“To enlighten and evolve through the art of Kenpo” 

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To Be a 52-Year-Old White Belt

by Arlo Chan  

I woke up on my 52nd birthday feeling quite sore.  It felt like every part of my body ached.  My throat hurt, even my eyelids.  But it wasn’t from having the flu or getting “old” (which I am not).  I had attended the 10th Annual Kenpo Training Camp over the weekend, hosted by Mr. Hawkins.

All of my muscles ached because I expended maximum effort to do my best at the camp.  My throat is another matter.  How many white belts have had the honor of being thrown to the ground by 10th Degree Grandmaster Mr. Mike Pick, only to have him step on your throat to demonstrate how to snap an enemy’s neck after you’ve got him down?  I am proud to say that I have had that honor!  How many white belts have been struck in the groin or punched by 8th Degree Mr. Paul Dye, while demonstrating the multitude of strikes available to the experienced Kenpoist performing a “simple” technique?  These honors are usually reserved for the highest belt rank in a class.  I was lucky.

So, how does someone decide to don a white gi and belt and take up the rigorous training required to study Kenpo at the relatively late age of 52?  In my case, it’s technically a return to Kenpo.  I had studied in 1974 and 1975 in Arizona.  I proudly attained the rank of Orange Belt, and was close to a Purple Stripe.  I was also most fortunate to have met Mr. Parker twice.  I loved doing Kenpo, but the Life Path I chose took me away from practicing for a very long time.  I have continued T’ai Chi practice since 1975, and became an archer five years ago (Olympic recurve), but alas, no Kenpo in 28 years.

When my son Eric decided he wanted to study Karate, there was no doubt in my mind that he should learn Kenpo.  He studied for five years under Mr. Hawkins (from age 11 to 16), achieving the rank of 1st Degree Brown.  I observed many classes, helped out at numerous tournaments (as score or time keeper), and of course attended every one of Eric’s belt tests.

Now that Eric is a sophomore at U.C. San Diego, I wanted to do something to actively maintain and honor our connection as Father and Son.  That connection was perfectly expressed through Kenpo when, for the first time, Eric and I attended a group class together on September 15th, in honor of Mr. Hawkins’ birthday.

It would be natural to wonder if I feel daunted, being the oldest person in class, or certainly the oldest white belt.  I do not.  To the contrary, I am invigorated by the energy in the class, and excited to practice Beginner’s Mind.  I am truly grateful to have the opportunity to evolve through the art of Kenpo, guided by the wisdom and experience of Mr. Hawkins.

What will I do to celebrate my 52nd birthday?  Beginning Adult Group class with Mr. Hawkins and Mr. Gregan.  I look forward to meeting each of you and seeing you in class.

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