Ever since I can remember I have been interested in martial arts. I had always seen things in movies or on television, but living in a small town in Oklahoma, there was really no opportunity to learn any type of art. So I went through life without satisfying my interest in martial arts.

     When I moved to Springfield, Missouri, things slowly began to change. Like before, I noticed things in movies. But I also began to take an interest in the smooth, flowing movements of Chinese Kung Fu. I noticed how beautiful its movements were, and it was so different from anything I had ever seen before. So I followed my older brother and enrolled in a small school in downtown Springfield.

The teacher there taught many different things, but I told him I was specifically interested in Chinese Kung Fu. I learned several short forms, and it was like I had seen in several movies and wu-shu demonstrations. These short forms were part of a system that came from the Shaolin Temple. I had never heard of Shaolin before, but I eventually developed a deep interest in the small Buddhist temple in Henan, China. I studied the rich history of the temple, and it was eventually a window into the study of the beautiful language and culture of China. So I had finally hit the mark; this is what I wanted to study. But after a year, my teacher moved away from Springfield and the relationship dissolved. Afterwards, I learned miscellaneous things, including the basic Hsing-I Chu´an and Pentjak Silat.

     During this time, my older brother was also enrolled in a Kung Fu school by the name of "Shaolin Lo´han". He showed me what he was learning and told me about the master, and I was truly amazed by the things he described. At first I was skeptical to join, for I heard of the rigorous forms and physically strenuous classes. Eventually, however, I felt prepared to study at the Shaolin Lo´han School of Kung Fu. I called Sifu and set up the screening (interview). When the interview began, he was asking me questions, questions that I had asked myself. This time, however, I felt I had the answers. After the screening process, Sifu accepted me into his school. I had my first class that night. It truly changed my life, not only on a physical level, but on a mental and spiritual level. Even though I am in the greatest shape of my life, that is just a side effect of what this Shaolin system is doing for me on a deeper level. I achieved things I would have never thought possible because I believe in myself more than ever, and Sifu taught me to push myself until I achieve my goal! What I am learning not only applies to martial arts, but to every aspect of my life. I am not there to train the power of my fist or foot, but rather I am learning the focused power of respect, discipline, and self-control. I am learning to develop my mind through the discipline of my body; that is my main objective. But for now... I am enjoying the journey.

     -Eric M. Sears-