A Small Tribute to the People That Made P.U.M.A. Possible
I would like to thank everyone for their support and assistance in opening of the Phan University of Martial Arts. I would especially like to thank all of the families that helped in the construction of the University: the Elliotts, Krauses, Dehghanis, Bruce Hill, and Greg Miranda. Although there have been times when we could have quit, our collective spirit allowed us to continue to strive harder and harder as each day passed. Sometimes this caused conflict with some of the families but the patience was well worth it. Through the sanding, the spackling, the painting, the carpeting, the whining, the crying (just kidding), and the laughter, we all worked hard. The virtue of persistence and having an indomitable spirit opened the doors for others to learn martial arts.
I hope that the opening of the Phan University of Martial Arts will allow others a place to educate themselves in the arts. We have built a disciplined school and I have practiced this in my family as I practice it with my students.
Phan Family
The Phan family name has come a long way in the martial arts, obtaining excellence in the martial arts that the University teaches. The Phan family heritage dates back centuries ago. The Phan family has studied many arts from Kung Fu (Master Phan Le's great grandfather) to Ju Jutsu and Judo (Master Phan Le's father and Uncles) to Tae Kwon Do (three of my brothers as well as my uncles, a GrandMaster and former Tae Kwon Do Champion for Asia) to Muay Thai (Thai Kickboxing) and Aiki-Ju Jutsu.
H. Phan studied martial arts for over 43 years which consisted of Judo and Ju Jutsu. However, he also obtained a black belt in Tae Kwon Do from an 8th Dan GrandMaster in the 60's. He was then appointed to teach the Vietnamese police at an early age. H.P., my oldest brother, still gives lessons to me through the wisdom that he passes on.
T. Phan studied martial arts over 35 years ago which consisted of some Judo and Ju Jutsu as well. He was taught by a 7th Dan GrandMaster in the 70's. He competed in sparring and was always the best competitor. He then studied Kickboxing and focused on this martial art for awhile. He adapted various techniques for his everyday survival here in the U.S. when it was necessary.
P. Phan studied Judo and Ju Jutsu for a short while. With the many challenges in his life, he has continued his role in the federal government.
T.(J)Phan studied martial arts off and on while still fulfilling the obligations of being a teacher. In the past, he studied Judo, Ju Jitsu, Aikido and obtained a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Presently, he teaches in Houston part-time, aside from his full time job. He helps the children in their everyday challenges.
H.Q. Phan was taught self defense tactics but chose to pursue soccer. Now working in the federal government, he is consistently confronting everyday challenges.
I am the youngest of seven sons, and learned to defend myself when coming to the U.S. I practiced the disciplines of my father everyday since I was four years old. I obtained my excellence in each martial arts field by taking in the good points from each instructor that I trained with. However, not one teacher had something which carried enough wisdom and techniques. However, I did not have to search for that one teacher since my true teacher and masters were my family.
(Dedicated to my six older brothers)
Each brother played a role as a teacher for Master Phan Le. The oldest brother, H. Phan, showed virtues of wisdom by drawing on his past experiences -- "Quyen, I teach you about life. You can do what you wish but I will teach you about this line. It is a straight line of life". The second oldest, T. Phan, obtained wisdom through his perserverance, proving that there should be no boundaries as long as you focus on what it is that you desire -- I want it, I set it, I can then achieve it. The third oldest brother, P. Phan, showed signs of wisdom by living within his means, redefining what it means to be humble. The fourth J. Phan showed his wisdom through kindness, that the ability to achieve is dependent on helping others. Even to this day, he helps out of the goodness of his heart and works extremely well with others. The fifth oldest brother H.Q. Phan showed the wisdom of tolerance, that we can allow someone to be assisted by us but not take advantage of us. The sixth oldest brother Q. Phan Le shows every aspect of wisdom through consistency, hardwork, and patience, that what is held now will be used tomorrow. These are just a few of the traits that the Phan brother's carry. All in all, I love all of my brothers in spite of the disagreements we've sometimes had.
I cannot forget my number woman, my mother for she is the treasure of my life.. She gave birth to me. She taught me about professionalism and it sincerely helped in every aspect of my career choice. She taught me about the life of light, dark, ups and downs. She opened many doors for me in order to show me the countless number of opportunities that were available. She has been my BEST supporter in everything I chose to do in my life even continuing the education of martial arts. She is without a doubt a great role model and a beautiful women, not only outside, but inside as well. Many do not believe in either miracles or magic, I believe in reason. There was a reason for me to be born from this lady, and for the many times she has not only helped me, but have taught me the many qualities of life. "I LOVE YOU FOREVER, MOTHER", Master Phan Le
My father is a role model, both as a father and a real true "Grandmaster". Learning the disciplines from my father gave me the persistence to achieve my goals as I grew up, "Quyen, I know you can do it. If you believe in it, you can do it", GrandMaster Phan. Of course, this could have been a fairy tale story but I have had my ups and downs with my parents, just like everyone else. My father taught me many techniques for protecting myself and this included mental and physical discipline. The greatest victory you can have in a fight is not to confront it. If ignoring it is not possible then action must take place. If there is physical confrontation, apply the one rule, everything goes, to a certain degree. Father, I am tough mentally, physically, and spiritually. You have grown inside me, for I am your blood, I am "The Phan", I am your seventh son. I love you for all what you've helped me become "The Strong One". For this I have shared my gift with others. Thank you Father.
We hope this has enlightened everyone to the teachings of the Phan family.
Master Q. V. Phan Le
