For anyone actively involved in Martial Arts, they know already that it can really take you places. For myself, I've been around the country and even outside with my Martial Arts. I've had the pleasure of working with several great Martial Artist and finding the common bond beyond language barriers through the Arts.

But rather than talk about myself in this article, I thought I'd emphasis on two young extraordinary men whom I've had the privilege to watch grow and take their Martial Arts to extremes.

Kasey Corless
I've known Kasey since he was very young and he was always one of the first pumped up to be sparring. The second he was old enough to participate in San Shou, a Chinese Full Contact Sport, he was on the floor training.

His dedication and skill were quickly recognized by others outside of our Martial Arts family. At his debut fight in Baltimore, Maryland, he dominated the field and was immediately asked to be part of the US San Shou Team to compete in China against the world's best.

He has continued to grow and see the world through his fights. Most recently, he won the Florida State ISKA Super Middleweight Kickboxing Champion. Now, he is in the process of raising money to go to Turkey for the world championship. This is an amazing opportunity for one so young.

What is most impressive about Casey is once outside the combat situation, he is the nicest and big-hearted kid I know. He will greet his opponent with open arms and after the fight be their friend regardless of the outcome. I have rarely seen such genuinely positive energy from others that exit the ring.

Jordan Sifu Kolar (or as I know him, Sifu Jordan)
Jordan started Martial Arts at a very young age in his home town of Houston, Texas. As a young boy, his long and limber body made for impressive feats of both Martial Arts and dancing. In 2001, I had the pleasure of testing with Jordan to obtain our 1st degree Black Sashes in Pai Lum Tao, the Martial Arts form both of us belong.

Since that time, I unfortunately lost touch with Jordan because of schedules, timing, and various other real life commitments. However, thanks to Facebook, we recently reconnected. I was amazed to see where this young superstar has taken both his natural talents and Martial Arts.

Since 2001, he's developed his amazing dancing skills to be in the company of some of the country's top street dancers. And now, he is part of a crew that is creating a revolutionary dance-movie called Avengers of Xtreme Illusions. You can see Jordan doing some beautiful katana work in their trailer. His ability to incorporate his Martial Arts and street dancing skills is amazing.

These two young men are just some of the people I've meet who have incorporated Martial Arts into their lives and it has helped to take them places. As I am always says, Martial Arts is more than just exercise and movement, it is a way of life. If you embrace it fully, doors will open and opportunities will come to you.

As for Kasey and Jordan, I wish them the best of luck on their current endeavors. If any of my readers would like more information on how to help either of their efforts, drop me a line on my Facebook page and I'll direct you to them.