Mike was beaten emotionally and physically as a result of a verbal insult that became violent. Mike was a prisoner of dread for the next five months because of the stress of that one occurrence. Mike was afraid to leave the house and attend school during those months. Mike then made a choice and took action.
Rather than succumb to the humiliation of the situation, he resolved to fight back. Mike enrolled in a karate class to help him deal with his dread of being bullied again. His motive wasn't vengeance, but rather prevention. He persevered after a shaky start (he could only perform one push-up), and got his Green Belt.
His performance was the best in his class. Mike's true tale continues after that. Mike grew up wanting to help those who were in the same situation as him. Mike's experience as a victim of a violent attack provided him with a unique viewpoint and the opportunity to make a contribution. Mike could observe the changes in society.
The gangs, the brutality, and the firearms were all visible to him. He saw nice youngsters being sucked into evil organizations and having their lives destroyed. He could see youngsters who were struggling to cope with their parent's divorce, peer pressure, and the despair that plagues far too many teenagers today.
He saw bullied children turn to crime, drugs, and violence to reclaim some feeling of power and control over their life. He thought his narrative would appeal to children. His mission would be done if he could persuade even one young person to shift from hatred to hope. Mike made a decision and took action once more.
Mike got a bachelor's degree in Psychology and then a master's degree in School Counseling using the tenacity and indomitable spirit he gained in martial arts (Mike went on to achieve a 7th degree Black Belt). Mike then decided to pick up a new talent... once again.
Mike went on to become a motivational speaker, dedicating his life to assisting children who are going through the same ordeal he had. Mike's message has more effect than a scripted inspirational message since the students can connect to his story. Mike travels around the United States spreading his message of optimism and triumph.
He teaches children of all ages how to transform from victim to conqueror, regardless of the sort of trauma they have experienced. It's a statement that gets him a lot of attention wherever he travels. According to Mike's account, Bullies target children nowadays at school and, all too frequently, at home.
They have the option of turning to drugs and violence or using self-discipline, encouragement, and love to create something of their lives. Because I've been there, I tell them they can go from hatred to optimism. I've walked a mile in their shoes and understand what they're going through.
They need to hear from someone they can trust that says, "If you strive hard enough, you can achieve anything." That is my true calling. Now it's up to me to complete my task. His audiences are primarily made up of children, many of whom are on the verge of becoming adults.
Mike extends his hand to everybody, whether they are troubled or severely in difficulty. Mike tells them how to move away from hatred and toward optimism. Hope that they will be cured and that the dread will go away. I hope they can rebuild their lives and regain their sense of well-being.
I hope they don't have to go through what Mike did. Mike now operates a well-known martial arts school, but his main passion is speaking to children. Children that require assistance. Hopeless children. Children who require Mike's unique perspective.
