Legend Mirror

I have just self published a book called "King of Summer"
It was originally meant to be a story for my grandchildren
It is very short (160 pages) and full of wonder, laughter and sadness, but not offensive in any way
It is coming out Next week in time for the Holidays and so if you wish you can order yours now and I will sign them to whoever you wish.
The cost is $12.00 plus shipping and handling depending where it is sent.
 
My next book is one you will not like.

Osu!!   Lenchus O'Sensei, Hanshi Keller, Hanshi Scarda, and fellow Do Bros, I had a great time and really appreciated being with all of you.

Does being ranked a black belt (teacher grade) make you a black belt?
 
In a world in which sometimes teachers are quite liberal regarding rank, it's important that we understand this.
 
Who we are is not defined by our rank.
 
A teacher who wears a beginners belt is not a beginner.  Nor is a beginning student a master because someone has given him rank.
 

"It is not the absence of fear
but the will to overcome it"

When going into a battle in controlled competition, street fight, war or prison
you usually will feel apprehension or fear.
Once the battle is on, after the first few shots, your adreneline will kick in and you will fight or die.
It is not a matter of winning or losing, but winning is better.
The point is stepping up to the plate. That takes a lot out of many people.

The stories I am writing are mbeing retold to me by you. I am not sure why you don't write them but I love them all the same.
They are stories of US. Not me but all of those past and present who make up the Legend
They are grand memories that last forever and from generation to generation.
I have met students who have now enrolled their children into Legend programs. Not only am I a Grand Master, I am a Grandfather to all these beautiful students who carry on the Flame
The flame is lit and the Legend shall never die
 

It has been Seven years since John Nguyen began with the Chinatown Legend
He is a Brown Belt going for Black. He is excellent and any other dojo would have promoted him without a blink
But could John stand in line with other Legend Black Belts? Not just yet and so I had to be true to my Legend and pass.
Chris Price made his Black Belt in Japan in front of My sensei and the JKA. He tested. He passed.
That was over two years ago
He was now prepared to test for Ni-Dan
He went through workouts for one week in every style in New York City

Jay Bruno "Kita Kase" "The NORTH WIND" of the Legend Stood tall and proud with determination on his face.
 
The face of a warrior. His whole live was leading up to this. From the wild kid running through the trees attacking the branches to the man who sat through the night creating a sword the old fashion way with thousands of folds.
 
On this day Jay wore a "Traveling Black Belt" In reality he was still Legend Brown.
 

Michi was a basketball Star in Vermont along with her sister which they were referred to as the "twin towers"
Michi join the Legend and became a rising Star there as well
One of my favorite Michi stories is when she competed in a major tournament in Burlington Vermont with the JKA (Japanese Karate Association-very traditional) present
Many of the judges were stuffy and hard on the competitors
It was Kata time and after a few women doing their forms Michi stood up tall, straight and proud.

LOVE THE WONDERFUL LOVE OF A BEAUTIFUL MAID,THE LOVE OF A STAUNCH TRUE MAN,THE LOVE OF A BABY, UNAFRAID,HAVE EXISTED SINCE TIME BEGAN.BUT THE GREATEST OF LOVES,THE QUINTESSENCE OF LOVES,EVEN GREATER THAN THAT OF A MOTHER,IS THE TENDER, PASSIONATE, INFINITE LOVE,OF ONE DRUNKEN MARINE FOR ANOTHER.

From S/Sgt David Slagle USMC to Brother Cpl Rick Lenchus USMC
Happy 234 Marine Corps Birthday
Ooorah

Continuing the legend of the "Gates"

Along came Michi a terrific basketball player and her side kick sexy Lisa Jones
It seemed every woman was afraid of Lisa because she would steal their boyfriends without trying
Both were a team and a half. Both beautiful in many ways. Michi is the Japanes word for "The WAY" a very VERY important concept to a martial artist, and that is her REAL name.
But her story will be next and what a story I will tell which will include Lisa as well