Into No Man's Land

Last year I was struggling to let go, struggling to get up and go...I was gifted with incredible insight from a beautiful friend and this led to a series of wiritngs that helped me found a march across Canada. I started this march to bring awareness to PTSD and to find myself on a much deeper level. It was time to step out of the basement and into the sunlight so to speak...

Many of our children and youth face incredible challenges on a daily basis and do not know how to bring voice to their suffering. Many allow actions to speak for them. I understand the silence and the need to allow something else to give voice to one's suffering. I spent years intensely challenging myself physically as this was such a great voice for me. I had success in a multitude of sports and knew this was my way of both coping and growing.

It took me until the age of 44 to really find my voice. I do not want to see others have to wait so long to find their voice or expression. I know the martial arts have saved my life in so many ways on so many occasions. The skills I learned in old school dojos, new school dojos and the school of hard knocks have shaped me in so many ways, but they were not my voice. My voice was in there and wanting to be spoken and definitely wanting to be heard.

As I walked across the country, I gained a vast respect for this incredible country of ours. Its beauty took my breath on more days than I can remember. The people of Canada demonstrated a kindness and support that is the hallmark of Canadians around the world. I started the march alone and a team completed the task. It was successful beyond measure and a great chapter in my life. It allowed me the time and space to step back from my life and career. I gained the objectivity I needed to realign with my purpose.

I love the martial arts and all they bring to my life. I want to offer the opportunity for youth to step onto a road that will challenge them, reward them and offer to balance their lives. Our future lies in the youth of today and I want to be part of that great mystery!

See you on the mats!

Osu!

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