My Dad

Mom & Dad





















Father’s Day is the day when the world stops to recognize the great men that have profoundly affected our lives. Today is that day, the day to commemorate those heroes that have lived their lives for the good of others.

I am here today to honor the life of my father, Manuel Saavedra.

He was born on Jane 6, 1929. He was the second of six children. Being such, he took on a lot of responsibility in the family even at a young age.

My father is truly a man of faith and prayer Also, never have I met a more giving and self-sacrificing man than my father.


.My father, Manuel Saavedra is in some ways an enigma, perhaps hiding his own feelings very well behind his “few words” style and his non-judgmental ways. But one thing is very certain to all who know him; one thing was always evident no matter what he is involved in: this is a “good” man. He cares about people, he cares about community, and he is willing to pull his weight to make good things happen, whether or not it benefited him directly. He has always sacrificed everything to make our lives better than what he had. But my father’s generosity has always considered others before himself. To him, character counts: hence the loyalty, hence the principled action, and the “goodness” about him. He looks for it in others, and he embodied it in himself. He knows right from wrong, and lives like it matters. Growing up, he instilled it in each of us: character matters. There is a right and a wrong. In our family, we do it this way.

I never felt the absence of love between us. It was a given that his love was there, unspoken perhaps - but that quiet, non-verbal way was just part of who he is - and the loyalty that I know and respect of him not being a quitter, carried the day. We didn't miss a beat in caring for one another.

Those early years were important years - formative for each of us - and he poured himself into fathering in the best way he knew: by showing us by example the value of hard work and industry, of courage, and pride in doing a good work, of being courteous and cheerful, of kindness. I remember the lessons we learned from fishing with him. He invited us to join him and modeled for us these wonderful attributes that we have managed to carry with us into adulthood. Those early lessons sunk deeply into each one of us - my brother and I - lessons of character, lessons of action, and lessons of respect for others.
He also taught us, really - the value of life long learning. I mean, how many 79 year olds do you know that are learning - and teaching - preaching.
I remember as a kid thinking, “Dad can do anything!”

He has always been fearless and brave. He showed this to us when we were kids in the way he faced things; and still today he faces all his situation with bravery.
He is not afraid of death. He accepted the diagnosis of a life threatening condition with his usual fearless aplomb, and then walked through every bit of it with courage and with dignity. He faced this part of his life with the same good character as he had shown throughout his life: Dad is brave, he has always remained loyal to his friends and the activities he had committed to, and he continued to show love toward us. He included us in the decisions he was faced with, but he was the captain of his ship. He has remained steadfast to his inner principles that had carried him throughout life.

The memories that I carry in my own self;
the ways I see him in how I myself am in the world today;
the ways I see him in my brother: his legacy, really, is in the people he touched. There were many here in Miami, and others during his New York years; but perhaps none more than the three of us - Mom, Alex and I.
My dad - even with the imperfections that we all carry to one extent or another - is a great Dad and a wonderful man.

I still carry today in my mind an image from my childhood - an iconic image, really, filled now with much more meaning and emotion than the image itself might deserve.

His sacrifices for us have always reminded with me through the years of his strength, of his love, of his care for me.
Dad embodies a fearless confidence - in himself, and in the future.

I wrote a poem as I thought about that image, and thought about the things I've said here today, and I'd like to share that poem with you now:

All these long years of unspoken love captured ages ago on grainy film, now carried in my mind - Still, and even more clearly - free to grow, O free to share - Strength, courage, confidence: yes, there he still remains - Strong, Courageous, Confident: still after all these long years. No, I can't erase - never wanting to, really - that strong hand, that care, that smile - Loving the kind brave love embodied there. Wordless as it was, truly it was, still, and time moves it forward, past becomes present becomes future, love passed on, yes, and now?
Even now, Dad's strong hand calls forth, Godspeed, son, Godspeed.
Confidence! Courage! Love...

Self-Confidence

Self-Confidence

Consider this quote from Marianne Williamson's 1995,

'A Return to Love':
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God.

Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Self-confidence stems from the value that we place on performing well. Our general belief about ourselves has a powerful effect on our self-confidence. Always relative to a task or situation, self-confidence is situational, and not absolute.
Self-confident people trust their own abilities, have a general sense of control in their lives and believe that they will be able to do what they wish, plan and expect. Accepting themselves and their limitations, trusting their own abilities - realistic expectations help them to keep a positive attitude. Those who continuously expect perfection may become disillusioned and unable to produce perfect outcomes. Being overly self-critical not only feels terrible, but it is highly unproductive.
When we were children, we valued just being ourselves. We had not yet felt the need to justify our place in the world by proving ourselves to others. As adults, we have become concerned with proving ourselves and, for some; excessive amounts of time are being spent thinking ourselves of lesser value than others. Those who feel this way often forget that no one person is able to do everything perfectly.

Each of us have abilities in which we excel and others which are more difficult for us. This should not make us feel un-likeable or less valuable than others.

Strategies for Developing Self-Confidence

Emphasize Your Strengths – give yourself credit for everything you try. Applaud your efforts.
Take Risks – approach new experiences as opportunities to learn.

Do not focus on winning or losing.
Use Encouraging Self-Talk - talk yourself out of expecting perfection and substitute more reasonable expectations. It is perfectly acceptable to try your best, but do not shoot yourself down if the outcome was not perfect.
Self-Evaluate – It is helpful to ask for the opinion of others but learn to evaluate yourself independently. Focus on how you feel; develop your own personal power, thus gaining a stronger sense of self. Watch out for undue criticism, especially your own!
Relive past times when you felt empowered by your situation.
Concentrate on what your purpose in the situation is. The key is to have an aim.
Temporary fluctuations in our feelings of self-confidence are fairly common; they happen to most of us. If, however, your self-confidence is low for a prolonged period of time or your mood shifts quite often, it might be time to seek another approach. It may be that you never really developed a good, solid concept of yourself as you were growing up; and do not now possess a firm, positive concept of yourself to build upon.

A complete Martial Art

A COMPLETE MARTIAL SYSTEM

According to Asian thought, a Martial Art style or system must have the following elements in order to be considered complete: a diverse repertoire of Attack and Defense Techniques, Aesthetic and Artistic Refinement, Health Exercises including the practice of qigong, Healing Techniques, and a theoretical framework which embraces both Philosophy and Moral Code. With literally hundreds of styles, Asian Martial Arts are easily the most diverse and complex; each possessing unique characteristics, all coming from a rich cultural legacy.
The vast knowledge found in these Arts is due to the contributions of many generations of leading exponents who dedicated their lives to the perfection of their Art.
Asian Martial Arts trace their origin and development to three primary sources: the military, family clans, and religious sects. Styles and forms were created from and/or named after various influences, including the creator’s name (Hong Family Boxing, Chaquan); animals or nature (Tiger, Crane, Mantis); philosophical principles (Taijiquan, Baguazhang); or location (Guangzhou Wing Chun, Wudang, Northern Shaolin). However, regardless of their origin, they all share similar traits unique to Asian Martial Arts.

I. Self-Defense and Combat techniques in Sansei cover all possible fighting ranges: Long, Medium, Short and Close (Touching) ranges and consist of the following approaches:

· Striking and Kicking Techniques
· Body Conditioning Exercises
· Joint Locks and Counter locks
. Power Generation Training
· Pressure Point Attacks
· Forms
· Throwing and Grappling
· Weapons Training
· Sensitivity Training
· Sparring

II. Artistic and expressive movements serve to develop the innate sense and appreciation of aesthetics that is within us all.
Traditional Karate training satisfies this inherent need while maintaining a functional perspective in combat.
Every movement demands precision and accuracy for proper execution. Discipline of both mind and body are developed as one strives towards perfection in thought and movement. The high degree of concentration and body awareness required to perform these patterns also serves to consolidate and refine the martial skills that are being practiced.
When the practitioner is able to harmonize the physical, mental and internal aspects of his training, his movements will take on a new quality. They will become effortless and graceful with power flowing naturally through the body.
It is at this point that true training begins to develop.

III. Traditional healing methods are an important part of Sansei.
These include:
· Acupressure (Tuina) · Qigong Healing
· Acupuncture · Five Element Massage (health and healing systems)
· Bone Alignment Therapy · Moxibustion and Cupping
· Chinese Herbs and Medicine · Bone Adjustment and Spinal Manipulation
· Diet and Nutrition · Treatment of Traumatic Injuries
· Health Meditation Exercises · Resuscitation and First Aid Techniques
· Human Anatomy and Physiology Training · Remedial Therapeutic Exercises
· Energy Balancing Methods · Traditional Oriental Therapeutic Modalities
Health Qigong and therapeutic exercises are those, which promote physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
They are integral in Karate and include methods such as:
.Respiration Techniques
·Meridian Activation Movements
·Sound Vocalization
·Dynamic Meditation Movements
·Physical Movements

IV. Sansei has been strongly influenced by historical, philosophical and religious teachings. They serve as the ethical guidelines for martial techniques, mental training and principles of living and conduct for the Karate practitioner.
By studying these precepts, insight may be gained on the culture and its Martial Arts. When these teachings are fully understood by the student, correct moral conduct and proper etiquette will naturally develop. Furthermore, he or she will gain a positive outlook on martial training as well as in his or her daily encounters in life.
Major focus of philosophical study include theories from the following:
· Confucianism
· Chinese Martial Arts History and Philosophy
· Daoism
· Classical Chinese Military Strategy
· Buddhism

Peaceful Champions Program 2008

"Peaceful Champions" Violent Prevention and Character Development through traditional Karatedo This is a program that the Kokusai Koryu Gojukai Karatedo is engaged with during the year and every summer we hold a special camp for over 300 students. The program utilizes the curriculum of traditional Karatedo for peace and cognitive behavior therapy. The program involves the physical discipline of Karatedo, mental self-defense and peaceful conflict resolution. This combination with clinical interventions such as group education, anger management training, communication skill building and family support and guidedance will assist students to improve their social skills, communications skills, and reduce conflicts with peers and adults. Karatedo has an enormously creative potential for teaching young people to resolve conflict peacefully and create fine moral character. Humanity is crying out for help in these troubled times, and Karatedo can be an intelligent and effective way to prepare our children to cope with today's challenges. To meet these urgent personal and social challenges of increased violence and the deterioration of ethical values, we need a different education beyond the teaching of academics, one that can teach our children the skills to resolve conflict and build character. The peaceful champions program can be this education for peace and social understanding. Karate for Peace can teach the virtues of compassion, love, wisdom and respect and the fine qualities that build a strong and honorable character in young people so that they may contribute to creating a more peaceful and gentler world. The original martial arts of peace that became, over time, the arts of war have paradoxically the transformative potential to again be peaceful and healing arts but only with the right vision and the right means to carry out this vision. This is what it means:
"It means being a part of something that helps to instill both physical and social values which will benefit those involved as they go though life."
"Enjoying physical activity in a clean, controlled environment, while learning new discipline"
"Learning and obtaining self-discipline"
"Being Peaceful Warrior means I'm a part of a family & friends, in which I respect and cherish each relationship. It means I'm proud of being in an organization of great people, where each person can learn from the next. It means Words can't express the pride that the student feels every time they walk into the Dojo, knowing that they are surrounded by friends that are willing to guide & help them through life's grand journey. It's wonderful to be a part of an organization that puts the students first & gives us tremendous opportunities to grow & expand their knowledge.

Many epiphanies through Karate Training

Many epiphanies through Karate Training

A Spontaneous Experience of Awakening into Awareness

An epiphany is not an idea, people can do anything they want with an idea, but a truly new experience changes everything. Before you can do anything with it, it does something with you! An Epiphany is a sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something; an intuitive grasp of reality through something usually simple and striking. An epiphany is not an experience that we can create from within, but one that we can only be open to and receive from another. Epiphanies leave us totally out of control, and they always demand that we change. We would rather have objectified religion, which leaves us potentially in control and never having to change at all
A few days ago, my life was changed, at a deep and fundamental level, by a completely unexpected and inexplicable experience. I still do not fully comprehend, with my rational mind or intellect, exactly what happened. And yet, the validity and power of this incredible moment was profoundly vivid and clear. It was a moment of intuitive revelation which arrived suddenly and without warning, and which I can only describe as an "epiphany," or an Awakening. In this timeless moment, my understanding and experience of the universe were completely and irrevocably transformed. I am feeling the effects of this remarkable experience. The epiphany lasted only briefly, perhaps 1 hour or less, but as a result of the fundamental shift that occurred during this momentary revelation, my priorities, my identity, and the shape and form of my work have all begun to change. The epiphany arrived suddenly, and without warning. In fact, I was asleep when the experience began. Suddenly, an invisible, but significant, shift occurred internally: it felt as if any residual or latent energy blockages within my body had been instantly and completely released. I had Clarity that the universe, exactly as it is within the present moment is absolutely complete and perfect. The present moment was whole and integrated. Any sense of fundamental separateness was gone. "I" was still there, but any anxiety I had ever felt was completely eliminated. All I knew/felt/experienced was the complete and absolute perfection of the present moment. I realized that everything appearing before us is simply a manifestation and expression of this energy, and that this energy is always moving through each of us, guiding us throughout our lives. In this moment of Recognition, I realized the fundamental simplicity of my own existence and purpose: There is nothing we need to do or achieve, beyond the fullness of the present moment. And, I understood that this realization will dawn upon each of us, naturally and inevitably, as we begin to release our resistance to the flow of this energy moving within our lives. With this realization, I have began to understand, more clearly than ever before, the value of paying attention to: the relationship between body, mind, and spirit, the relationship between intellect and intuition, and the energetic rhythms and intuitive impulses moving within each of us. This was a moment of overwhelming revelation, of pure and absolute joy. The perfection and wholeness of the universe seemed so obvious, so simple, so complete, and so absolute. Intuitive Integration There was no question in my mind, during this timeless, indescribable moment that: Within the present moment, each of us is where we need to be, doing what we need to do. In our lives, and through our being, the Infinite Universe is continuously manifesting its completeness and perfection; an exquisite bliss arises when we recognize and acknowledge this perfection and wholeness within our own, immediate experience. I realized that it is at the intuitive level that we have our deepest moments of "knowingness" and insight, and that for each of us, this process of revelation begins simply with an intuitive faith and trust in our own energetic movement toward wholeness and integration. I realized that, within this very moment, this energetic impulse is guiding each of us toward deeper levels of intuitive recognition of this innate integration and inherent completeness. And, I realized that we can begin to recognize this energetic impulse through body work and energy work; through Karate. I realized that this movement of energy, through our daily life experiences, is our greatest and most potent teacher. I realized that this process is simply an intuitive exploration of the movement of chi -- the essential life force within the universe -- within the body/mind/spirit in the present moment. I realized that this experience of intuitive integration is simply a process of gradually realizing the energetic balance within our lives, within our intuition/intellect, and within our work/play. I realized that throughout our lives, we are all intuitively drawn toward deeper and more profound levels of physical, mental, emotional, psychic and spiritual integration by deep impulses and timeless rhythms of wholeness. And, I realized that this process allows each of us to explore the depths of our own innate potential to achieve an ever deepening Awareness and Recognition of our own fundamental and essential nature. I realized that within each of our lives, there is a pattern of intuitive recognition that has developed over time, an "intuitive river" that can provide clues to understanding the development of this integration process. I realized that the pattern and rhythm of this process are uniquely and individually appropriate to each of us, within the present moment. And, I understood that regardless of the path we choose, this process of intuitive integration will gradually to guide us all through, and toward, recognition of the essential wholeness, completeness and perfection of all that Is. I realized that in all our efforts to discern a sense of meaning and purpose in our lives, and in our struggle to understand the nature of the universe, our simple goal -- and our greatest freedom -- ultimately lie in recognizing this fundamental and essential state of natural Awareness. I realized that all of our efforts and struggle ultimately dissolve into our ability to trust the process of the completeness and perfection of the universe manifesting within the present moment.
In this Awakening, I discovered that my restless seeking and ceaseless longing were suddenly and completely resolved in the Perfection of the present moment. With a sense of relief, I discovered that my search for meaning and purpose was finally understood. The past and future are pale shadows and faint echoes of the radiant present. Harmony is recognizing the absolute, complete perfection of the universe, exactly as it is, within the infinite present. The perfection of the universe lies within its complete integrity and wholeness. Within this larger context, there is room for all the smaller, diverse "imperfections" of our daily, human experience. All suffering in the universe ultimately is not absurd because it is contained within an Infinite Compassion that extends far beyond the limits of all imaginable suffering. I realized that our common, "ordinary" human experience is impossible to differentiate from the Fullness and Essence of Reality. And, I finally understand that nothing ever needs to be done to achieve or obtain this Great Perfection. It is already absolute, complete and inherent within the present moment.
Since the epiphany, I have discovered that the background of this natural awareness revealed within this experience of "awakening" will remain the frame of reference for all my experience of being human. And, I have found that as a result of this revelation, my understanding and experience of life have gradually, and irrevocably, begun to change. I have discovered that for me, now, there can be no turning back: That which has been seen cannot be unseen, and with this epiphany, my life will never be the same again....
With the epiphany, it has also become clear to me is that we do not need to pursue or cultivate a spiritual hunger for experiences such as this awakening, simply because even the "highest" of spiritual experiences is still just that: another experience. Rather, I believe we are best served by beginning to recognize that our own immediate, present moment reality is not separate from, or other than, the larger truth or reality for which we have been searching.
I believe that when we finally release our attachment to the misconception that "This moment, or this experience, is not it," we will suddenly realize, with an exquisite and overwhelming satisfaction, that we already are that for which we have been seeking.

Higher Levels of Karate Training and Understanding

Higher Levels of Karate Training and Understanding

The 20th Century Human Being is one who finds comfort in living their life within the mainstream status quo of what would be considered normal. Their lives and thoughts will follow the path of a lower consciousness being.
The Spiritual Path - Everyone walks a path, whether consciously or not. If you are walking a Spiritual Path, it means that your intention is to experience your life from a fully conscious state of awareness. You are also aware of dimensions and realities beyond the physical and you consult with higher forms of wisdom and intelligence to provide guidance for the directions and choices you make on your life's path.
Higher level consciousness thoughts - As part of the evolutionary process, it is a natural occurrence to raise your lower consciousness thoughts towards a more expansive viewpoint. Rather than processing your thinking in a fear-based system, you begin with thoughts of Love. From this place as a starting point, you will ultimately be guided to seeing the reality around you in a more positive Light. You will begin to see yourself in others which creates a common bond for compassion and empathy to be expressed. This infectious state of being will permeate everything around you, so that the reality you experience contains the essence of joy, happiness and bliss -- no matter what circumstances are being played out in front of you.
The Higher level consciousness being is one who indulges in a life based on higher consciousness thoughts such as those based in the emotions of love and kindness in which you offer compassion and respect for those around you.
The Higher Self is a part of yourself that has always existed and has been with you guiding you on your evolutionary path. This is a fully conscious and aware part of your entire Self that can be accessed through your sincere intent. This part of your Self fully understands all there is to know about you and is the wisest part of your being. Your Higher Self is your connection to All That Is and it is Love in its purest form.

Leadership and Loyalty

"When we are debating an issue, loyalty means giving me your honest opinion, whether you think I'll like it or not. Disagreement, at this stage, stimulates me. But once a decision has been made, the debate ends. From that point on, loyalty means executing the decision as if it were your own." - General Colin Powell

For me, it's comforting to know that when a decision is finally made based on the input from others, there will be no team members scoffing or balking at the final decision. To know the team makes it their own is a comfort. By General Powell's definition, loyalty sounds a lot like submission. Loyalty I see as more of a devotion to a cause, philosophy or person. Loyal to a fault would be placing that devotion above other, more important morals. Loyalty is often driven by emotion; like love for a person or ideal. Submission is driven by desire to adhere to principle or law; either man's or God's. They often overlap or intermingle. But to plead your case and then follow the decision of another as your own is submission when the decision is made by someone who is higher in authority; and it's loyalty when adherence to authority is optional and/or driven by emotional desire to follow. Just my thoughts off the top of my head. I could be wrong.
I guess it does boil down to an individual’s perceived definition of loyalty.
I think you could still define what he's talking about as loyalty even by your great point of seeing loyalty as devotion to a cause. I would think in the context Powell is talking about, everyone on the team is devoted to the cause, however, you lose loyalty when people frame a decision made to those around them as one that is "silly" or "stupid".
Whether driven by a desire to adhere to a principle or law (man's or God's) it's comforting for me as a leader to know I've got folks on my team with me that will be "on my side" when the chips are down and the decision has been made. (And of course that decision has to be morally correct...not immoral).
Bottom of Form

Juscelino Frazão, Sensei

World Sansei Koryu Gojukia Brazil

Juscelino Frazão, Sensei

AGUA AZUL DO NORTE- BRAZIL