Lorne (left) speaking to Larry
On this rainy Friday morning, I couldn’t imagine doing something better than meeting Martial Arts Instructor Lorne Davidson, over coffee along with my colleague, Larry Shareski, discovering that martial arts are about much more than what we could have ever envisioned.
Lorne imparted that acting as a martial arts instructor, goes beyond teaching kicking and punching techniques. Among other things, it’s about being a psychologist, mentor, inspirer, supporter, friend, problem solver and stress reliever.
What’s more, it’s about goal setting and living by an oath of values. “It’s about saying I promise,” said Lorne, “and keeping that promise. I have three rules for my students: listen, pay attention and follow directions.”
When Larry and I sat down with Lorne to capture his story, he made it clear that he didn’t want it to be about him. “It’s about the community and about the students that we instruct. It’s about giving back to the community and the ways that we can support Semiahmoo House Society which is such an integral part of our community.” As we continued our dialogue with Lorne, we discovered a man with genuine humility and generosity.
Motivated by a series of challenges that he and his family were experiencing, Lorne decided to study martial arts at age 48. He founded the Seung-ri Black Belt Academy by purchasing a small club from his instructor in 2002. Since then he and his son, Robert, have established two schools in the South Surrey/White Rock community and, along with three other instructors, teach people of all ages the technical skills of martial arts and their lifetime learning concepts. The teaching is structured through monthly “Life Skills” themes such as: goal setting, self-control, courtesy, integrity, self-awareness, self-esteem, perseverance, self-improvement, respect and dedication.
After surmounting obstacles in his life and attaining success with his academy, Lorne determined that it was time to give back to the community in a different way. A few years ago, he and Robert learned of Semiahmoo House Society through a common friend who provided administrative services to both organizations. Since then they have shared their success with our Society by donating $20 for each school enrolment on behalf of each student, resulting in thousands of dollars of giving.
Both Davidson teachers along with the other instructors at the Academy contribute in so many ways to our community by crafting leaders, imparting wisdom and building self-confidence. And through their philanthropy, they model the leadership-based values of martial arts, and we at Semiahmoo House Society are honoured to be their friends.
Thank you, instructors at Seung-ri Martial Arts Academy. You make such a big difference in the lives of so many.
By Louise Tremblay, The Semiahmoo Foundation
Semiahmoo House Society, a non-profit organization located in Surrey/White Rock, exists to provide quality services and supports to people with disabilities and their families in the community. The Semiahmoo Foundation exists to fund, support and enhance the programs and services delivered by Semiahmoo House Society.