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The Image Nation

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As children we are taught the importance of imagination for the purpose of keeping busy, being creative or just having fun with friends. More than likely because it is introduced to us at such an early age, it’s generally depicted as childish or even worse…a form of fantasy. We often forget that our bodies in many ways are like a universe, made of 30 trillion cells with different functions, most of which are automated, keeping us alive without us needing to understand the extent of their purpose. However, every so often a thought about what we are made of can help us understand a hint of our value, direction and most importantly, perception. What does it mean to perceive something? How is it different from seeing, viewing or witnessing an event? The word “per” as one definition states is containing the largest possible portion of an element. This means as a “per son” you contain the most of who you are. The word “ceive” means to obtain or to get something. In short, we coul...
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Part 2: The White Jade Tiger by Gu Long 白玉老虎英文版

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The second installment of the adventure's of Willy Zhao. If you missed the first piece, go back to part 1.    After Willy Zhao had paid off everything he owed, he is feeling like a million dollars as he sets off on his steed for his special day. The only thing that is slightly troubling is that Shanna didn't protest his departure at all. In fact, she brought his horse to him. Maybe she was already out of tears. "You've already made up your mind to leave." Shanna says, almost reading his thoughts. "Once Willy Zhao has made up his mind, no one can change it." "Thanks for understanding me." Willy smiles. Although Willy is truly grateful for being understood, he can't help feeling responsible for Shanna's sadness.  "I know one day you will come back to see me." Shanna responds. "I'm never coming back." Willy replies. "It's already painful enough leaving you one time." Everyone in their youth does things...
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Part 1: The White Jade Tiger 白玉老虎 （英文板）

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 In my free time I enjoy reading and translating Chinese classical novels. Here's the first scene from one of them. If you are interested in something like this, please leave a message. Thanks and God bless.  This story is called The White Jade Tiger, written by Gu long. Published in 1976 Chapter One It's an enchanting spring day, an exceptionally important day for someone in particular. Willy Zhao, lays on the warm bed attempting to regain strength after the long ride. His steed, powerful and quick, had taken him over 200 miles in a relatively short time. Still, afterwards he found the need to rest his head on the soft and fragrant sheets. The bed belonged to a woman, Shanna, who is even softer and more fragrant than the luxurious mattress. Every time she knew she would meet with Willy, she attempted to make herself even more desirable. The rays of the sun shine through the window,  the breeze carries in the aroma of the abundant flowers surrounding the house. As Willy l...
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Corona Virus, Racism, Lockdown and Martial Arts

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There has been a storm brewing in recent weeks related to issues of sickness, finance and social problems. I know there are differing opinions of every kind, but from a kung fu perspective (physics, science and math) this could be much more serious than we desire or anticipate.  I wish to start by saying I have nothing but love for everyone. I've truly learned to love people who dislike or even hate me. We are all at different levels of learning and when someone calls me a nigger, I know it's his problem not mine. But many years ago that was a call to violence.  "When a man can make you angry, he can control you." My instructor said to me many times because of fighting in school.  Please note, this article was written in love, but it's probably going to piss some people off. I just hope you allow yourself time to reflect on the truth. Today most of us value our feelings and opinions more than evidence. Every tree can only grow as large as its...
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Finding my Qi: The Story of Robert Jay Arnold

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(Note: It's been about ten years since my last serious blog entry so this is a bit lengthy. Get a soda, some chips or coffee and enjoy the trip. Thanks) To Qi or not to Qi, that is the question. Myself I have never been a skeptic, but always a realist. Whatever works in terms of self-defense, was adopted into the arsenal. But effectiveness has always gone hand in hand with truth. Is Qi something real? Or just an ancient Chinese parlor trick used to bring in more students. This is my journey, my search and discovery. A highlight from 4 years old to 40; my evolution in the martial arts. I began my training at the age of four, under my militant-ass father, strictly for reasons of not getting "dusted" by the other boys on the playground. My brothers and I started with Taekwondo and boxing, but my father and old school Korean instructor weren't as concerned with the art in terms of how it looked, as they were with self-preservation. "How can you k...
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