We’re looking forward to introducing you to JIKJN Ronnie Michael. Check out our conversation below.
Ronnie, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
By teaching, I am passing on knowledge to a new generation. My discovery and lifelong experience can be shared to give them my insight.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Learning martial arts, isn’t just about learning to defend yourself but a lifelong commitment to better health through exercise, improving the brain through training and learning, and developing the mind/body/spirit by realizing that we have options in life. We can help instead of hurt, be kind when others are rude, this is a lifelong journey to improve oneself. Adversity is the real teacher. We may think of ourselves as kind and compassionate, but every day is an opportunity to test ourselves to see if we really are who we think we are and to improve oneself.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
We must be truthful to ourselves and each other. A Master/student relation is built on trust. The master must have the student’s best interest in mind and the student must commit to being open and learning and have self-discipline to continue. This partnership is a two-way process because in order to truly be a master, one must learn the “why” a student will ask and reevaluate what has been learned before and therefore both benefit from this process.
When did you last change your mind about something important?
When we are a student, we see the potential in ourselves as we see the abilities of more experienced students. It is a goal we hold for ourselves as we go beyond black belt. However, after 47 years in martial arts, I have come to realize that it isn’t the advanced techniques or abilities that make one accomplished. It is relearning the basics, re-discovering how the simplest things like stances or motion make a far better ability and understanding.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
My students. For example, Brad Gilde of https://www.gildelawfirm.com/bradford-j-gilde-8632/ a black belt in Judo and now earning his black belt in Kuk Sool Won is expanding his awareness of martial arts. And as a leader in his community, he will continue the tradition of teaching and helping others whether in court or on the mat. Laura Zetino says, “I took martial arts so I could relieve a lot of my stress, and it helps with self-defense.” Two young girls and what they have to say: Viktoria, “To me, Kuk Sool Won is the balance of courage and skill, built through discipline and respect. Sophia, “Kuk Sool Won trains not only the body, but trains your mind and teaches you how to be confident.”
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I had looked for peace and health through physical training and yet found a practical use for it.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.kuksoolwonkaty.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kuksoolwonkatytx
