Symbolically, we start the year with a clean slate, free from everything that happened in 2013 and ready to start the new year with a new perspective and a fresh, empty stack of paper to write the next chapter of our lives.
As I reflect on 2013, I am very grateful for the support of all my students, who kept me going in the darkest of times. Thinking about Kali Majapahit, thinking about our classes, thinking about YOU, made such a difference.
In 2014, I want more.
I want more from myself. I want to show how much I can give you, how much I can help you, how much positive energy I can deliver in each and every lesson - and, ultimately, in each and every moment of my life. I want to be a catalyst for positive change in the lives of everyone I meet.
I want more from you, too.
I have told you all many times that Kali Majapahit is not really about fighting. It is about goal setting and goal achievement. I want this year to be the year that you make solemn vows to yourself that you will help yourself become who you really want to be - Happy, Healthy, Successful.
I want you to be relentless in taking control of your lives and squeezing every last drop of goodness you can get. I want you to prove to yourself that you can dream big and achieve big. I want you to amaze yourself at your own progress, not just in martial arts, but in the measure of your own satisfaction.
THAT'S WHAT THIS IS REALLY ABOUT. That's what this has ALWAYS been about.
Don't ever let yourself forget it. Don't ever be willing to compromise when it comes to your own happiness. Never settle for less than the best. You deserve it.
I want you to be in a very different place this time next year - proud of your achievements on and off the mats. I want you to be MORE ALIVE than ever before.
Don't worry. Don't be afraid. You are not in this alone. WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER. I cannot walk your path for you, but I can be standing by, ready to give you my full support. I will be ready to encourage you and energize you, ready to advise you and listen to you. I promise not to give up on you, just as you have not given up on me. I want to show how much I can help you to make positive changes that will drive your lives in new and better directions. I want to challenge you to re-examine yourself, take control, and really move forward in whatever you choose.
Guro Fred gave us 3 words in his New Year Greetings - FOCUS, VISUALIZE, ACHIEVE.
I want you to really think about these and what they will mean to you this year.
FOCUS - do not be distracted by the day-to-day issues. Keep your Eyes on the Prize.
VISUALIZE - if you can SEE it, you can BE it.
ACHIEVE - let the magic happen. Let yourself succeed. You CAN. You WILL.
I want to add my own word for 2014 as well:
BELIEVE - you have the power to make your life the best it can be. USE YOUR POWER.
Shine brightly.
