!!!Gung Hey Fa Choy !!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR OF THE RAT!

February 4, 2008, is the First Day of the First Month of the Year of the Boar; which occurs every sixty years in the Chinese Lunar Calendar. Chinese New Year falls on the second new Moon after the Winter Solstice. The calendar is composed of Five Elemental Cycles (Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Wood) of twelve years, each of which is named for a specific animal to indicate the type of year it will be. For more details, click here: http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/2008.htm

The Year 2008 (Brown Rat) is the 4705th Chinese year. The Chinese believe that the first king of China was the Yellow King (he was not the first emperor of China). The Yellow King became king in 2697 B.C., therefore China will enter the 4705th year on February 4th, 2008. Also, the Chinese Year uses the cycle of 60 Stem-Branch counting systems and the Brown Rat is the 25th Stem-Branch in the cycle. Since 4705 = (60 *78) + 25, therefore this Brown Rat Year is the 4705th Chinese Year.

It will be the first day of the Tiger Month, a time of new beginnings. Last year marked the transition from Water element to one of Air. This period of change will be complete on the Winter Solstice of the year 2011 on the Western calendar. Water was an emotional period, Air will be intellectual. During this time there will be a great awakening of consciousness. People will begin to see what is truly important and put aside materialism and petty hatreds. It will be a time when the truth will be known and the people will be free.

“Have no fear.”

This is the message of the Year of the Rat.

At the DOJO Academy of Martial Arts we focus on cultivating three things- mind, body and spirit. Development of the mind can only be achieved when the body has been trained.
For each member martial arts trains and disciplines the body. All disciplines are respected equally. Exchange of knowledge and mutual respect is the key to harmony. This way, we can work together. We should not have disrespect or fight among ourselves. We need to be strong so we can set a good example for all.
For many years martial artists have been their own worst enemies. Arguing about whose style is superior, whose teacher was better, or whose list of masters was longer. When we do that we miss the great beauty of martial arts, the training, the feeling of accomplishment and self esteem.
Countless Kung Fu movies have perpetuated misconceptions and stereotypes about martial arts. They reinforce the idea that it is about killing and vengeance, or hatred and anger. Some people think it is about being the best, number one, the champion of all martial arts. But that is not the real goal.
The true purpose is making peace, avoiding conflict, finding one’s Self and living in harmony with the universe.
Real martial arts are for self defense. They are based on the principle that a best offense is a good defense because by your very readiness you forestall conflict. The better martial artist you are, the better peacemaker you should be. Violence is not the only solution. Force is only justified to establish, restore or maintain good order. In martial arts you use violence to beat up the other person. But, you only can beat up their body. You never change their heart that way.
In the end, it is self discovery and the choices we make that shape our their character and our own. Through the realization that the most formidable enemy lies within oneself, the martial artist strives to become a better human being.

There is no one style that is better than another. Only different levels of skill. It is through training that one discovers one’s true strength. Jet Li

We only contest with each other to determine our level of skill. Not to kill, to dominate, to impose our will. Only to test ourselves, against ourselves, so that we may discover ourselves and continue to grow and evolve to become better people.
We do not ask you to learn our syllabus. Each school and each man must find his own way. We ask only that you share your style with us, so that we may learn from each other. And, join us in preserving, practicing and promoting the martial arts. So that none will be lost.
We don’t want to rule or conquer anyone. We want to help one another. We want to celebrate each other’s happiness, not profit from each other’s misery. There is room for everyone and plenty for all if we share. If we hoard, there is never enough. Life should be free and beautiful. But, we have lost the way.
The 21st century has brought us closer together, but not closer to each other. Even now, these words are reaching millions throughout the world, suffering under the yoke oppressive governments and economic slavery. The very nature of this age of communication cries out to the universal brotherhood of all men. And to those who waited and watched for a sign and come here seeking it, we say to you, “Things are getting better…”

The misery and chaos that grips the world is but the passing of greed, avarice, envy, and selfishness into the past. It is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius, when peace will guide the planets and love will fill the stars.
You, the people, have the power to create your own happiness, to make your life a wonderful adventure. Let us unite, let us use that power to create a new world, a decent world, where religion will empower us instead of enslave us, where leaders will lead instead of making empty promises, where all will share in the bounty of life instead of the few ruling the many with fear and guilt and greed. Let us awaken to what is truly important and free the world, do away with hate and intolerance, and build a future where science and progress will work for the benefit of all mankind.
We are coming into a new age, when men will rise above hate and brutality, out of the darkness into the light.
Soon you will see this. As it comes into your life you will notice that an old fear or anger has slipped away; that you see a new beauty in the sunrise or the sound of a flute on the wind. By these signs you will know that Change is upon us, and not be afraid.
Each of us has a responsibility to the future and to the past. To learn the lessons of the past and not let them be forgotten. And for the future, to be ready. No one can say what tomorrow may bring. What will happen in one’s life is already written. But, we must choose to be there. No one can tell you what your purpose is, you must discover the Path for yourself. This can only be done through the relentless pursuit of self improvement. The mood of the warrior is waiting, waiting for something wonderful to happen. Until then, we train to be ready.

You cannot choose when you were born, but you can choose how you face life. This is one path. Do your best. That is all that is expected of you… Jet Li

Live Long and Prosper
Happy Chinese New Year of the Boar!

I remain,
Ashida Kim