Danny's Martial Arts Background

Danny one week before 2nd Dan test (Tae Kwon Do)

I do not consider myself to be a tough guy. Most people who know me would laugh if I did. What I am is a nice guy, and that is OK with me. I humbly present myself to God and to you. What I seek is to always be growing, ever learning.  As Shihan Pano Perdaris has shown me, always be a student.

The Apostle Paul said it the best, "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14
 
 

I became involved in martial arts through my friend Ken Rupkalvis. My son  almost died from an undiagnosed Hydrocephalus when he was 3 years old (1987), and we were looking for a way to continue his physical therapy. My wife and I had a lot of concerns about placing Ricky in a regular sport programs, since he was having so much difficulty with his gross motor skills. Kids at such a young age can be very cruel to one another, especially when someone looks normal, but cannot perform normal functions.

Ken had obtained his black belt in Tae Kwon Do in Korea, while stationed there in the Army. At church, I was talking to him about the concerns we had about Ricky. It was then that Ken suggested  we put Ricky in karate since he could proceed at his own pace.  Ken directed us to Omega Karate here in Castle Rock, Colorado. He said he had checked it out, and that the school owner, Dr. Bob Davis , is a Christian.

 I went down to the school to check it out for myself. What I found was a family oriented school with genuine and caring instructors. I was sold. Ricky and I signed up and started taking classes together as white belts in August, 1990.

I cannot say enough about my instructors, and their help in Ricky's progress.  A special thank you to  Master Cheryl Volesky for her love and friendship. Ricky has developed into a fine young man that I am very proud of. He graduated from Douglas County High School (2002). He is no longer in martial arts.

The old man is still chugging along though. I obtained my black belt in August of 1995, almost five years to the date we started. Made rank of Sabunim in October 1996; and received my 2nd Dan in November 11, 1998.

I also became interested in Judo, and Jujitsu in 1992, and was promoted to the rank of black belt May 20, 2000.

I am no longer a student, or instructor at Omega Martial Arts as of February , 2000. May God's richest blessings be upon Omega, the Davis's, and all those in the school.

I have become a full-time student of Bob Orlando studying Kuntao/Silat , and received my Black belt on November  1, 2005.  What I like most about Kuntao/Silat is that it is a fighting system based on little people having to fight larger opponents. Since it evolved in Indonesia, it only makes sense. Myself, being five-foot seven, and 145 pounds soaking wet, you can see my point. The other aspect is that it is a softer style, meaning you do not have to exert as much effort as a hard style. Being 53 years in age, I am looking to fight smarter, not harder.

As of June 24, 2007, I am no longer training with Bob. I feel the Lord is leading me in another direction, so I am following it by faith. Bob is by far the BEST instructor I have ever known, and is a personal friend. I cannot thank him enough for all he has done for me as a student and friend. My journey continues.

Some may read this and think I am a heretic, but I am not abandoning my roots just growing and adding to the firm foundation they have given to me. There comes a time in everyone's life when you look at what you have learned and ask, "does this really work?" Sometimes the answer is yes, and sometimes no.

Sport Tae Kwon Do has many wonderful attributes, as I well attest, should you find yourself up against a trained street fighter, you better add Kuntao or Silat to your arsenal. What I have learned so far will keep me safe against your average bully, but there is another level of predator out there we need to be prepared for.

This is where my journey is taking me. Life is a journey , not a destination. We must always be willing to grow and learn. This requires change. What a strange paradox. The thing we try to resist the most is what always overcomes us. Be willing to look at where you are, ask yourself if there are things you need to change. Be honest with yourself. You cannot make everyone happy.

 

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Danny Young's personal testimony
Danny's-Martial Arts Background
Danny's Ministry Background
Calendar of Seminars and Events
Shape Up
Making the transition from techniques to principles
For every negative ... God has a positive!
The conquest of one's soul is the greatest journey of all.
General Colin Powell Quotes and Comments
What Happened to Innocence
Bob Orlando's personal testimony
Bob Orlando
Photos
Recommended Books and Videos
Links to other sites

7/22/07