Bearly a martial artist!

[Eddy-Smiles]

I figured that I'd post this now because by Saturday morning I don't think that too many of us are going to be in the mood to do much posting never mind carving. Our hearts and minds will be on our brothers and sisters in Texas.

As you can see this is one of Gene's 4" bears with a karate "gi" on. I received a card in the mail the other day from a former student who although was thanking me for all my help that I provided over the years, was also letting me know that he was quitting karate. This really saddened me because he's only 12-years old and he not long ago received his Junior Black Belt. His martial arts career has just begun and now he's quitting before giving it a chance to get started. So many times we see this with our Junior Black Belts. They get burned out and aren't mature enough or old enough to train with adults so they just get bored and give up. They don't realize that any martial art takes "a life time and a day" to learn and that it can reap benefits their entire life, from personal development such as increased self confidence and self esteem, to credits on college and job applications, to business and friendship contacts, and much, much more....

Anyway, I sat down and knocked this little guy out and wrote the young lad a nice letter and dropped them in the mail today with the hope that if it doesn't change his mind now, perhaps it will plant a seed for later on. I'd hate to see him lose everything that he worked so hard for over seven years to get.

It's southern basswood finished with acrylics and diluted waterbased matte polyurethane. The insignia is our school patch which I printed out on the computer, coated with Fixtatif and then glued onto the bear with the new Gorilla wood glue. No way was I going to be able to paint on something that small!!! Besides, I wanted to leave the young lad with a reminder!

[Ron T]

Hi Eddy,

Another very nice carving, but what makes it great is the spirit and gesture behind the carving. I'm sure it will make an impact on the boy.

[chpster90bu]

Eddy, you may have carved a bear, but you have the heart of a lion.....what a guy you are! I saw all the little doggies you did, too, and for such a worthy cause. Nice job on this little fellow, and I hope your influence works. Everybody should have a mentor that cares as much as you! Bonnie

[tnartist05]

You are a good man Charley Brown~Eddy

Its not always how tough a guy is ,its how much hes learned in life and being kind and thoughtfull goes along way. Great job on this little karate bear!

Forrest

[markken5889]

Hi Eddy, very cool and very thoughtful. Well done!

Mark

[sccarnes]

eddie,
i think your seed,alto like a mustard seed. will grow, larger as it goes on.
i have no doubt the young lad will return, where he had the likes of you in his corner.
bless you and thanks for helping us see what we can do for others.
sam

[catbird]

Eddy, obviously you have already made an impression on this young man. This jesture will only make him love and respect you more. What a difference you have made in so many lives.
Kudos!

[Merle Rice]

Hi Eddy, Cute Guy,like the painting. Merle

[Eddy-Smiles]

Thanks Ron... I was just trying to do something to get the boy's attention while I got my message across!

[Eddy-Smiles]

Bonnie... I don't know how familiar you are with the martial arts community but I think that you'll find that most traditional martial artists and schools, when it comes to their students, have more on their minds than profit margin. There is a "rich heritage of the martial arts tradition" and those that follow the martial way always watch out for their students. I would expect no less if that young man was in my shoes and I in his.