Episode 957 - Uechi Con-versations Part 1

In this episode Jeremy interviews some of the graduating class at the 2024 Uechi Con. These advanced rank students tested the night before.

Uechi Con-versations Part 1 - Episode 957

SUMMARY

This conversation explores the profound impact of martial arts on personal growth, emotional resilience, and community building. Participants share their experiences with testing for advanced ranks, the emotional journey involved, and how martial arts has shaped their lives beyond the dojo. The discussion highlights the importance of mindset, integrity, and leadership skills developed through training, as well as the joy and fulfillment that comes from pursuing martial arts as a lifelong journey.

TAKEAWAYS

• The journey in martial arts is about personal stories and shared experiences.

• Testing for advanced ranks brings a mix of nerves and excitement.

• Emotional growth is a significant part of the martial arts journey.

• Mindset plays a crucial role in performance during tests.

• Stress management is a key skill learned through martial arts training.

• Martial arts is not just a practice; it's a lifestyle.

• Authenticity and community are vital in the martial arts world.

• Integrity is essential in both martial arts and personal life.

• Leadership skills gained from martial arts training are applicable in various fields.

• Martial arts fosters resilience and the ability to overcome challenges.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to the Martial Arts Journey
02:18 Testing for Advanced Ranks
03:12 Emotional Growth Through Testing
06:30 Mindset and Performance in Martial Arts
08:41 The Role of Stress in Martial Arts
10:56 Martial Arts as a Lifestyle
12:20 Authenticity in the Martial Arts Community
14:50 The Impact of Martial Arts on Personal Integrity
17:45 Leadership Skills from Martial Arts Training
19:52 The Transformative Power of Martial Arts
22:07 Learning to Learn Through Martial Arts
24:29 Strength Beyond Physicality
26:29 Happiness and Accomplishment in Martial Arts

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Show Transcript

Jeremy (00:00.142)

Alright, let's start over here. Introduce yourself and tell us...

Jeremy (01:28.661)

and tell us.

Jeremy L (01:31.688)

No, we'll just start there. We'll come back to the other things. Michael Corcoran, I started at BuzzDarkens. Way back. How about we start there and who you started training with, at least within this organization? Frank Petzold, I started with Sensei Rosamack in Pepperill, Massachusetts. I'm Brian Edmonds. I started when I was four years old with Sensei Neil Stone. Erica Cross McDonald and...

Jeremy (01:32.052)

No, we'll just start there. We'll come back to the other things.

Jeremy (01:32.111)

No, we'll just go.

Jeremy (01:35.929)

started at? Yeah. How about who you started at?

Jeremy (01:37.733)

Yeah, yeah. How about we start there and who you started training with? At least within this organization.

Jeremy (01:47.921)

Sensei Rosamec, Pepperon, Massachusetts. I'm Adam Grant. I started when I was four years old with Sensei Neil Stone. Eric O 'Connell. I also started Sensei Rosamec in Pepperon, Mass. I'm I started and I'm still with Sensei Buster. 45 years. Jonathan Ross. started training in 1992.

Jeremy (01:47.98)

across me.

Jeremy (01:53.804)

for your students.

Eric across McDonald. also started at so sensei Rosmix in Peppermint. Hey Carter, I started in our still with sensei buzz jerking. years. Jonathan Ross. I started training in 1992 with Nancy Govinda.

Jeremy L (01:59.424)

started at Sensei Rosalux in Pepperl, Mass. I'm I started in our still with Sensei Fuzder in 25 years. Jonathan Ross. I started training in 1992 with Nancy Gov.

So one of the things that you all have in common is that you tested for advanced rank last night. And one of the things I find interesting when you get into an organization that has a lot of higher ranks is things start to stratify a little bit, right? You don't teach the, these higher rank tests the same way that you might treat a showdown test. And I've had to step in when I was doing a high rank on a showdown test.

Jeremy (02:18.581)

So one of the things that you all have in common is that you tested for advanced rank last time. And one of the things I find interesting, when you get into an organization that has a lot of higher ranks, is things start to stratify a little bit, right? You don't treat these higher ranked tests the same way you might treat a showdown test. And I had to step in when I was doing a high rank on a showdown test.

Jeremy (02:18.651)

So one of the things that you all have common is that you tested for advanced rank last time. And one of the things I find interesting when you get into an organization that has a lot of higher ranks is things start to stratify. You don't teach these, treat these higher rank tests the same way you treat a showdown test. And I had to step in when I was doing a high rank showdown test.

Jeremy L (02:47.175)

It happens a little differently. So what I'd love for you to start with is how did you feel during your testing last night versus prior tests? That could be first degree, could be your first test. It doesn't matter to me, but I want to get some understanding of the contrast.

Jeremy (02:47.539)

it happens a little differently. So what I'd love for you to start with is...

Jeremy (02:47.587)

it happens a little differently. So what I come up with, just to start with, is how do you feel during the contest from last night versus prior to that? Could it be first degree? Could it be your first test? It matter to me, but I wanted to get some understanding of the context.

Jeremy (02:54.869)

How did you feel during your testing last night versus prior tests? That could be first degree, it could be your first test. It doesn't matter to me, but I want to get some understanding of the contrast.

Jeremy L (03:12.082)

Let me start, if I may. More comfortable. I have been studying now for a certain amount of time. I know what I'm doing and finally being able to express myself and show it. Right? That's all what I wanted to do. And before that, I write the show down. You don't know what you're getting yourself into.

Jeremy (03:12.565)

me start, please.

Jeremy (03:12.689)

I have been studying for a certain amount of time.

Jeremy (03:15.967)

Go for it.

Jeremy (03:24.245)

I know what I'm doing, and finding being able to express myself and show it, right? That's all that I wanted. And before that, I write this journal. You don't know what you're getting yourself into. It gets a little bit better. And as you progress, but when you expect to hit a master, right? There should be automatisms in place. There should be something which shows how you express yourself, how you perform.

Jeremy (03:26.683)

find it to be able to express itself and show it. That's all we want to do. for that, I'm what you're getting yourself into. You need to get some of that back and ask your parents. But when you expect to hit the ballast again, there should be audits in some places. There should be something which shows how you express yourself, how you perform.

Jeremy L (03:37.927)

gets a little bit better and as you progress. But when you expect to hit a master rank, there should be automatisms in place. There should be something which shows how you express yourself, how you perform. And that basically, right, I was eager to show that to our senior masters.

Jeremy (03:54.067)

And that basically, right, I was eager to show that to our senior masters. Going off of that, I think that when you're testing for a really junior rank, for me at least, there were nerves, it was about me and showing off me. But I think last night I was more concerned with making my sensei proud, showing off what he has taught me than I was about myself. To that point, our fellow students as well, we have a certain responsibility.

Jeremy (03:54.161)

And that was eager to show that to our senior. And going off of that, think that when you're testing for a real junior rank, for me, there were nerves about me and showing off me. But I think last night I was more concerned making my sensei proud, showing showing how he has taught me than I was about myself. Our fellow students as well, we have a certain responsibility to...

Jeremy L (04:00.637)

And going off of that, think that when you're testing for a really junior rank, for me at least, there were nerves and it was about me and showing off me. But I think last night I was more concerned with making my sensei proud and showing off what he has taught me than I was about myself. To that point, our fellow students as well, we have a certain responsibility. I don't want to let them down. So, Brian, good point. You're agreeing with that.

Jeremy (04:23.581)

let them down, right? but, but, you're, you're agreeing with that. I'm seeing God and I'm hearing. Yeah. think the funny part is last night it was kind of like, we'd already actually had the decision that we were going to be testing and that was already kind of done. And like, so all of that stuff is like already happening. We're not putting you up for a master's rank unless they're sure you're ready. Ironically, like when my tests,

Jeremy (04:23.985)

You're agreeing with that. You're seeing dog and I'm hearing... Yeah, I think the funny part is, last night it was kind of quiet. We'd already had the decision that we were going be testing. That was already been done. So all of that stuff was already happening. We're not putting in for masters nonetheless. They're surely right. Ironically, one of my tests...

Jeremy L (04:28.72)

I'm seeing nods and I'm hearing... I think the funny part is last night it was kind of like we'd already actually kind of the decision that we were going to be testing and that was already kind of done and like so all that stuff is like already happening we're not putting you up for a Masters rank unless they're sure you're ready ironically like when my tests so to speak happened was like six eight months ago and Cedric was like yeah you can test them

Jeremy (04:52.189)

so to speak happened was like six, eight months ago when it Zedrick was like, yeah, you can test him. It was like the go ahead, which is like, I didn't even think about that that day. That's the day I really should have been nervous. But it's like, was actually nervous last night because I was like, don't screw up, don't screw up, don't screw up. I think that's important because it comes down to mindset. Like that's martial arts, right? That's an aspect of martial arts too. So if you're not prepared to test,

Jeremy (04:52.251)

So to speak happened like six, three months ago. was like, yeah, you can test it. It was like, go ahead, which is like, no, I didn't even think about that. That's the day I was a little nervous. But it's like, was definitely in the plastic. Don't screw up. Don't screw up. screw up. I think that's important because it comes down to mindset. Like, as a martial artist, right? It's an aspect of martial arts too. So if you're not prepared to practice it.

Jeremy L (04:58.138)

It was like the go ahead, which is like, no, I didn't even think about that that day. That's the day I really should have been nervous. But it's like I was I was actually nervous last day because I was like, don't screw up. Don't screw up. Don't screw up. It's like, yeah, it comes down to mindset like that martial arts. That's an aspect of martial arts. So if you're not prepared to test like that, it just has it's a it's part of the training. That's the way I should have approached it.

Jeremy (05:20.294)

like that it just has its, it's part of the training, right? So that's the way I sort of approached it. So the question that you asked was you were trying to understand the difference, the contrast between how we felt when we tested for showdown and how we felt when we tested last night. And for me, I would say there's no difference. I felt exactly the same. The only difference is

Jeremy (05:20.399)

like that he just has it. It's part of the trade.

Jeremy L (05:27.419)

So the question that you asked was, you were trying to understand the difference, the contrast between how we felt when we tested for SHODAN and how

Jeremy (05:27.825)

So the question that you asked was, you were trying to understand the difference and contrast between how we felt when we showed up and how we tackled the flow. We tested last night, and for me, was saying there was no difference. I felt the attack.

Jeremy L (05:41.263)

me, would say there's no difference. I felt exactly the same. The only difference is I've learned how to do it.

Jeremy (05:48.283)

the only difference is I've learned how to work with others. So, you know, if I had...

Jeremy (05:49.926)

I've learned how to deal with it better.

Jeremy L (05:58.893)

Anxiety. Who is this anxiety that goes on? You don't want to let your teacher down. You don't want let the people who helped you

Jeremy (05:59.236)

Anxiety, right? There's anxiety that goes, you don't want to let your teacher down. You don't want to let the people who helped you down. But I think over the years, something I've picked up is when you feel like that, just how to work through it, how to cope with it. And basically, you're scared, but you do it anyway. And that's something I think that our mentors have instilled in us over a long period of time.

Jeremy (05:59.299)

anxiety.

Jeremy L (06:11.77)

feel like that just how to work through it, how to cope with it. Basically you're scared of doing anything.

Jeremy L (06:26.305)

still been us over a long period of time. So I was really nervous for a few weeks leading up to all of this for probably a month or so. But something yesterday just kind of clicked in me as in I know what I know. I am here for a reason. I would not be here if people did not have that confidence in me. And so that helped me as well.

Jeremy (06:30.436)

So I was really nervous for a few weeks leading up to all of this for probably a month or so. But something yesterday just kind of clicked in me as I know what I know. I'm in here for a reason. I would not be here if people did not have that confidence in me. And so that helped me as well. Just get up there and do what you have the time to do.

Jeremy (06:43.375)

I would not be here if people did not have that confidence in me and so that helped me as well. You just get up there and you do what you have been taught to do. Just sort going on with that, I thought a lot about, you know, when you get to a basketball game, stress is part of life. think that when it comes to martial arts or junior rank, you think about the karate, the physical moves, but...

Jeremy L (06:49.657)

just get up there and you do what you've been taught to do.

Jeremy (06:58.073)

you get to a master, it's stress of our life when it comes to martial arts.

Think about the crying of this person at this point in time. I think about my mom's cries. Or when the unexpected happens. I'm with...

Jeremy (07:10.435)

At

Jeremy L (07:19.562)

Me? that's just at the dojo. But when you're at work, when you're in life, when those unexpected moments happen, that's when your martial arts grounds you. And it's the same thing last night. It's in a moment that, you know, that's an expected stress. I think at this point a lot of us can really handle those things. add something to it is we're actually learning, we're giving tools to deal with that stress.

Jeremy (07:28.674)

It's the same thing last night. It's in a moment. That's an expected stress. think at this point, a lot of us can't really handle those things. add something to it is we're actually learning or we're giving tools to deal with that stress. And when we go into sparring this calmness, what we call the motion, right where you clear your mind of anything, and then all of a sudden there's nothing.

Jeremy (07:40.561)

So that's the to this. We're actually there. We're tools to deal with that stress. And the people who are...

Jeremy L (07:48.638)

And when we go into sparring this calmness, what we call it, Moshin, where you clear your mind of anything, and then all of a sudden there's nothing. There's just you and you perform it. And when you get in that stage, there's only one person and that is you. And you just go through this. And I think during our studies, we learned how to clear our minds to have a singular focus, and that is Yokata to present it.

Jeremy (07:56.347)

And then also there's nothing. There's just you and your performance. And when you get into that stage, there's only you.

Jeremy (07:58.742)

There's just you and your performance. And when you get in that stage, there's only one person that that is you. And you just go through this. And I think during our studies, we learned how to clear our minds to have a singular focus, and that is to cut that to percent. All that training, like, I can control this one moment. I don't have to worry about the rest. I've got this. I know what I'm doing.

Jeremy (08:07.313)

and do chess alone. And I think when we started, we learned how to be our own best to have a single object that is content. And all that training, like I control this one, I don't have to worry about the rest. I've got this, I want to do it. And yeah, clearing yourself to do a lot of other things you think you can do.

Jeremy L (08:19.275)

all that training. It's like, I can control this one moment and I don't have to worry about the rest. I've got this, know what I'm doing. yeah, clearing yourself, lots of other things that you think you could do. One of the things I think I'm hearing sort of in between your words is

Jeremy (08:28.523)

clearing yourself to a lot of other things that think you can do.

One of the things I think of here, sort of in between your words is...

Jeremy (08:33.977)

One of the things I think I'm hearing in between your words is...

Jeremy L (08:41.674)

that the stress of this test, of this master's test, happened before. Whereas, you know, if I'd sat down with you one, two, three years into your training, the stress is gonna build to that day. Whereas, I imagine, because I've been through this too, right? You stress leading up to it, you wanna do your best, you wanna express yourself. One of you said you wanna make your instructors proud.

Jeremy (08:42.085)

that the stress of this test, of this master test, happened before. Whereas, if I sat down with you one, two, three years into your training, the stress is gonna build that day. Whereas, I imagine, because I've through this.

Jeremy (08:42.441)

that the stress of this test, of this master's test, happened before. Whereas, you know, if I sat down with you one, two, three years into your training, the stress is gonna build to that day. Whereas, I imagine, because I've been through this too, right? You stress leading up to it, you wanna do your best, you wanna express yourself. One of you said you wanna make your instructors proud.

Jeremy (09:04.539)

you stress, please, you want to your best, want to express yourself. One of you said you want to be an instructor's child, but when you walk into a classroom, you're completely crap. You just, you got to get out.

Jeremy L (09:11.914)

But when you walk in the door that day, there's no more opportunity for prep. You just, you gotta get out there and you gotta work with what you have. I joke all the time that the belt that I wear just holds up my pants at this point. doesn't do that well. It doesn't do that well. it really, at this point, it's about showing what you know and just living this lifestyle. It's not about a number anymore, whereas I think...

Jeremy (09:12.292)

But when you walk in the door that day, there's no more opportunity for prep. You just, you gotta get out there and you gotta work with what you have.

Jeremy (09:21.027)

Yeah, I feel called.

Jeremy (09:25.473)

It doesn't mean it's that low. But it really, at this point, it's about showing what you know and living this life like it's not about comfort. Whereas I think, speaking for myself, way back when, I like, I've to get to the point. I've got to get to the second end. It's about having to go way back. now, not the number doesn't

Jeremy L (09:37.201)

speaking for myself at least way back when I like I've got to get to Black Belt and now I've to get to second. It's about a number way back when. Now that, not that the number doesn't mean anything because the number is important, but it's not the focus for me anymore. What number am I?

Jeremy (09:45.956)

It's not that the number doesn't mean it. It's not the focus for It's what number I'm putting around it. It's focus for us, especially helping other students to balance, helping our school. And I don't want to let down my school. I don't want to let down my students. And if they look at us and look at our journey, Erica and I, we're the two last men or women these days.

Jeremy (09:46.959)

because the numbers are important. It's not the focus for me, any, right? What number am I putting around? See, that's focus for us. me say, so it's actually helping other students to advance, helping our school. Hence, I don't want to let down my school, I don't want to let down my students, right? And if they look at us, look at our journey, right? Erica and I were two last men.

Jeremy L (09:52.415)

putting around my waist. Yeah, and the focus for us, if I may say so, is actually helping other students to advance, helping our school. Hence, I don't want to let down my school. I don't want to let down my students, right? And if they look at us and look at our journey, Erica and I were the two last men or women. These days, I don't know how to say that. thank you. That standing out of a group of

Jeremy (10:14.673)

these things I don't know how to say it. That standing out of a group of 30, 50 writers or whoever tested it, but we this journey. It's just a mouse.

Jeremy (10:15.524)

people. you. That standing out of a group of 30, 40, 50, right, or whoever tested, but we did this journey and I'll, it's just a milestone, not just don't get me wrong. It's an, it's an accomplishment, an accomplishment, but for us, it's just a journey. It's a lifestyle. move on and then every so often years, right.

Jeremy L (10:21.972)

30, 40, 50, right, or whoever tested. But we did this journey and I'll, it's just a mild stop, not just, don't get me wrong, it's an accomplishment. But for us, it's just a journey, it's a lifestyle. You move on and then every so often years, right, we go out there, we perform, and then we go back to our regular lives with just being a.

Jeremy (10:34.841)

It's an accomplishment, for us it's just a journey. It's a milestone. move on, it's very soft and year -to We go out there, we perform, and we go back to our previous

Jeremy (10:43.693)

We go out there, we perform, and then we go back to our regular lives, which is being a teacher, friend, student.

Jeremy L (10:51.175)

teacher, friend, student.

Jeremy (10:51.611)

teacher, friend, student.

Jeremy L (10:56.211)

Let's pause sort of right here. think I'm a technical issue with that phone. I just want to check on something. We're such an old, can you do that to us? Sure. That's my sense of Yeah, we're start over. we start over again. Now I forgot everything. You have to repeat my lines. Help I have had to repeat episodes of...

Jeremy (10:56.266)

I to press pause sort of right here and think about

Jeremy (10:56.315)

want to press pause right here and think I'm having a technical issue with that phone. I just want to check on something. I We're going to start over. we start over. I forgot everything. You have to repeat that. to repeat my line. You know, I have had to repeat episodes of...

Jeremy (11:02.282)

I think we're such a... I'm sure it wasn't you. It was just a driver. Yeah, we're gonna start over. we start over again. Now I forgot everything. We have to the lines. You know, I have had to repeat episodes of...

Jeremy L (11:22.877)

Four times. I only had to do it four times. Once because the guest wasn't happy with it. He said one thing in the middle. said, I'll cut it. No, I want to start over. And then a couple of technical issues. It happens. So he was really happy afterwards, right? When he had to read it. just... One of the people, I had one day of recording and lost four episodes.

Jeremy (11:23.244)

Four times. The only way had to do it was four times. Once because the guest wasn't happy with it. He said one thing in the middle. said, I'm cutting. No, I want to start over. And then a couple technical issues. It happens. So he was really happy after this. One of the people I had one day of recording and lost four episodes.

Jeremy (11:23.291)

four times. I've only had to do it four times. Once because the guest wasn't happy with it. said once he can say, I'm cutting, now I want to start over. And then...

Jeremy (11:50.981)

lost four.

Jeremy L (11:52.708)

yeah, this was Skype. This is the old days with Skype and Skype just decided to record silence. It didn't not record. It recorded the exact correct time, just silence. And we need to be more animated now going forward. Sure. One of the guests was quite annoying. I did not do this on purpose. Why would I want to do this?

Jeremy (11:53.59)

because this was Skype, this is the old days with Skype, and Skype just decided to record silence. It didn't not record, it recorded the exact correct time, just by silence. We need to move, we need animating. Sure. One of the guests was quite annoyed. I did not do this on purpose. Why would I want to

Jeremy (11:55.127)

I didn't record it in silence. It not record. It recorded the exact correct time. Just in silent.

Jeremy L (12:20.689)

We're going to probably trim that part out that was... I'll trim it out. Unless it's really good. It could be like a Patreon extra. It's authentic. That is... yeah. And this is actually coming back to us. What we're doing, I believe, is authentic. Right? Being out there. Living the dream. Being on a journey. Right? Making it a lifestyle.

Jeremy (12:21.057)

We're gonna probably trim that part out. I'll trim it out. Unless it's really good. mean, leave it in. It's authentic. And this is actually coming back to us. What we're doing, believe, is up there. Being out there. Living the dream. Being on a journey. Making it a lifestyle. Over with the punches.

Jeremy (12:21.105)

We're going to pop.

Jeremy (12:25.593)

This is actually coming back to us. we're doing is uplifting. Right? up, living the dream, being on a journey, right? Making a lifestyle. Over my conscience. It is uplifting. Yeah. That is how I look at things, right?

Jeremy L (12:48.209)

with the punches. Yeah, it is authentic. Yeah, and that is how I look at things, right? it's just, yeah, it's life. Don't cut this, You've used the word lifestyle a couple times. Do you all see your involvement in martial arts as your lifestyle? 110%. It's hard to get away. I've tried a couple times.

Jeremy (12:50.29)

It is authentic. Yeah, and that is how I look at things. It's just, yeah, it's life. Don't cut this, You've used the word lifestyle a couple times. Do you all see your involvement in martial arts as your lifestyle? Yeah. Yeah. It's hard to get away. tried a couple times. But I've been sitting.

Jeremy (12:56.901)

Do you all see your involvement in Market to Market ads, your lifestyle?

Jeremy L (13:16.848)

I've been studying since it started in 1993. I left for a few years when I went to college. Then I left for a few years after I came back from college because I lived in Vermont and there was no Ouija. Actually, COVID helped me because my teacher Bill started his karate school during COVID because they had to do online. I was like, I'd go again. I live in Vermont. We don't have a lot of

Jeremy (13:17.105)

as I've been sitting. Started in 1983. I left for a few years when I went to college. Then I left for a few years after I came back from college. I lived in Vermont. There was no wage. Actually, COVID helped me because my teacher Bill started in karate school during COVID because they had to do online. was like, I can go again. I live in Vermont. We don't have a lot of Vermont students. I can go. There's something I can do. So that was, it just keeps following back in.

Jeremy (13:19.295)

Started in 1993. I left for a few years when I went to college. Then I left for a few years after I came back from college. I lived in Vermont. There was no way to actually go. It helped me because my teacher Bill started his Friday school during COVID because they had to do online. I was like, I go get I live in Vermont. don't have a lot of fun. I can go for something I can do. So that's just keeps pulling me back in. Well, I think in terms of the lifestyle.

Jeremy L (13:39.976)

It's like, I can go, there's something I can do. So that was, and it just keeps pulling me back in. Well, I think in terms of the lifestyle aspect, I'm an attorney, that's what I do for a living, and there are times where I don't necessarily get to the dojo. And I find in those moments, that's when I get stressed out. It's like it becomes a focus of my life, like I need to get back, I need to keep that part of my life together, because it's what helps.

Jeremy (13:47.011)

Well, I think in terms of the lifestyle aspect, I'm an attorney, that's what I do for a living, and there are times where I don't necessarily get to the dojo. in those moments, that's when I get stressed out. It's like it becomes a focus on my life. I need to get back, I need to keep that part of my life together. It's what helps. I don't remember the time when I was a robin, and that's sort of how it was for me. It's a part of who I am. It's very grounded, so...

Jeremy (13:53.552)

Very grounding I find that if I don't go for a couple of weeks or whatever because life has gotten in the way

Jeremy L (14:05.167)

I don't remember a time without karate and that's sort of how it works for me. It's a part of who I am. very grounding. I find that if I don't go for a couple of weeks or whatever because life has gotten in the way, I get really cranky. Really? Can you all identify with that statement? That it changes your mood if you don't train for period five? It does, right?

Jeremy (14:16.382)

I find that if I get out for a couple of weeks or whatever, like this time in the week, I get really cranky. Really? Yeah. It changes your mood.

Jeremy (14:20.892)

I get really cranky. Really? Can you all identify with the thing that it changes your mood and behavior? It does. It does. And also, there are days when I don't want to go, but I go, and I'm always, glad. go in those days? Because... I worry about my waist and I don't be honest. I know I fit that in. Exactly. I was just going to say.

Jeremy L (14:31.818)

It does. And also, there are days when I don't want to go, but I go, and I always... Why do you go on those days? Because... I worry about my waist and I'll be honest. I know I feel better afterwards. Exactly. I just going to say, I don't always want to go, I am always happy I have gone. I tell myself on those days, I've never been unhappy that I did go. Yes.

Jeremy (14:33.229)

And also, there are days when I go, and I always go. Why do you go? Because... I worry about the voice, and I don't be honest. I know I've got a lot to do. Exactly.

Jeremy (14:50.226)

I don't always want to go, I am always happy I have gone. I tell myself, although it's easy, I've never been more happy than I do. Yes. Yes. That's correct. You asked how, for me, integrity, for instance, we have core values. I decided to change jobs because I felt my person integrity is in question and I changed it. Immediately to start out.

Jeremy L (15:00.524)

You ask how it did for me, integrity, for instance, we have core values. I decided to change jobs because I felt my personal integrity is in question and I changed. It made me to start out like a lifestyle, right? When you start your training, it's usually do it for your own reasons. Mine, I thought was really cool.

Jeremy (15:09.777)

Change jobs. It's a question.

Jeremy (15:20.316)

Like a lifestyle, right? When you start your training, it's usually do it for your own reasons. Mine is I thought it was really cool, right? And so I wanted to try it. But there's so many life skills in the training, like patience, awareness, like all that. And that's, that flows into the other aspects of your life. So definitely lifestyle.

Jeremy L (15:26.739)

Right, and so I want to try, but there's so many life skills in the training.

like patience, awareness, all that. And that flows into the other aspects of your life. So definitely a lifestyle. I mean, my parents signed me up when I was four years old because they wanted an activity for their kid. And here I am at age 30 still doing it. don't think anybody, I know my parents didn't expect it. My parents signed me up early. Mr. Trainor still tells the story. Mr. Durkis still tells the story.

Jeremy (15:40.145)

I mean, have a problem with my parents not having me work when four years old because I was, you know, they wanted me take care of their kid. Here I am, age 30, still doing, I don't think anybody, I know my parents wouldn't expect it. My parents would be thrilled. Mr. tells his story, Mr. Pepper tells his story. My mom asks me, says, help me with this kid. And I was off and on to let Windows tell a story.

Jeremy (15:50.436)

Yeah.

Jeremy L (16:01.886)

asking for some help, like, help me with this kid, and I was off and on the window sills climbing around the dojo. Can't do that anymore, but it was fun at the time. You can, you'll probably just get some different looks now. You need bigger window sills. now I'm teaching the kids that are on the window sills, because I'm not a professional martial arts teacher, but I teach public schools, I teach kids, and I'm like, yep, nope, this is...

Jeremy (16:14.381)

I can't get some different looks. need play the windowsills. Now I'm teaching the kids that are on the windowsills. I'm not a professional martial arts teacher. I teach public schools. I teach kids. don't mind. Nope. is mine. I did this. I can handle it. Do find that karate has helped you in your instructing and A hundred and twenty percent. I probably would not. Well, I might still be a teacher, but I'm probably

Jeremy L (16:30.923)

This is mine. I did this. I can handle it. Do you find that karate has helped you in your instructing and in 120%. I probably would not, well, I might still be a teacher, but I probably wouldn't be any good at it. I cut my teeth teaching karate. Are you a better attorney because of your training? 110%. Well, I think that...

Jeremy (16:33.423)

I can handle it. Do you find that karate is something you're instructing? A hundred things I can tell you. Probably not. Well, it might still be a teacher, but I'm probably not into that. I cut my teeth teaching karate. Are you a veteran in your training? One hundred.

Jeremy (16:45.719)

Are you a better attorney?

Jeremy L (16:54.527)

I talked a little bit about this earlier. You have a drive, a vision, a perseverance. Those are the things that we've been taught to just do every single day. And those are the kinds of things that my colleagues expect, my clients expect, is I have to push through it. And then no matter what's happening, whether it's some unexpected event in court, some unexpected event on the way to work, you have to just push through it. And you can't let it phase you. have to be, as my teacher says, you have to be comfortable with the uncomfortable.

Jeremy (16:54.851)

I talked a little bit about this earlier. You have a drive, a vision, a perseverance. Those are things that we've been taught to just do every single day. And those are the kinds of things that my colleagues expect of clients, us to have to push through it. then no matter what's happening, whether it's some unexpected event in court, some unexpected event on the way to work, you have to just push through it. You can't let it phase you. You have to be, as my teacher said, have to be comfortable with the uncomfortable.

Jeremy (17:14.22)

Some unexpected event in court, some unexpected event on the way to work. You have to just push through it. You can't let it phase you. have to be, as my teacher said, have to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. And that's, it has helped me grow and I attribute most of my professional success to my Do you do trial work? I do, I do the education. That's smart. It keeps things interesting. How about over here, how does your training impact your job?

Jeremy L (17:24.692)

and that's it has helped me grow and I attribute most of my professional success to my martial arts. do trial work? I do, I do litigation so that's that's smart. It keeps things interesting. How about over here, how does your training impact your job?

Jeremy (17:25.107)

And that's is only grow it do I do that's far over here. How does your training?

Jeremy L (17:45.373)

Little leadership skills I think sort of embedded in the martial arts. mean understanding yourself, understanding how to build on your strengths, your weaknesses, how to be self -aware. That's all things you learn in business school now, About yourself and how to be a leader. So that's definitely helped me get in my mind.

Jeremy (17:45.47)

There's a little leadership skills I think sort of embedded in the martial arts. mean understanding yourself, understanding how to build on your strengths, your weaknesses, how to be self -aware. That's all things you teach. You learn in business school now, right, about yourself and how to be a good leader. So that's definitely helped me.

Jeremy (17:52.305)

understanding how to build relationships because it's how to be self aware of things you learn in business. That's definitely helpful.

Jeremy L (18:07.803)

I would second that. I think the most important thing is given.

Jeremy (18:08.152)

I would second that. I think the most important thing that's given me in my job is leadership ability. For all the reasons for what my friend said. Just to be able to get along with people and inspire them to be better, show them they care about them.

Jeremy (18:09.702)

I think the most important thing that it's given me in my job is leadership ability.

Jeremy L (18:21.194)

And so, we'll just be able to get along with people and inspire them to do better, to children and care about them.

Jeremy L (18:36.142)

Sometimes you gotta roll with punches, right?

Jeremy (18:36.54)

Sometimes you gotta roll up the page.

Jeremy L (18:43.997)

So we're gonna start to wrap. I wanna make sure everybody gets enough time, that's why it feels really, really short.

Jeremy (18:44.377)

So we're gonna start to wrap.

Jeremy (18:44.433)

So we're gonna start with that. I'll make sure we get enough time, that's why it feels really, really short. How do you...

Jeremy (18:48.345)

short.

Jeremy L (18:52.339)

How would you describe what martial arts has done for you to someone who has no idea what martial arts is? In alien lands, they'd walk in and they're, through some weird scanner, able to determine that, you know, maybe you're a little more...

Jeremy (18:52.801)

How would you?

Jeremy (18:56.539)

to harsh art done for you to someone who has no idea what

Jeremy (18:57.134)

what martial arts has done for you to someone who has no idea what martial arts is. In alien lands, they walk in and they're through some weird scanner able to determine that, you know, maybe you're a little more resilient or confident than you are or whatever than average among human beings. What is that about you? They ask the question where you say, I know it's my martial arts training.

Jeremy (19:04.055)

alien land and they're so scared and determined that maybe you're more resilient or confident in who are or whatever the average among human beings. What is that about you?

Jeremy L (19:13.02)

resilient or confident in who you are or whatever the average among human beings. What is that about you? They ask the question, what do you say? I know it's my martial arts training.

How do you explain to them? Forget about the punch and the kick part. That's easy. You probably just show them. But how about the other stuff? It made me a better person. It made me to see the world that, for instance, not so fortunate people with China or Dojo are actually like you and me.

Jeremy (19:28.483)

How do you explain to them? Forget about the punch and the kick. That's easy. You probably just show them. But how about the other stuff?

Jeremy (19:28.529)

How do you use the moment to them? Forget about the punch in the cake part. That's easy. You probably just show them. But how about the others? It may be better. It may be to see the world that, for instance, that's a fortune group of China, which are actually like you and me.

Jeremy L (19:52.631)

And I now gravitate to the not so fortunate people helping. It just made me a better person, looking with more open eyes around and trying to help and being forthcoming. And I'm actually to the point to a fault maybe that I gravitate over there that I want to help. That's how it changed me. And it made me somewhat more spiritual.

Jeremy (19:52.867)

and I gravitate and I look for people out and just meet me at better places, looking with more organized around and trying to help and being for a coming. And actually to the point of people that are gravitating over there. That's how it changed me. And it made me somewhat more spiritual.

Jeremy (19:59.737)

with more open eyes around and trying to pop and looking for a cup and actually to the point of falling, gravity over there that I wanted, that's how it changed me. And it made me somewhat more spiritual in the sense of, not in the sense from a religion perspective, but from the beliefs that, I don't know how to describe it, from the values that...

Jeremy L (20:16.679)

in the sense of, not in the sense from a religion perspective, but from a belief set, from a, I don't know how to describe it, from a value set, right? How I look things. That's it.

Jeremy (20:19.589)

from a political perspective, but from a belief that, I don't know how to describe it, from a value perspective, it's hard.

Jeremy (20:26.655)

It's how I look things.

Jeremy (20:31.159)

We're not gonna go into any kind of order, so whoever wants to jump in next. There's a weird kind of equity you learn at the Dojo, because everybody comes in, they take off their green clothes, they put on their gear, they have a belt, but at this point a lot of people's belts are black anyway, so their belts are almost all the same. At the end of the day it's like, well, he can kick my butt, he can kick my butt, he can kick my butt, she can kick my butt, kick my butt. They all, they're all kicking. At any given moment everybody's kind of equal, there's a level of them.

Jeremy (20:31.355)

gonna go in any kind of order. So whoever wants to jump in next to them. There's a weird head. The guard comes in, they take off their tree clothes, they put on their key and they have a belt. But at this point a lot of people's belts are back anyway. Their belts are almost all the same. At the end of the day it's like, well he can kick my butt, he can kick my butt, he can kick my butt, she can kick my butt, kick my butt. So they all, you know, and then you give them all their clothes. It's kind of equal, there's a level.

Jeremy L (20:31.39)

There's a weird kind of equity you learn at the dojo because everybody comes in they take off their street clothes they put on their gi they have a belt but at this point a lot of people's belts are black anyway so their belts are almost all the same and at the end of the day it's like well he can kick my butt he can kick my butt he can kick my butt she can kick my butt kick my butt they all they're all kidding at any given moment everybody's kind of equal there's a level

that guy's just gonna beat me up, it's fine. And then at the end of the day, you could give him a hug and handshake and go about your bed. But there's like a weird kind of equity that comes from all of that. Like, you just beat on each other occasionally. And it's fun. I think it comes from a view of the world that you're like, you know, we're all just people. all just Where does it come from? What's the result? Because that's, in almost 10 years, I've never heard anybody use that.

Jeremy (21:00.465)

just gonna, that guy's just gonna beat me up. And then at the end of the day, don't hug and you're be like, dead, like dead. But there's like a weird kind of energy that comes from all that. We just beat on each other occasionally. And what is the fun? I think it comes from the view of the world. You know, we're all just people. No, there is, what's the result of Because that's, in almost 10 years I've never heard anybody use that word.

Jeremy (21:00.472)

that guy's just gonna beat me up, it's fine. And then at the end of the day, can be able to hug and handshake and go about your bed, about your day. But there's like a weird kind of equity that comes from all of that, like, we just beat on each other occasionally. And it's fun. What comes from that equity? I think it comes from like the view of the world, you're like, you know, we're all just people. No, where does it come from? What's the result? Because in almost 10 years, I've never heard anybody use that word.

Jeremy L (21:29.56)

That's an interesting word to use. I'm not disagreeing. No, I think it gives you like a view, like you could look at people for who they are because you're looking beyond the other surface stuff. I mean, you learn a lot when you're smashing legs with people and you're hitting arms and you learn a lot about who they are. I there's very, really there's some time to talk and you're going to learn about more about them that way. It really does. like, you're like, people are just people. They all hit legs similar.

Jeremy (21:30.007)

It's an interesting word to use. I'm not disagreeing. No, I think it gives you like a view like you can look at people for who they are because you're looking beyond the other surface stuff. I mean you learn a lot when you're smashing bites of people, you're hitting arms. You learn a lot about who they are. I mean there's very little time to talk and you're gonna learn about them more about them that way. It really does like, you're like, people are just people. They all hit like similar ways.

Jeremy (21:30.275)

interesting word to use. I don't know, just agree. it gives you like a view like you can look at people for who they are because you're looking down at the other surface of them. I you learn a lot when you're snacking by some people when you're getting arms and you learn a lot about who they are. I there's very little to talk if you're gonna learn about more about them that way. It really does like that. People are just people. They all get legs to support them. So I'm a part of the leg.

Jeremy L (21:58.412)

Some harder than others. Some shins hurt more than others, don't they? And one thing it also taught me is that first impressions can be faulty. And as we grow together, we learn to respect each other and get over different opinions, different perspectives, and you open up and all of a sudden you develop friendships. Let's hear from over here. What do you tell an alien?

Jeremy (21:58.804)

Some harder than others. Some shins

Jeremy (22:00.401)

So much for your help.

Jeremy (22:07.264)

first impressions can be faulty. And as we grow together, we learn to respect each other and get over different opinions, different perspectives, and you open up and all of a sudden you develop friendships. So it's here from over here. I think the aliens have never seen martial arts. One of the things you walk away with is learning how to learn.

Jeremy (22:07.345)

first depression can be faulty. And as we grow together...

get a broader, different, intense different perspective and you open up and all this energy to help you.

Jeremy (22:25.709)

I the aliens have never seen martial arts. think one of the things you walk away with is burning house burn, which is an interesting concept. It's something you wouldn't think you'd have to do. The idea of really truly internalizing something is not a surface level thing. Martial arts helps you break things down, look at the detail.

Jeremy L (22:27.309)

The aliens have never seen martial arts. One of the things you walk away with is learning how to learn, which is an interesting concept. It's something you wouldn't think you have to do, but the idea of really truly internalizing something is not a surface level thing. Martial arts helps you break things down, look at the detail, understand it, deep understanding, and that can be applied to all kinds of areas of your life.

Jeremy (22:35.211)

which is an interesting concept. It's something you wouldn't think you have to do, but the idea of really truly internalizing something is not a surface level thing. Martial arts helps you break things down, look at the detail, understand it, deep understanding, and that can be applied to all kinds of different areas of your life. But I think martial arts is something you wouldn't expect if you were looking on the outside.

Jeremy (22:51.045)

I think it teaches you.

Jeremy L (22:56.412)

But I think martial arts is something you wouldn't expect if you were working on the outside.

Jeremy (23:02.976)

think it teaches you.

Jeremy L (23:07.67)

teaches you to be able to step back, assess, and move forward, just like we do in karate. We go back, we go forward. So I started karate as a parent appreciation program.

Jeremy (23:08.032)

teaches you to be able to step back, assess, and move forward, just like we do in karate, right? We go back, we go forward. So I started karate as a parent appreciation program and went in and it was like the only time in my entire day that I could just focus on this one thing. was amazing. I think that, and then you're able to carry that forward. It's like I can, I can.

Jeremy (23:08.081)

teaches you to able to step back, assess, and move forward, just like we're doing correctly.

Jeremy (23:17.125)

reason so I started writing program went in and it's like the only time and I think that and then you're able to look at this and I can also see the

Jeremy L (23:23.092)

went in and it was like the only time in my entire day that I could just focus on this one thing. was amazing. And I think that, and then you're able to carry that forward. It's like I can look at this and then I can also see the larger pictures. I can go in, I can come back. So that's what I get. That's what I get. These answers are much better than It really goes up.

Jeremy (23:37.033)

look at this and then I can also see the larger pictures. can go in and I can come back. So that's what get. That's what I get. These answers are much better than mine. Really those are, that's all so true.

Jeremy (23:44.498)

These answers are much better. It really does.

Jeremy L (23:51.825)

That's all so true.

Jeremy L (23:56.673)

I like how you guys expressed that. Just because you're thinking about it differently doesn't mean you're not reaping the benefits, Hello, I've spoken with aliens. isn't the first time. I think I was just called an alien, I'm not sure. No. The real ones. I think that they would get this. To me, the word that comes to mind is strength. just think that karate training is...

Jeremy (23:56.921)

I like how you guys express that. However, I've spoken with aliens. isn't the first time. I think that they would get this. To me, the word that comes to mind is strength. just think that, I think karate training is

Jeremy (24:06.779)

This is first time.

Jeremy (24:16.005)

The real... I think that... To me, the...

Thank you.

Jeremy (24:28.756)

It's strength training where we just, it's just made me stronger in every way. don't just mean physically, but you know, it takes strength to do the right thing no matter what that right thing is. it's like you're tired and cranky at home and you know.

Jeremy L (24:29.609)

strengthening or just it's just made me stronger in every way. I don't just mean physically.

You know, it takes strength to do the right thing, no matter what that right thing is. You mentioned integrity. Integrity, right. Yeah. It's like you're tired.

Jeremy (24:41.509)

So you're tired. Cranky as a whole.

Jeremy L (24:55.423)

you know.

Jeremy (24:55.678)

But you know that you need to be kind at that, you know, in that moment. What my family's asking from me right now is kindness. I gotta be kinder. You know, in that moment, that takes a lot of strength. And I think the way we're challenged all the time in the dojo training, no matter what it is, there's so many examples of what we do where you're challenged to try to get stronger.

Jeremy (24:55.823)

you know that.

Jeremy L (25:08.074)

You know, in that moment, that takes a lot of strength. And I think the way we're challenged all the time in the dojo training, no matter what it is, there's so many examples of what...

Jeremy (25:15.013)

No matter what is, what you do, it's your challenge.

Jeremy L (25:19.751)

challenged to try to get stronger, mentally, physically, doesn't matter, but we go through that process so many times, challenge so many times, we overcome that. I just think of the word strength.

Jeremy (25:22.184)

either mentally, physically, doesn't matter. But we go through that process so many times. We're challenged so many times that we overcome that. I just think of the word strength. I think it all comes back to strength.

Jeremy (25:24.389)

Good.

Jeremy L (25:35.068)

I had a similar reaction because it's one of those things that...

You we hear all the time about people having challenges that they can't overcome. you know, people talk a lot about today about stress and mental health and all of those things that are really important. I think for us that train in the martial arts, it gives us, you know, the power to fight through any challenge, the strength to carry on and the strength to know that nothing's going to stop us as long as we put our mind to it. We're going to push through and we're going to do the right thing. We're going to do all those things. it's the martial arts that I know for me helps me get there.

Jeremy (25:43.397)

You know, people talk all the time about stress and mental health and all those things that are really important. I think for us that train in the martial arts, it gives us, you know, the power to beat through any challenge, the strength to carry on, the strength to know that nothing's gonna stop us as long as we put our mind to it. We're gonna get through and we're gonna do the right thing and we're gonna do all those things and it's the martial arts that I know for me helps me get there.

Jeremy (25:46.673)

you

Jeremy L (26:08.838)

And if I looked at John's face while he's said this, it's radiated kind of a happiness, if I may say, right? You were calm, happy, explaining it, and I believe it's also a pursuit of happiness, right? That is so important because when you come into the Dojo and you come out of it, you're happy. So let's end on this question because as you were saying happiness, I'm looking around and...

Jeremy (26:09.251)

And if not, John's face by his sevens radiated kind of happiness, if I'm missing it right. You were not happy explaining that beneath is also a pursuit of happiness. Right?

Jeremy (26:09.661)

So let's end on this question. As you were saying happiness, I'm looking around and you were all nodding or maybe you didn't even realize you were smiling.

Jeremy (26:29.909)

So let's end on the question. As you were saying happiness, I'm looking around and you were all nodding, you were smiling. So were you happy last night during your task? I'm sure there are lots of other moments of your happiness. Afterwards.

Jeremy L (26:35.515)

were all nodding or maybe you didn't even realize you were smiling. So were you happy last night during your test? I I'm sure there are lots of other emotions but was there happiness threaded through there? Yes. Afterwards. First exhaustion and then happiness. Let's put it like this.

Jeremy (26:39.546)

So were you happy last night during your test? I'm sure there are lots of other emotions, but was there happiness?

Jeremy (26:50.297)

Afterwards. First they saw me. And that happened. So it's really good. I'd say yes. I guess yes. It's like an important brush for doing something. You're like, this is like a long time cut pitch. This is not like a small goal. This is like, to get to sixth degree it's like 20 something plus years. don't know exactly. I'm a math teacher but I don't pay attention to that.

Jeremy L (26:59.325)

I mean there's like an endorphin rush from doing something that you're like, this was like a long time coming. This is not like a small goal. This is like to get to sixth degree, it's like 20 something plus years. I don't know exactly the numbers. I'm a math teacher, but I don't pay attention to the numbers. I've enjoyed talking to all of you. I see the smiles and I suspect the folks that check out them.

Jeremy (27:00.017)

mean, it's like an indoor practice. I'm doing something and you're like, this is like a long time coming in. This is not like a small goal. is like, to get to sixth degree is like 40 something plus years. don't know what that is. I'm to math. I'm a math teacher.

you

Jeremy (27:20.156)

I've enjoyed talking to all of you. I see the smiles and I suspect the folks that check out our conversation later will be able to pick up on it whether they're watching or listening. So thank you. Thank you very much.

Jeremy (27:20.175)

I've enjoyed talking to all of you. I see the smiles and I think the folks that check out our conversation plan will be able to check up on it whether they're watching or listening. So thank you. Thank you.

Jeremy L (27:26.36)

our conversation later. We'll be able to pick up on it whether they're watching or listening. Thank you.