Mark O'clair
I started my Adventure into martial arts in 2001 studying Kenpo Karate. It was a very challenging time for me going through a divorce and being a single father. I was bringing two of my children to karate, and one day as I was sitting in the parents section, I read these words on the wall of the dojo. Etiquette, Effort, Sincerity, Character, Self Control, Self Discipline. I thought, I could use some of that. So I joined too and became a student and an instructor at that school until 2009. Achieving the rank of 3rd degree black belt. At that school I also studied and trained in "Yang style" (soft style) Tai Chi as well as the practice of Qigong under the tutelage of a disciple of John Toy. I also studied "Modern Arnis" (Filipino stick fighting) under an instructor who was promoted to Master by the grandfather of Modern Arnis "Remy Presas". That school closed in 2009. I tried several different schools that year and I didn’t find one that appealed to me. Through a suggestion from my old sense I came to Bodyworks. I knew I found what I was looking for when I walked in the doors and met Master Jeff Hardy. His school practices Shaolin Kenpo Karate very similar to what I had trained in. Master Hardy recognized my ability as a Black Belt but not knowing his system, I was restarted as 1st degree Black Belt. I've been a Student and instructor here for 14+ years. My current rank is that of 4th degree Black Belt and that of Renshi (polisher) as an Instructor. I've won many trophies and ribbons through the years in competitions and I'm looking forward to being able to achieve my next rank both as a student and as an instructor.
On a personal note, I believe Karate has given me more than I can ever give back to it. As a single father of 3 daughters (2 of which got their Black belts) I've been able to set and achieve many goals in life by making mini plans along way towards the final goal. Much like the way Karate uses different colored belts on the way to a Black belt. Aside from being a father, a grandfather and a great grandfather. I work in the Healthcare industry and try to make a difference in people's lives where I work. I'm also a personal Trainer. Helping others to achieve a better quality of life through exercise and nutrition. I've walked on fire with Tony Robbins. Climbed the 48 4000 footers of NH. Many of them multiple times in winter and the 3 seasons. I've traveled to Nepal, trekked to the Mt Everest base camp (17,500 ft), walked on the Khumbu Glacier, and summited the 20,100 foot (6119m) mountain named Lobuche. Climbed Mt. Rainier (14,000ft). Finished 7 Tough mudders, Earned my skydiving license and so much more. I believe I've been able to do all these things by being of sound mind and body from Martial Arts. These days I still stay active as best I can with activities like ice climbing, rock climbing, rappelling, mountain biking, etc. I can still do these on a limited basis and lead as active a lifestyle as I can through an injury I sustained from ice climbing. I recently took up golf again and have been able to get my handicap into the single digits. Karate has been and is a very important part of my life and I try to use it everyday through focus, discipline and effort. I am very fortunate to have found my way through the doors here at Bodyworks and all that that has given me. Thank you for reading.