There was one very proud Sifu walking around the Danbury Plaza Hotel on Saturday, believe me.  Although I had to judge a fair number of events, I still got to see several of our kids perform.  It is so rewarding to watch our students, kids and adults alike, put themselves out there and celebrate our passion for the Shaolin arts.  You are what this tournament, and this journey, are all about.

Yes, we had some winners.  We had quite a few, in fact.  I hope to publish a list once I get all the names and correct placements in, just to celebrate some happy achievements.  While I’m proud of our medal and trophy winners, I’m just as proud (and maybe more so) of our students who went out there, did their best, and came home with a memory.  In life, excellence of character is much more important than martial excellence.  I saw many of our students do a fantastic job, walk away with a thank-you and a congratulations, and handle themselves with positive energy and class.  That’s what we’re all about here at Steve DeMasco’s Shaolin Studios.

I’ll just say it again…I’m very proud of you.