by David Zacker

Created on: May 09, 2010

My life's journey began in the 1960's as a young boy growing up in the world without a father to teach me so many things a boy should learn, like how to fish, hunt, or even how to throw a ball. My precious mother passed away when I was only nine years of age. My grandmother raised me and guided me in so many positive directions. Even with her love and guidance she just couldn't fill the empty void in my heart, That only a man or father figure could fill.

 I had a grade school friend, a best friend who's uncle had just returned home from the service. This would be the very first introduction to the martial arts for me and to the life style that would follow me all the rest of my life. He spent time with us and taught us karate. However this was short lived due to the fact he had to move out of the area. But like a never ending love story my passion to learn more grew.

 My grandmother was sitting at the kitchen table one afternoon reading the local paper. She knew how I longed for more of this new not yet well know art.  She told me of a karate program she found in the small local paper being held in the old boat club the next city over. She took me to the club and signed me up. Back then we didn't have or knew about big chain schools, Karate was found in church basements, VFW halls or in the basement of someone's home.  This journey would continue throughout my lifetime spanning now over four decades.

  I often wonder what would of become of  the child I once was without this intervention in my life. I was shy and withdrawn, I carried a heavy burden inside of me.  So many obstacles for a boy to have to face at such a young age. Hurt, disappointment, death, peer pressure and trying to fit in when I really didn't seem to at the time. The martial art's became the one thing that filled the missing void in my life. Oh the life lessons I learned along the way, Respect for myself and others, discipline of the mind, body and spirit.

 The 1970's came and with it so came my teenage years, I was taught early on that I would need a sharp, clear mind, not one clouded with drugs or alcohol, I needed my body to be in good physical condition if I was to continue training and to not do harm to it, I needed a certain inner spirit one that could only be achieved by restraining from following the crowd. I have learned a great deal over the many years, much more then how to punch correctly, or how to do a proper kick. The martial arts I guess you could say taught me that within this lifestyle there exist no prejudice. The martial art's doesn't care about the color of your skin, or your nationality. The martial art's doesn't care if you are poor for it will enrich your life, and if you are rich the martial art's will show you riches that cannot be purchased, riches beyond rubies, diamonds or gold, If you are poor in health the martial art's will nourish your body back to wellness.   Life will throw at us many road blocks and obstacles along our journey. So often the average person feel's like throwing in the towel. Loss of a loved one, a failed marriage, not getting that job or promotion, so many disappointments will pass our way over the span of our lives.   The martial art's teaches life lessons to all who walk barefoot upon the floor of the training hall. 

 The most important lesson I was taught was to become like one of God's creatures the eagle. For when the winds pick up and the storms are approaching all God's creatures run for shelter from the storm except the eagle. The eagle looks the storm right in the eye and faces it, then soars high above the storm and rises above it.  

Learn more about this author, David Zacker.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.