Sifu Tom Olson
I began studying Martial Arts when I was 16 years old. I was only a sophomore in high school. I didn't start studying for any other reason than the typical jaw-dropping awe I experienced when I saw people like Jean Claude Van Damme do a tornado kick or a full split across two chairs. The story of my beginning was nothing more than a mere desire of "want." I wanted to be able to do the things I saw in the movies. So, I made my dream into a reality.
I ventured off to the nearest Karate Studio that I could find. I was welcomed in and began my first class training with an instructor by the name of Diego Moreno. He was a Black Belt and a very inspiring teacher. After my first class, I was hooked. I went home, asked my parents if I could sign up for monthly classes, and was disheartened when my mom said "yes," but my dad said "no." I was given no explanation for why I was not able to go. This did not sit well with me.
About a month passed by, and I received a call from the Karate instructor, Diego. He asked me why I had not returned for more lessons. I told him that my dad would not permit it. He asked me if it was because my dad did not want to pay for the tuition. I told him that I believed that money was part of it. He told me to come down to the studio, and that he would find a way for me to take classes and compensate the owner.
After a short conversation with the owner, he agreed to have me clean the Karate Studio two times a week in exchange for monthly lessons. I agreed to this as well. I went home absolutely ecstatic. My dad agreed that if I was willing to find my own ride, and that he did not have to spend any money, then I could sign up. That night, I made a commitment to myself that no matter how hard it would be, I was going to attain a third-degree black belt.
For two years, I rode my bike two miles up and back to the karate studio, six days a week. With extremely hard work, I attained my black belt. And, five years later, I realized my goal and was presented with a third degree black belt.
Sifu Tom Olson
As it has proven to happen with other Martial Arts studios, in time, my instructor changed. At the level of blue belt, Diego left and a new instructor by the name of Mike Rash bought the studio and continued instructing us. This proved to be the best thing that ever happened to the studio. Through this change, our Martial Arts lineage, which was then a confused lineage, was solidified. And, our true head master, Grand Master Victor "Sonny" Gascon, was once and for all reestablished as our Grand Master.
In time, I proved my leadership skills by teaching as a senior martial arts instructor for a total of ten years with no compensation for my service. My respect and passion for the art, the students, and my instructor meant more to me than money.
As time passed on, our Karate Studio closed its doors. Saddened with heartache, I promised myself that I would not let this end my martial arts career. I have now been blessed to expand my teaching to the public by bringing martial arts to people's homes. I realized this was a very unorthodox thing to do since most Martial Arts instructors teach out of an actual Karate studio. But, I have found that a lot of people enjoy learning martial arts out of the comfort of their own home. It allows people to feel less anxiety by not having to prove themselves to other students. And, it allows people to save time, money, and even work out with close friends that would have never even considered taking a Martial Arts class to begin with.