Stephen Luckingham

I took an interest in self-defense at the age of 5. My father (Grandfather, and all of my uncles) was a military man, joining the Army at the age of 17. Later, he switched to the Air Force to become a pilot. He served in WWII and Korea. He retired as a career officer after 26 years just prior to Vietnam.

I mention this because Dad gave me my first "lesson" in self-defense, putting a toy M1 rifle in my hand, and showing how to use it in hand-to-hand combat against the "enemy."

I was only semi-serious from 5 until 14, getting some "pointers" now and then that proved to be useful against some bully's I ran into along the way.

Since I was 6, I struggled with severe asthma, having taken special shots twice a week for 6 years to combat that annoying illness. Because of astham, I couldn't participate in anything physical, or if I did, I was limited in what I could do. I loved baseball, but the best I could do was run to 1st base, then had to stop and get a pinch runner. 

At 14, we moved to Hawaii. One day I was watching a Kenpo Karate class on the Air Force base where the Asian teacher was giving instruction to several MP's. I was intriged. The teacher noticed me and saw my interest, so he came over to invite me to try it.

I told him about my asthma, and said I simply couldn't endure the grueling workout I had witnessed.

He kindly said simply, "Come, I teach you how breath."

The rest is history. Doctors said I was going to grow up to be a sickly man, and that never happened. The gift of breath changed my life to such a degree that I went on to earn 3 black belts, 6 intermediate ranks in mainline martial disciplines, as well as achieving a mastery of Tai Chi Chuan (of 40 years). My passion provided me a quality of life that would require volumes if I were to write down all of the benefits I received personally, as well as the benefits of the myriad of students I have been privileged to share my knowledge with all these years.

I ran my own school for 35 years, retiring in 2009 due to the 2008 economic downturn. I had a very small student base because I would not compromise my principles... meaning.... many karate franchise schools were springing up all around me. They would offer students a black belt if they paid the teacher $5000 up front. They would be guaranteed to get that rank within 18 months. 

It took me 12 years to earn my black belt in Judo... another 8 to get my 2nd degree... and yet another 8 to get my 3rd degree. I was not about to hand out black belts in the manner of those franchise schools. To me, that is exploitation. I didn't make as much money as those teachers who drove around in $30,000 BMW's... but I slept very well knowing I was passing on all I had learned to the best of my ability.

Because of my high standards, when 2008 came along, I didn't have enough students to support the overhead, so I had to close the doors. 

Since then, I've been able to share my passion of Tai Chi Chuan since that doesn't require special equipment, uniforms, or location. I can do it anywhere, anytime. I've witnessed amazing heelings and changes of character in people of all ages, enhancing their quality of life. While I do collect dues for my time and instruction, there is no amount of money that can match the joy I feel when I get the experience the testimonies of those who train under me. Priceless.

I plan to live to 150 because of Tai Chi Chuan...  I've not even hit my mid-life crisis of 75 yet!  ;-)

I've not been ill from anything major in years... quite a contradiction the the first 14 years of my life that was plagued with poor health. To this day, I remember the little old Chinese teacher who taught me how to breath, with the deepest gratitude for what he gifted me. My only regret is never having the opportunity to thank him since I moved off the island, losing touch, and knowing he was long passed away being around 80 at the time I met him in the first place.

I now consider Tai Chi a "calling" if you will, and hope to reach as many people as I can. 

One final thought... I've never heard anyone on their death bed ask for more money. I want to be the one who fulfills their request to have more time.