From The Black Belt Book of Life: Secrets of a Martial Arts Master.
As the greatest gift exacts the greatest price,
the greatest accomplishment
exacts the greatest sacrifice.
Spiritual development requires great sacrifice.
Sacrifice, which is the passion of great souls, has never been the law of societies.
Great achievement is usually born of great sacrifice, and is never the result of selfishness.
Alexander the Great was one of history’s greatest military leaders. He lived in the 3rd Century B.C. and was never defeated in battle.
As King of Macedon, Alexander created one of the largest empires in the ancient world.
The following quote (or a facsimile) is attributed to Alexander. It emphasizes the immense power of leadership.
Great fighters are great thinkers. Battles are won with brain, not brawn. Sun Tzu’s words of avoiding peril are as universally true today as they were in his time.
It’s hard to believe how fast time flies. Yet, the special memories of days-gone-by fortunately do not die but forever remain imprinted on those of us who lived them.
So many Black Belts have sent emails recalling, and being grateful for, the glorious past and brotherhood they created through their enormous personal gifts and exceptional energies.
The following photo was taken on Saturday, 9 June 1990, at our KIA studio in Lake Forest, CA, after a Black Belt Coronation ceremony honoring Rod “Rock” Hickman, Eric “E.V.” Vind, Ken “Ramjet” Rogers (now Anderson) and Rose “Renegade” Hoberg.
The strongest man in the world is he who stands most alone.
I am sure of this, that by going much alone a man will get more of a noble courage in thought and word than from all the wisdom that is in books.
We must learn to live with ourselves, independently of anything in this world.
I never must forget that none’s my true companion here, for all are gathered here for selfish ends.
From The Black Belt Book of Life: Secrets of a Martial Arts Master.
Symbol before substance —
pandemic renowned.
Symbol before substance —
deluded clown.
Substance Before Symbol —
turn it around.
Substance Before Symbol —
deservéd crown!
Beware that you do not lose the substance by grasping at the shadow.
Be not deceived with the first appearance of things, for show is not substance.
The leader shows that style is no substitute for substance.