“To enlighten and evolve through the art of Kenpo” 

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M.A.P.

By Gurujodha Singh Khalsa

When traveling along a road or highway a map is very often helpful and sometimes necessary to get to one’s destination. The same is true in life. As we strive to reach our highest potential and achieve our goals and aspirations, a map consisting of values, techniques, wisdom and confidence is necessary. In difficult geographic circumstances we may even hire a guide to take us into treacherous or difficult surroundings. In life the same is also true. We seek out those with mastery, experience, and knowledge -- Real-life practical experience and knowledge to guide us around the pit-falls and counter-productive events we can often become involved in. This basic life truth is the driving force behind Martial Arts for Peace (M.A.P.), a non-profit corporation to be established by Bryan Hawkins Kenpo Karate and members of the U.K.S.

The concept is simple. Martial Arts, most specifically Kenpo Karate, are tremendously beneficial to young people looking for a successful approach to life. Kenpo teaches physical conditioning, mental alertness, respect, fearlessness, compassion, and logical problem solving. All of this is placed in an environment which both challenges and supports the practitioner. Most of all Kenpo teaches peace. Ed Parker articulates the core concept in “the Creed”: “I come to you with only karate, empty hands. I have no weapons, but should I be forced to defend myself, my principles or my honor, should it be a matter of life or death, of right or wrong, then here are my weapons, Karate, my empty hands.” This is a peace based upon confident self-esteem and strength of being and purpose. These same qualities and attributes of confidence based upon achievement can be used to counteract random senseless teen violence, gangs, drug use, and self-abusive behavior.

Through M.A.P., kids of all ages will have the opportunity to be exposed to Kenpo and other qualified martial arts through demonstrations, books, videos, cassette tapes, classes, etc. M.A.P. will be seeking funding as a non-profit corporation to underwrite these educational efforts. Bryan Hawkins and the UKS are very excited about the new opportunities M.A.P. will create. Gurujodha S. Khalsa, 3rd degree black belt, UKS member and attorney at law, is currently preparing the documents creating this organization. We wanted to give you advance notice of this exciting new opportunity for us to share the wisdom of Senior Grand Master Ed Parker.

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