Hello:
My name is Richard S. Evans, a.k.a. "Master Evans."
I have been studying the Martial Arts for nearly 20 years, and hold a 5th Degree Black Belt in the art of “Tae Kwon Do/Ji Do Kwan.”
I have taught classes all over the Central Ohio area, as well as within my former Master’s studio since the time I was awarded my very first Black Belt rank in 1992.
Among those classes which I have taught, many of them were at YMCAs.
They include:
Jerry L. Garver, Eldon Ward, Valleyview, and Grove City.
I regularly taught classes at the Jerry L. Garver YMCA for over 8 years, and with the help of my associates at the time, I started the program from the ground up and built it into one of the “YMCA of Central Ohio’s” most popular ones.
In fact, having done so won me an award from my Master at the time, Grandmaster Choon Mo Yang, who named me his "Best Instructor" 5 years in a row in 1995.
Among those whom I have taught throughout my career, several were U.S. Army Rangers and Marines.
In addition, one of my students was a former Navy SEAL.
My most proudest student of all, who, apart from my siblings, was the only person I made my apprentice and chief instructor in the 1990’s.
Not only did he become an Eagle Scout, but I’m told that he became a trained Medic for our local Fire Department and is now serving our community by protecting us on Columbus’ SWAT Team!
Other Martial Arts which I have dabbled in include various different styles of Karate, Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Jeet Kune Do, and Muay Thai.
I am currently affiliated with a group known as “Koreja-Do.”
They are an all Christian Martial Arts group, and the current governing body with whom I hold my ranks.
Some Helpful Words of Wisdom:
Lesson 1:
Look at that which lies ahead, not just what is in front of you!
Most things are not as stressful as you make them.
Your perceptions determine the outcome.
Take care in perceiving that which is truly there.
Proceed only after finding objective reassurance.
My faith is based upon my experiences and cannot be sacrificed for knowledge!
Knowledge without experience is like a great orator with no voice of his or her own.
If this person only repeats what he or she has been told, how will this person answer for that which is later found to be false?
The truly faithful are not puppets!
The faithless have an answer for everything, but no will of their own!
Lesson 2:
Experience is our best teacher.
Learning by doing, actually experiencing things for yourself, always leaves a lasting impression.
Don't just talk the talk. Walk the walk!
It is better to talk less and do more.
In this way, your actions truly will speak louder than words!
-Richard S. Evans, September 14, 2007
Lesson 3:
The ultimate enemy to all living creatures on this Earth can be summed up in a single word:
PAUSE
If you truly wish to live, do not pause!
Water that does not move becomes spoiled.
Our bodies are made mostly of water...
So keep moving!
Finally, smugness reaps only contemptness towards you.
Do not be smug!
-Richard S. Evans, November 10, 2007
East Asian vs. Western Christianity:
For the benefit of those who grew up in the U.S., with very little exposure to Oriental people and their cultures, this little tidbit of info is for you!
Many Oriental Christians that you might meet may have converted, or still practice many of the customs associated with Buddhism, which, in my opinion has only served to compliment or add to Christianity a more complete and loving approach that, may more accurately portray characteristics that Jesus would agree with.
The best example of how we can understand the way a Buddhist to Christianity convert thinks, is that when they speak or study the words "Love Thy Neighbor," they think in a manner that is all inclusive.
Literally, they look at all life as naturally harmonious, and seek to live in harmony with it.
This means that they will not even kill insects, no matter how much of a nuisance they might be.
There is now a joke among East Asian Christians, pertaining to those of us who are Western Christians:
"Western Christians say "Love Thy Neighbor," and then they step on ants!"
A humbling joke on us, indeed.
Afterall, to strive to be more like God, we should try and respect all of God's creations.
My Contribution to this Concept:
I myself can remember the day I decided to no longer kill ants.
I was 14 years old, and it was Summer.
Like any other boy at that age, I burned ants with a magnifying glass.
One day, I decided to wait and not kill every ant that came before me.
So I killed one ant and waited.
As they always did before, another ant came out of the grass and onto the sidewalk where I was sitting.
It came up to the dead body of the ant I had recently killed, picked up its body, and carried it back into the grass.
It was then that I decided never to burn another ant again.
My Former Master's Inspirational Contribution:
My former Master, Grandmaster Yang, Choon Mo, was himself a Buddhist to Christian convert.
In fact, I can remember many times while training in his studio, how he bravely nudged wasps, hornets and honeybees back out an open window or door, rather than kill them.
A fact which has earned my respect and admiration to this very day!
A Special Sidenote for Dealing with Inherently Angry People:
"Angry people are only unpredictable when you believe that they think and act rationally."
-Richard S. Evans, September 13, 2007
The Christian Warrior's Prayer:
Lord God and Lord Jesus Please:
Make My Enemies Ridiculous!
Let them trip and fall in manners where they only have themselves to blame.
Bring to light their true intentions for all to see, which are more conveniently covered up.
Let no action taken by them come to fruition in their favor.
Let all actions taken by them instead benefit their victims greatly in the end!
This I ask in your names Lord God and Lord Jesus, by the Power of the Holy Spirit, and the Power of True,
Unconditional Love.
I humbly ask that you invoke your Power, Jesus Christ, given to you by God the Father Almighty, that this
prayer will be answered!
Amen.
-Richard S. Evans, September 22, 2007
Tae Kwon Ki Do/Karate Ki Do
Koreja Do: Christian Martial Arts
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