There's a well known saying that "If you see a turtle sitting on top of a fence post, you know it got some help getting there." I was recently reminded of this fact some days ago while having dinner with a good friend.
I met Miguel back in the early or mid 1990's while I was still a young competitor in my early 20's. He was a referee at Karate tournaments and owned three Karate schools in the Colorado Springs area. Being both of us of Hispanic heritage, we became quick friends.
Miguel is a wonderfully outgoing and attentive gentleman, always ready to lend a hand. So when I mentioned my intention to open my own Karate school back in 2005, he immediately inundated me with books, articles, and documents on the subject. Any time we'd meet at a Karate event he would march toward me, huge smile on his face, ready to share what he learned at the latest business seminar he just attended.
My Sensei in Peru taught me Karate, but having a business mentor was instrumental to the success of my Karate school, Colorado Karate Club. My friend Miguel took me under his wing from the start, sharing his knowledge, giving advice, and inspiring me to follow in his footsteps.
At our latest meeting over dinner in the Springs, I stopped, and said, "I hope you know how thankful I am for all the help you have given me over the years. I truly appreciate it." He looked at me as if he had no idea what I was talking about. But quickly recovered and said, "yes my brother, it is always a pleasure." You see, I don't think he thought he was doing anything special by helping me (and others.) That is just who he is, and I have been fortunate to cross his path.
If you have something to share, know that there are many out there, ready and willing to learn. Like with Miguel, your experience and knowledge may be invaluable to someone out there. To me, my friend gave me (and still gives me) much more than knowledge, his friendship and mentorship is something I will always cherish and appreciate.
That is why, anytime I feel like I have accomplished something of value, I know that I am that turtle on the fence post, and hope that I will always recognize it and show gratitude for the contributions so many have made in my life.
(Sensei Miguel Serrano is a 7th Degree Black Belt, Founder and Chief Instructor at the United States Karate Academy in Colorado Springs, CO.)
Sensei Willy Strohmeier founded Colorado Karate Club in 2005 and has taught traditional Shotokan karate to children and adults in Brighton and Westminster, Colorado, ever since, and writes a monthly column for The Brighton Buzz. More about CKC