A student P. E. teacher got tired of a few students always acting up, so he started an after school program. He figured he could divert our energies to something more positive. We began with boxing, and while I did enjoy it, boxing was definitely not my sport. I could not control my temper. He then changed us over to what he called "BUDAKAN". I learned to kick and punch, but was not taught kata or much discipline. I think this achieved the opposite as what was intended. When it was time for him to return to college I was just a wild kid who like to kick and punch, but who had not learned the respect that goes with martial arts. Those lessons did not come cheaply.

I continued the wild ways of a teenager until 1984, when I met my future wife. We were married in 1987 and I focused my attentions on making a life and career. In 1989, I  began a machinist apprenticeship at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, this took up any free time I had, but more and more as time went by I knew I would return to martial arts. In the spring of 1993, I finished the school portion of my apprenticeship and set out to find a martial arts school.

I looked around at the local schools until I met Sensei Francisco Labalan. I could not believe his speed and great attitude. I was hooked. Sensei Francisco took over the West Bremerton Dojo, and I've been here ever since. His style of teaching comes from a life of martial arts and it shows in every class. He kept me motivated and is always testing my techniques to see what works. I think the most positive part of my training has been the way Sensei Francisco would turn my failures into something positive with just a laugh and that ever present smile. That I will never forget.

Upon receiving my Black Belt, I plan to try to give back the encouragement I've received by assisting here at the West Bremerton school. I plan to continue taking Soke Hill's classes, and to travel to other dojo as my work schedule permits.