Why do you do IT?

Quite often I got asked during my time with Mr. Strickland why I taught class, why I gave my time to the Martial Arts students, or why I spent the entire day judging tournaments instead of getting out and seeing the sites. Regardless of which of these questions I was asked, the answer was always the same. I did “it” because it was something that I truly enjoyed. The enjoyment was not in the school itself, which was just a hollow building. The students were what gave meaning to the school and each student was different in their challenges and talents. When I watched a student that finally understood that using a lead leg kick works better for sparring; seeing their “ahhh” moment when they made that connection between what they were being taught and what they were doing, I knew that I had made a positive impact on them.

There was a time when I was just like them. When my instructors would tell me to do something and I just could not get it right. I remember my first martial arts instructor (Sensei Bieske) who would say: “Juanita-san do it again, but this time do it right”! He had the patience of a saint, and in the end, I was heartbroken when we moved away and I had to leave my aikido friends behind. I knew that the hard work and discipline had really paid off when I looked into other martial arts schools and I was not satisfied with their programs. Mr. Strickland allowed me the privilege of working with his students and in doing so gave me the opportunity to share my love of the martial arts with them. I also tried to apply Sensei Bieske’s lessons in patience and footwork. This was my way of giving back to everyone that took the time to work with me, and it helped me to develop my skills.

But “giving back” was not something that I just did at Strickland’s Martial Arts. It is something that applies to all aspects of my life even today. Part of the reason that my schedule is so hectic is that I truly believe that one person is capable of making a difference. So I give my me time to working with youth at our church, doing mission work, supporting the Susan G. Komen organization, helping with collections for clothing, food, medical supplies, etc.

“It” had become a part of me, and I I loved to teach! I miss the school greatly. If not for the many injury’s I sustained over the years in life I would still be there today! I like to think that perhaps I inspired someone when I was teaching class there, with that same love of martial arts that had been passed on to me.

Mrs. Juanita Clements