It has almost been a decade since I have started learning karate. I was 5 when I started Karate, but it feels just like yesterday when became Coach Robby’s protege. Coach Robby has not only been the best teacher, but also has been my best friend, and guide in life. More than teaching us Karate and self-defense, he has taught us the fundamentals of being a good human being. Every month he picks a word and spends time on teaching us the core skills of life such as awareness, respect, confidence, and teamwork. These roots have helped me become a better person not only in class, but at home, school, and in my day to day life.

Many of my friends who learn martial arts after a few years have complained about how each class feels more repetitive and has started to get boring for them. For me going to Coach Robby’s class is like going to my second home where each of us shares a special bond and while working hard, we have fun.  Coach Robby has over the years taught us various forms and different types of martial arts from around the world which makes each class unique.

Having the honor of being part of the journey from the start of Airborne Martial Arts to the inception of Gymraté, I have had the privilege of learning a lot from Coach Robby not only while in class but from his own personal life journey. Coach Robby has been through some rough challenges growing up and how he fought through them at a young age has been beyond inspiring.  His attitude has been filled with nothing but positivity no matter what the situation has been. Having someone like Coach Robby in my life is one of the biggest gifts of God. I thank God every day for giving me a guide, a friend and a mentor who is filled with such a positive outlook and helps put a smile on my face every day.

While many of us think about what we will get out of the process, Coach Robby has always thought about what he can give to others. Coach Robby has taught me not only Martial Arts and core values, but most importantly he has helped me experience the joy from paying it forward.  One of the many things he does is each year he organizes a karate tournament and the funds collected goes to a Summer Camp special held for kids going through cancer recovery.

Today is Coach Robby’s birthday, as well as the completion of 9 years of karate for me. 9 years ago on this day when he started Airborne Martial Arts at the same time, I joined him. I feel on his birthday 9 years back while it was his birthday, he gave me the gift and honor of being his student for which I am ever grateful. With this, Coach wishing you a very very happy birthday and to many more years of teaching us karate and being our guide as we travel the journey of life.