I have been a long time practitioner of the martial arts. I began when I was about nine years old and have in one form or another followed with it since to the present. I first began self teaching out of some books on karate I picked up at a bookstore.
I think my original inspiration as corny as it may sound, came from watching Bruce Lee movies as a child. I was simply astounded as to what the man could do with his body. His poise, abilities as a martial artist, confidence, and sheer power were just amazing.
After this time I began formal studies in the art of Tae Kwon Do. Though the school was primarily Tae Kwon Do based, I was also introduced to many other supporting styles such as hapkido, aikido, jujitsu, aki-jujitsu and such. It was when I began my collegiate years that I truly explored other styles even further.
Whilst in college I began studying ia-jitsu, ken-jitsu, iaido, and kendo. I also dabbled a bit with a few forms of kung fu. All in all it was quite an interesting time for me with regard to the martial arts as I got to experience first hand more of the styles I had so longed to know and see up close.
The martial arts has also had a profound impact upon my spiritual life. As I became more inundated with the arts I also began learning more of their culture and cultural underpinnings. This eventually lead me to buddhism and taoism, both of which are integral to my everyday life now.