Left to right (Don "The Dragon" Wilson, Legacy's very own - Steve Payne, Cynthia Rothrock, Bill "Superfoot" Wallace)
Grading surprise announcement
After a very successful, Kids Jiujitsu grading the other day, one of my students (a black belt) told me he wanted to say something in front of the students. Not knowing what he was going to talk about, I let him continue. He started talking about the qualities that a person should have as a martial artist and as an instructor. He then announced that I had been nominated for Hall of Fame award later on in the year. Of course, I was totally shocked by this, but I’m humbled that someone thought well of me to be nominated for this award.
I'm low key, not mentioning it beforehand
I am a martial artist who is happiest operating behind-the-scenes and under the radar. However, I understand the value of recognition for my students so that also applies to me too. Strangely enough, I never thought to mention beforehand I was going to the UK Martial Arts Show to be presented with this award; only telling a few people just before I left to go to the show.
Forgot my suit
It’s over three hours drive to Doncaster so after teaching class, I drove up North. After a fairly uneventful journey (with good weather, and no traffic problems.) I arrived at the hotel with plenty of time to get changed and get to the awards venue. It was at this moment while reaching into the back of the car to get my suit, I realise it was not there! Somehow I’d left it hanging in my hallway at home. Travelling up North directly from training, I was wearing gym attire not formal wear so that I could leave London quickly - As it happens, too quickly on this occasion LOL !!
Unfortunately for me though all the shops were closed as it was late Sunday afternoon. Luckily for me one of my students was coming to the awards ceremony and was staying with relatives so I was able to borrow a smart shirt for him. What a lifesaver LOL.
Ceremony
The Ceremony had a few live martial arts demonstrations while people were enjoying their meal. What was particularly impressive was the Kung Fu Instructor who demonstrated really well the relationship between Hip Hop and Martial Arts. Then they invited five Martial Arts legends from the past to the stage for a question and answers session, about their fighting careers. This lead on to the awards part where I was recognised in-front of a packed arena.
Remembering those who we have helped & those who helped us
It was lovely to be recognised by others, but for me this award was really about remembering those who we have helped on their journey. As well as those who are no longer with us, who have helped us on ours; alongside those still helping us.
Reading some of the early comments from students once they heard about the award:
Congratulations professor! You are an inspiration and have changed all our lives for the better.
Big congratulations professor Steve 🎉🎉🎉👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
You have changed many lives on your journey, recognition thoroughly deserved.
So wonderful! Can honestly say my life is better for having met Steve so this is just brilliant 🙌🏻🙌🏻💪🏻💪🏻
The comments above I feel is the Legacy, and this is why we do what we do.
Thanks to all those who were recognised by the community last night.
Steve
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