Grand Master Jerry Fast Fontine reflects on the emotional success of the Unified Martial Arts Network's recent tournament, emphasizing community, personal growth, and the importance of martial arts in people's lives. He shares stories of participants, highlights the need for continued engagement, and announces future events, encouraging everyone to embrace their potential and contribute to the martial arts community.
In a heartfelt address, Grand Master Jerry Fast Fontine, the founder of the Unified Martial Arts Network (UMAN), expressed gratitude and excitement following a recent tournament, affectionately referred to as an extravaganza. This event not only showcased martial arts skills but also fostered a sense of community and emotional connection among participants.
Fontine emphasized the significance of the name "You Man," which symbolizes the collective effort needed for success in martial arts. He believes that everyone has a unique skill set that is God-given and should be utilized to its fullest potential. He encouraged participants to overcome the limitations imposed by others and to embrace their gifts.
The tournament was marked by numerous emotional moments and testimonials, particularly from participants like Quebec, whose heartfelt words resonated deeply with Fontine. The event attracted martial artists from various locations, including San Diego, Florida, Louisiana, and even Tokyo, showcasing the widespread appeal of martial arts.
One standout participant was Grandmaster Joyce Santa Maria, an 83-year-old warrior who traveled alone to attend the event. Her dedication and history in martial arts inspired many, as she was a trailblazer for women in the field and had previously organized large-scale tournaments.
Fontine reflected on the evolution of sport karate, noting that the landscape has changed significantly since the 1980s. He acknowledged the contributions of long-time practitioners while also recognizing the need for education and adaptation in the current martial arts environment. He expressed a desire to blend the past, present, and future of martial arts to create a more inclusive and dynamic community.
As the tournament concluded, Fontine urged participants to share their achievements, particularly those who placed in their divisions. This information is crucial for upcoming magazine articles that will highlight the event and its participants. He announced that the next tournament is scheduled for February 7th, promising to build on the success of the recent event.
Fontine expressed immense gratitude for the support received from volunteers, timekeepers, and scorekeepers, emphasizing that the success of the tournament was a collective effort. He acknowledged the challenges faced, including financial aspects, but remained optimistic about the future of UMAN and its events.
Throughout his address, Fontine shared personal anecdotes and experiences that shaped his understanding of martial arts. He spoke about the importance of community, the joy of seeing familiar faces, and the emotional connections formed through shared experiences in martial arts.
Looking ahead, Fontine is excited about the potential for growth within the Unified Martial Arts Network. He plans to introduce new initiatives, including personalized theme songs for participants, which he believes will enhance the sense of belonging and recognition within the community.
He also mentioned the introduction of a membership model that would provide participants with additional benefits, including access to training resources and merchandise.
Grand Master Jerry Fast Fontine concluded his address with a heartfelt message of appreciation for everyone involved in the Unified Martial Arts Network. He reiterated the importance of community, personal growth, and the shared journey of martial artists. As UMAN continues to evolve, Fontine remains committed to fostering an environment where everyone can thrive and embrace their martial arts journey.
In his words, "The best is yet to come," and he invites all martial artists to join in this exciting journey of growth and camaraderie.
