Growing up in the bay area, I maintained an active lifestyle. I trained in Shotokan, participated in the marching band, and rode my bicycle everywhere. I was a strong swimmer and loved adventuring in the hills surrounding Mt. Diablo. I really behaved as if there was nothing my body could not do. A motorcycle accident in 2013 changed that for me. It was a year and a half before I could go one full day without pain. I babied myself thinking that I was saving my body from more damage. By not pushing myself, I became sedentary, weak, and I gained a lot of weight. In doing so, I lost my confidence, I didn't feel well mentally, and I was a mess physically. 5 years later, I was still not taking the steps to improve myself.

I came to the western circle in 2018, and found myself more capable than I had thought. I was taking action without fear of the stability of my steps. I learned to push through the pain and actually strengthened what I thought was permanent weakness and injury. I was able to start hiking and adventuring again. With that has come more confidence in my body, and also in who I am in the world. Which leaves me only to say how amazing I think the Western Circle of Swordfighters is: I see a myriad of people from different professions, ages, and vastly different personalities coming together. Our challenges are different, and our paths may vary, but we collectively strive towards a proficiency in this art.
I am inspired to continue my path forward simply by being surround by my fellow swordsman.