Westchester’s Only Martial Arts Personal Development Center
Dr. Robyn Silverman introduces the Powerful Word of the Month: COMMITMENT.
Commitment is following thru towards our goals and promises, not only to ourselves but to others as well.
Kapatid Martial Arts Academy is Westchester County’s Premier Martial Arts Personal Development Center that exclusively uses Dr. Robyn Silverman’s Powerful Words Character Development Program.
This month’s Powerful Word is the secret to my success: APPRECIATION
Appreciation, to me, really measures the quality and worth of a person in which he or she gives thanks, gratitude and honor to the people in their lives and the things they have. Appreciation also determines the potential of a person’s ability to succeed and fail in life.
I reflect back at all my set backs and failures in my life and realize that there was always someone there to give me a boost to rise back up
I’ve had the great opportunity to be under great mentors and coaches who have helped me along my road to success. I’ve had a very patient and supportive single parent who sacrificed for me to keep me in the martial arts. Sure I was stubborn many times when my mom or my coaches tried to council me, but in the end I knew they were right because of their wisdom and experience.
I appreciate where I am today in my life. I am able to empower hundreds of lives through the martial arts to help men, women, and children live to their very best and reach for their goals. I am thankful for my teachers and coaches who set a great example for me to follow, because now I am a reflection of the guidance that they gave me. I honor them. I did not do it alone. I am not an island.
I learned a very important lesson when I was young from my grandmother. She once observed me in a toy store with my mom, and I put on a tantrum like you wouldn’t believe because my mom wouldn’t get me the toy I wanted. My grandmother was embarrassed for my mom, because she knew my mom was never like that when she was a child. My mom of course was livid with me. She lost her cool fast because she did not raise me to have such behavior.
So my grandmother had to pull me to the side. I knew I could not get away with such behavior. She simply said to me “Patrick, that’s enough! You are going to have to learn how to work for things from now on!” Of course, it was a little more dramatic than I’ve described. I got it when I got home. I grandmother took away all my toys that she previously gave me, because she realized I was spoiled.
That incident left an imprint in my life, because from that day on, I simply did not get what I wanted anymore, I had to earn it, even at such a young age. My mom of course could have afforded to give me anything I wanted but she held back. If wanted a toy, comic book, or even go to the movies, there were chores involved.
My mom even enrolled me in the martial arts to learn the respect I have now for others. I was not a regular student. My Sensei made me clean the training area, dressing rooms, bathrooms, and offices in the Dojo (training hall in Japanese). Day after day until I became a green belt, I realized the meaning of having work ethic. My Sensei always used to say to me, “Patrick, whenever you do something, you are putting your signature on it. You are either going to sign your name with honor or shame! So you might as well not waste your time and give your best effort!”
Because of those lessons, I am where I am today. I appreciate my Lola (this means grandmother in Filipino) and for my Sensei for teaching me this when I was young. Till this day when I visit my 95-year-old Lola in San Francisco, I still help around the house and do chores. I’m also still in touch with my Sensei, who I’ve had a father & son relationship now for the past 25 years.
I appreciate the lessons I’ve learned. Hasn’t been easy, but here I am. I have the unique and privileged position to teach this to the future generations. That’s why I’m tough on my students, because I want the best for them and their families.
I said to myself when I first started teaching the martial arts as my profession that if I could only affect one student in my life and help them achieve more than they’ve ever achieved then that effort would be worth all the pains and hardships I’ve gone through.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I really appreciate it…
Gumagalang (Respectfully),
Hello Friends,
Dr. Robyn Silverman has a powerful message for us again for the month of February. It’s Trustworthiness!
What is trust? Trust is when people are dependable, honest, and loyal. Trust is when you know you won’t want to do others wrong. You trust your parents, significant other, spouse, friends, and family. Just like Respect, Trust is earned and built. You know who you can trust based on their actions, decisions, and behavior, not just necessarily what people might say. “Actions speak louder than words”
If you can trust others, the real question is can people trust you? This entire month you will be focusing on making yourself worthy of trust… It first starts with you…
To Your Success,
Guro Patrick Consing
Dear Friends and Members,
Can you believe it? 31 days down from 2009. I hope you’re up and running towards your goal that you set from the beginning of the year. These days you have to fight and go for it. Take action and work your plan…
Life seems like a rush these days. Everyday I express my gratitude for another day to make a difference in this world. I love what I do. I know I have a large responsibility on my hands, that few men would ever care for. One of my sources of inspiration is see you succeed and reach your goals, not only in the martial arts, but in all aspects of your life.
My instructor, Pamana Tuhon Sayoc, once asked me if I thought that I was successful. I asked him if that was a trick philosophical question. Tuhon said to me, “Pat, what you do on the mat, do you believe that it saves lives?” I enthusiastically replied “Yes!”
“How many lives do you think you’ve saved then over the years?”, Tuhon asked.
“Hundreds..”, I answered.
“What cost has it been to you or to those you’ve saved and influenced?” - Tuhon
“Priceless” - Guro
“Would you trade that responsibility for anything in this world?” - Tuhon
“Nothing at all” - Guro
“Then you are a man who has passion for something that he truely believes in, even though you have no obligation or attachment to do so, you do it with fervor and continually do your best. There are men who go through this life never knowing the greatness within them, their pursose and their calling. What we do saves lives…” - Tuhon
I wanted to share that with you, because I too have mentors/coaches cheering me on, reminding me of the things I know, and the things that am supposed to do. Having a coach behind me keeps me alert and hungry for my goals in life. Tell me what moves you, what inspires you. I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at info@kapatidmartialarts.com.
To your success,
Guro Patrick Consing