year, teacher number two taught the two-day seminar. ALL feedback Ron received was extremely positive. Even the camera-woman commented on the teacher’s prowess stating, “While I’m not into martial arts, I found myself being drawn into his world. I couldn’t wait to see and hear what was next.” That statement reveals the power of martial arts to create transformation. Ron began traveling to other states to attend seminars teacher number two conducted. In the fall of the following year, Ron was in the La Jolla, California area pursuing work-related fitness and performance training. He took a week off from work to extend his stay. Why, you ask?
So he could journey north up the 405. What’s north, up the 405? Reseda. Reseda? Yes, Reseda! Are you thinking, “Why in the world would Ron want to go to Reseda?” The answer is simple. Teacher number two is located in Reseda. Has the thought entered your mind yet? What thought? Are you a movie fan? If so, you may be thinking about Danial-san and Mr. Miyagi. Mr. Miyagi? So, what are you thinking now? You’re not thinking that Ron went to Reseda to train with Mr. Miyagi, are you?
Ron arrives. Arrive where you ask? The world-renowned Magda Institute located in Reseda, CA.
Upon entering the Institute, Daniel-san and Mr. Miyagi were nowhere to be found. But what Ron did find proved to be even more satisfying to him. He found a unique school that taught far more than martial arts techniques. What made it unique? Many things! Like what? Upon entering the warm-up area, Ron noticed that the walls were adorned with pictures and writing. On one wall, there were pictures of Silat teachers that either taught at the Institute or connect to the history of the Institute. It’s a “Who’s Who” of the Silat world. On another wall, there were written passages signed by their authors. These individuals have taught at the Institute and are part of its history. It’s a “Who’s Who” of the Jeet Kune Do world. On yet another wall, there were pictures of Arnis-Escrima-Kali teachers that either taught at the Institute or connect to the history of the Institute. It’s a “Who’s Who” of the Kali world.
… a mirror on the wall. What’s so unique about a mirror on a wall? Nothing! It was the combination of the mirror and what was above it. Are you curious as to what was above the mirror? It was a question. The question read, “What is Jeet Kune Do?” Do you understand the power of the combination? The most likely place for you to stand to read the question … You guessed it … In front of the mirror.
Geometric shapes all over the floor in the class training area. There were big circles, small circles, and multiple triangles. Ron recalls wondering what that was all about. He would later discover that all were exceptionally useful to the Institute’s teachings. While there were many others, Ron will give you just one more.
Music. Not just music. Drums! The drums were used for a variety of purposes that all enhanced the training. All of the uniquities were part of the culture of transformation that teacher number two has created at his Institute. Are you ready for teacher number two to be unveiled? Sure you are!
During Ron’s initial weeklong training visit, he was determined to find the essence of the Magda Institute’s uniqueness. Through personal observations and conversations with Magda students, he discovered what was truly unique about the Magda Institute. Sure, the geometric figures on the floor were different, but what was it that brought students from Europe, Germany, Italy, and all over the United States? By the end of the week, the answer was pretty clear. It was Sifu / Guro Cass Magda and his systems. The man and his systems clearly create transformation in martial arts and life. Cass Magda? Who is he?
Cass Magda has experienced transformation firsthand. He has led a life dedicated to training, teaching, and researching martial arts. His teachers are literally a “Who’s Who” of masters in their respective arts of Jeet Kune Do, Kali and Pentjak Silat. While these teachers taught Magda plenty, it was his analytical mind that allowed him to ask the right questions and to get the answers that he needed. His prowess as a student is what allows him to excel as a teacher.
Cass Magda’s ability to apply his prowess has enabled him to create a highly effective system of martial arts that consistently produces high-quality martial artists and even higher-quality human beings. His system is primarily built on the arts of Jeet Kune Do, Kali and Pentjak Silat. Magda’s martial arts system will certainly re-define your practice of martial arts. And, if you’re like most of his students … His teachings will create transformation in your life!
All martial arts contain various techniques. As a result, all martial arts teach techniques. Few teachers, however, teach solid principles. Sifu/Guro Cass teaches principles that can be applied to one’s own art or to other arts. Magda continually stresses the importance of principles over techniques. These principles allow his students to evaluate their own techniques, as well as the techniques of other systems. For instance, when disarming he teaches: 1) two hands on the wheel, 2) make a base, 3) bring it close to you and 4) work against the thumb. This can be applied to your system’s knife disarms and in your evaluation of other system’s knife disarms.
The martial arts are Magda’s vehicle for growth and development. Fortunately, he chooses to share his vehicle with us. Magda often discusses what he calls the principle of accumulation. In a nutshell, this deals with creating positive habits. In martial arts, it could be doing your jurus (forms) every day for 5 minutes. Waiting until the end of the month and doing your jurus for 150 minutes does not accomplish the same thing. Doing it daily is what makes it a habit and is also what fosters discipline. Both good habits and discipline will serve you well in life!
One year after visiting the Magda Institute, Ron traveled to Singapore and Malaysia. He had always dreamed of visiting Asia, but had never realized that dream. His visit to the Magda Institute fueled him to realize his dream. The following year, Ron traveled back to Singapore and Malaysia. After speaking with Sifu Cass about his plans to return to Singapore and Malaysia during a summer camp at the Magda Institute, Ron decided to add Thailand to his list of destinations. During his second trip to Malaysia, he met Guro Jak Othman.
Guro Jak is the head of Harimau Berantai Silat. Sifu Cass Magda made that meeting happen. In Thailand, Ron met Piyanan Wiwatthanasetthakarn.
Who is she? Come on, you don’t know her? She is Ron’s wife! Ron is now a married man and a father. During the summer of 2008, Ron and his family returned to Thailand. During the visit, he met Guro O’ong Maryono and Mr. Songchai Rattanasubon. Who is O’ong Maryono?
He is 7- or 8-time national Silat champion of Indonesia. He now lives in Thailand. How did Ron manage to meet him? It was due to his connection to Sifu Cass Magda. What about Mr. Songchai? Who is he? He is the leading promoter of Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) in Thailand. How did Ron meet him? Cass Magda, right? Indirectly, yes! Ron met him through a friend of his wife. Remember it was Sifu Cass that convinced him to add Thailand to his trip destination list. And it was in Thailand that he met his wife. Ron’s personal transformation extends far beyond what has been shared. It obviously includes personal growth and development as a martial artist too. The point is to show you that your transformation can have VERY far-reaching effects in MANY areas of your life. As you can see, a martial arts journey can TRULY transform your life!
What would life be without dreams and journeys? Much of Ron’s family and a few of his friends think that he is certifiably crazy! Why? Because he gave up a cushy, secure government job to pursue one of his dreams, which is to open the four-state area’s finest martial arts institute. If you’re like many people, too many times you let family, friends, and significant others talk you out of chasing your dreams. You think they have your best interests at heart. They, too, may think they have your best interests at heart. But, consider this … What do you have if you don’t have dreams? Really think about that for a minute. Without dreams, what’s the point of life? Let’s take this one step further. Without pursuing your dreams, what good is it to have dreams? What purpose do the dreams serve? Pursuing your dreams gives your life REAL purpose! It is the pursuit of your dreams that provides the journeys. The journeys involve experiences that you will never forget – experiences that TRULY last a lifetime! Ron’s physical journeys have taken him all over the United States, Guam, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, as well as one Indonesian island. These journeys have left indelible images in his mind. His mental journeys have taken him from grade school, to undergraduate school, to graduate school, to lifelong learning. Continued personal growth and development demand lifelong learning. Martial arts are the perfect vehicle in the pursuit of lifelong learning.
The wonderful world of martial arts is the perfect place to begin the pursuit of your dream. The habits you form and the principles you internalize will help you in other areas of your life. Your self-development gives you the confidence and the tools to not only pursue your dreams, but to realize your dreams! Like Ron, the journeys you experience along the way will leave indelible images in your mind. So, what are you waiting for?
You do not want to miss this life-changing opportunity! Sure, you will learn some techniques. More importantly, however, you will learn principles, tactics and strategies. You will experience philosophy in action. Your transformation will be a fruitful journey! So, you should get started NOW! HIMA provides martial arts solutions that: · Develop your self-defense skills, · Improve your physical fitness, · Provide you with a stress-releasing outlet, and · Stimulate your personal growth and development through a practically-researched, time-tested, results-driven system that is delivered by passionate professionals to produce martial artists who excel in life. To begin your transformation NOW, see FREE Classes. |
