About Myself
Things I most enjoy in life
- Laughing
- Cooking (all areas)
- Learning
- Riding motorcycles
- Changing of one season to another
- Sharring with others
- Living each day full of passion
My name is Brian David Robinson, and I am 29 years old. Born in Pleasant Valley, N.Y. in 1970, then moved to Houston, Texas in '77.Around this time, there were
many Asian martial arts shows on (with the voices edited in English). My older brother and I would
watch them, and then try the moves out on each other. I did not know there were schools in the U.S. that really teach martial arts. This is the first point that I can recall having an interest in martial arts.
My First Class
In '83 we moved back to N.Y. and it was then that I met Tibor Kiss. He made an impression on me that
changed my life forever. He was a martial artist and a friend. Tibor trained very hard and assisted
teaching Tae Kwon Do under Master Ira Fisher and Master Pete Michaelson. The head of the system was Master Duk Sung Son (9th level master). Tibor invited
me to a class, and it was then, that I found what I had only been dreaming about. This gave me a strong foundation in skill as well as a martial arts value system, which I have never wavered from.
Living the Dream
During this time I competed in tournaments so large
and organized it was unbelievable (and have not seen the likes of it since). The training was traditional
and at times very hard. My progress was swift and did very well in all areas of study. This is what I had dreamed of. I loved every minute of it. The people
were all of good heart and gave freely of them selves to all who asked. I knew then that this is what
I wanted to do as long as I live.
The End of a Dream
One day I injured
both my hips badly in competition.
So bad I tore both hips out of their
sockets. I had a hard time standing
let alone to walk. How am I to
train, when merely standing up felt
as if someone was forcing butter
knives into my hips. The doctors
told me surgery was needed or I
would have arthritis in both hips
for life. Something down deep
inside me new better and chose not
to have the surgery. Thus stopped
formally training (for three long
years). I went to Chef School
(Culinary Institute of America),
which was also a passion of
mine.
A New Hope
In '90 I graduated from Chef
school and moved to Florida. The
following year a friend, who new
of my martial arts interest, told me
he saw a Kung Fu school. I went
and watched a bit from outside. A
few minutes went by and a teacher
(Sifu Richi Wilson) saw me and
invited me in. We spoke about my
problem and that I wanted to but,
did not think it would be possible
to train again. Master Glenn
Wilson, who is the head of the
school (Glenn Wilson’s Kung Fu
Academy)and system (Gong Yuen
Cha Fa ), came over. He told me
that he could help me with the
challenge I had.
I learned not
only kung fu, but something I
never new existed, the internal
arts. This was Tai Chi and Chi
Kung, which became a wonderful
discovery, a whole new world
opened up. This is what healed me
and give my hips new strength. It
changed how I viewed every thing.
The First Time I Felt
Chi
The first time I felt chi,
was during our warm up in class,
working Chi Kung EE. It felt like
there were magnets in my hands
repelling each other. I thought I
was crazy and did not say
anything.A few days later at
Master Wilson’s' house, I asked
him (off to the side) if he had ever
felt anything like that before. I
thought he was going to think that
I am some kind of crazy person.
He smiled, then explained it in a
way I could comprehend. I was
relieved and excited, but then
asked him how far can one develop
this. He simply said, "I don't know.
The more you put in to it the more
you will get out of it. I have not
heard of anyone reaching a limit.
The only limits you have are the
ones you put on your self". This
became my ambition.
New Concepts
The System taught me to
strengthen my legs using incredibly
low stances, waist whipping
(instead of using power only from
the shoulders), fluid motion (not
rigid), forms like none I had ever
seen, my first weapons training and
so much more.
By 1995 I
obtained the level of Si Hing (gray
sash). Through the years I learned
Pai Lum Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Chi
Kung, and Kenpo. I taught classes,
trained, competed and did well.
Philosophy
Martial arts to me is a journey of
the mind body and spirit. One
learns all they can along they way,
taking chosen bits of information
into them self, and making it their
own. Creating and adding to an
ever growing fountain of
knowledge.
A Friend asked
me once, which is the best style of
martial arts, I told him simply,
none. It is the practitioner. If a
martial artist trains with his/her
heart and is dedicated to their own
growth in the art, then they will be
a great martial artist. It is not just
about being the best fighter. It is
much more, it is about having the
moral strength to be a good human
being and about growing from
with in.
Silent Dragon
In 1997 I felt it was now time to move on, and once again start a new journey. A former Sifu (instructor) of mine and friend, Sifu Dennis Pinon asked if I was interested in being part of Silent Dragon sytem. We had kept in touch, and as fate would have it, we would again be training together once more. Sifu Dennis asked me to come train at his school, but I had to be accepted by the Grandmaster of Silent Dragon. I wrote a letter, and was very nervous as I went to meet with him. When we met, I found Master Day to be a humble man with an open heart and a generous soul. He invited me in to the system and made me feel like a long lost friend come home. He asked me to be at the first Black Sash (instructor) meeting for the new begining of the Silent Dragon system.
I tested for the rank of 1st level Sifu and have been offered nothing but suport. Master Day became a Grand Master but was still the same humble man, a man who we all love. I have grown so much in so many ways since joining the Silent Dragon system.
In the never ending search for knowledge, I have learned and received my 1st level in Reiki (Japanese healing art) from Sifu Mike P. Glynn. In 1999 I received my 2nd level in Reiki, from (now promoted) Master Mike P. Glynn and was awarded my 2nd level Sifu in Silent Dragon Kung Fu and Tai Chi. I thank all who have, are, and will touch my life.
I have had the benefit of training under and
attending seminars from many martial artists along the way. Some
of whom have touched me
spiritually, others who have taught
me lessons that I still find new
aspects of years later and for years to come. Some of
these people are, but not limited to:
Master Mike P. Glynn- This man is very close to my heart. He has shown me understanding and patience towards others. To be loving to those who would wish you harm. Master Mike opened my eyes and heart to Reiki, while continually sharing the martial arts with me as a teacher, friend and brother. At a time when I was down he breathed new life and hope into my spirit. His teachings will eternally be with me.
Master Tom Turcotte- This is truly a skilled Master of not only the art, but of the heart. Master Turcotte, is humble, and has a heart of gold. Every time I see him, I am filled with a inner peace that is unexplainable. This gentle Master gives with his heart and I believe can see right down to a persons soul. The seminars and private class time we spend together is priceless. He has filled a void of knowledge, but of character in my life. I will learn from him and pass on the knowledge as long as he will teach. He has done so much for so many.
Master Smitty (Fred Schmitz)-
Taught me to be strong in spirit as
well as in the mind and body.
“When we are one with ourselves,
we are one with the Dragon." A
man who will remain in me heart,
my teachings, and whose' lessons I
will reflect on for a lifetime.
Master Randy Sharkey- Always
has been there for me as a teacher
and a brother in the arts. He is
tough, fair, values honor, and
honest. Values worthy of a great
human being. Gave me the ability
to be strong, and to follow my
heart, where ever it may lead.
Master Mike Erickson- He
came into my life and opened up
his heart and teachings to me. He
is always challenging my skills and
abilities without boundaries. Five
minutes with him is like studying a
year. We click together on a level
that is unexplainable. He teaches
directly to my subconscious, it is
like instant knowledge or ability.
The time we spend together will
always be cherished.
I have
also taken seminars and classes
from: Master Steven Hayes, Si Tai
Gung Daniel Kane Pai, Master Bill
Gregory, Master Thomas St.
Charles, Sifu Joey Schmitz, Shi Han Gino Cretella, Sifu Mark Thorson.
Links
Brief History of Grandmaster Day
Kung Fu
Conditioning & Training Ideas
Tai Chi and beyond
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