We just never know what is around the corner in our lives as martial artists. When my wife and I decided to open up our school almost ten years ago we both felt there was a good chance that we would fail. We both knew we could live with that, but what we could not have lived with is never having tried to build a martial arts school at all. So in October 1997 we opened up our school. We started with only eight students, all brand new to the martial arts. As a few months went by, more students joined. I can remember color belt testings where I would grade ten students’ papers at once. That was then, this is now.

I have been the subject of several news stories on television, radio and newspapers over the past ten years. People tell me how big of an inspiration I am to persons with disabilities and able-bodied persons alike. I never see myself in that light. I even feel the opposite. The students I have now, students that I have had in the past, as well as other martial artists I have had the pleasure to not only meet, but become friends with, are who inspire me. To see a young out of shape grade school student grow into an adult with a fully sound mind, body and spirit, and knowing that I had some part of shaping him, inspires me in a way I could hardly express with words. My wife and I are overwhelmed with the support we have had.

One of the martial artists who I have met is Bill “Superfoot” Wallace. He retired in the eighties undefeated in kick boxing. He is on the same level with greats like his friends Chuck Norris and Parker Shelton. In fact Mr. Wallace has the best fighting record by virtue of retiring undefeated as a world champion.

At this year’s USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame banquet in Richmond, Indiana, Mr. Wallace was proud to accept the “living legend” award. He came forward and held up the belt as he asked for the microphone. He said, “I’ve received many honors over the years and each one is special to me. I met a man about nine months ago down in Carbondale, IL. who greatly inspired me. Would Bill Auvenshine please come up to the podium?”

I sat at the table believing that I had not heard such a legend call my name out at such a prestigious event. My wife elbowed me in the ribs and told me to get up there. I hesitated, still not believing what I had heard. Then Dr. Jim Thomas, president of “The Alliance” and the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame, took the microphone and loudly said, “Bill Auvenshine!” I replied with, “Yes Sir!” that was heard by all three hundred people in attendance. Dr. Thomas then exclaimed, “Put that thing (my wheelchair) in overdrive and get up here!”

When I got there Bill “Superfoot Wallace had the microphone and was addressing the crowd of martial artists. He declared that because of the inspiration he felt from me that he would be proud if I would do him the honor of accepting his living legend award. He then turned and handed the belt to me and said, “This is for all who you have and will inspire with your positive attitude, and I want you to have this award because you truly deserve it”. I was shocked. He held the microphone to my mouth, but I was speechless so he bonked me on top of the head with the microphone on and the whole place stood up and applauded. My good friend Sifu Steve Aldus got it right when he said, “Mr. Auvenshine, this is the first time that I have EVER seen you at a loss for words!”
We just never know what is around the corner in our lives as martial artists.

Kam Sa Ham Ni Da,
Master Bill Auvenshine