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View Full Version : My respect for John Peterson....


Big Bear
05-23-2009, 06:24 AM
I can count on my hands the number of people that have had since childhood one dream.

My oldest brother when he was a young child pointed into the air and said to my parents,'I want to fly'!

Now he is a retired Air Force Colonel who flies for a major airlines.He has followed his dream his entire life.

Myself,Yeah I had dreams but they drifted.I wanted into the NFL as a child.Would have made Div.1 football as a starter,but then last game my senior year,'snap'went my back and like a whisper,disapated into the dreams of the collective.Then I wanted to make it to the Olympics.After my freshman year Div.1 swimming one hundredth of a second from qualifying for theOlympics with one meet left in the 100 yard fly,'BOOM,caught on a major drug violation and banned fron Div.1 sports(as it turns out even on qualifying,which I would have in the next meet,the olympics were boycoted that year-would not have happened).

John,seems such a man.Since his childhood being crippled,he has consciously sought out the very best in Physical Culture.In doing so he has not only become an amazing example of physical perfection,but is an outstanding teacher who has the one trait I always look for in great teachers-he is humble.He will answer questions and answer phones-amazing! I think we take it for granted at times what a remarkable human being he is.

They say they never found Motzart's blemished score sheets.The speculation is that he never wasted time with correction.What he heard in his head he simply wrote done.Nothing to be worked out,by the time he sat down,he simply transcribed his amazing genious to paper.Jaco they say,could play any groove in any time signature.He virtually invented not only the fretless electric bass,but made it a jazz instrument(many purists in the day-refused to play,'electric',befor Jaco came along)with vertuosity that every bass player in the world on some level is compelled to study and take in.

John has this quality in Physical Culture.On reading his stats again for pushups,pullups,almost everything,it is like Superman decided on a different career choice! Not only is his Integrity impeccable,but how about his physical prowess?Weather it is popping off superman rollouts,reps of 30 pull ups,100 pushups,you make it seem effortless John!

The rest of us mortals can only appreciate and be guided by the Mozart of Physical Culture.

This banged up body of mine is as strong as an ox,but I will never be able to do a standing superman(strong clicking-bone on bone when I have done them-I won't be stupid on this-remember my back is broken),I am content to do them from my knees and enjoy the benefits to my abs.

I am not sure if I will ever get the pullup numbers,but then again when I was born(crippled)they said I wouldn't be an athlete on these knees.

To dream is the elixer of mortals.

Our dreams and subsequent action define and make us how and what we are.By doing so with stalwart determination and courage our actions can become legend.

Of course there are many dreamers that never actualize potential.

In this long rambling tribute,I pay my respects to a great man,who had a dream and the courage to back this dream,with sweat,determination, couage,and an open heart;John Peterson!

Well have gone on long enough-whatever your dream,drink long this elixer in the chalice of hard work and courage my friends.Time to hit the matt....

peace,
jason

Big Bear
05-23-2009, 06:30 AM
Our dreams and subsequent action make us who and what we are(this is a correction).

Mant typos-sorry-this clumsy Bear taps with his claws and flys without net-that just really bothered me-the mistake-sorry!

peace,
jason

Kathleen
05-23-2009, 08:01 AM
Beautiful tribute to John .

I have a great respect for you as well Jason

Enjoy Life
Kottie

kenpopaul
05-23-2009, 08:32 AM
Wow excellent post. Very thought provoking. Thanks Jason

Big Bear
05-23-2009, 11:52 AM
Thank you Kottie and Kenpopaul your words mean a lot to me!

Just figured it was a good day to pay tribute to a friend, brother,and teacher.

Have a great day and weekend!

peace,
jason

Aaron Hoot
05-23-2009, 05:25 PM
Jason,

As always, God has given you a great gift with words. Like many on this forum, you have been a great inspiration and many of us have a great respect for you.

I don't think that I could put down in words the respect that I and my family have for John. He has changed not only my life but that of my family. He has given me back of part of my life that I never even thought of having again. My life has greatly been enriched by many of the members here. John will always have a special place in my heart and I will count him as a dear friend.

Aaron

sillypup
05-23-2009, 07:51 PM
you know what they say in the martial arts field. The masters make everything seems effortless and we are in awe forgetting that they too put up their time and practice to make it look effortless. it's never an easy road to reach one's dreams. there are always barriers of external influence. some are lucky enough to not have those as they have been bless.

I like the fact that John treats us as beginners and create a step by step path to reach one's goal in the fitness field. Many experts, many masters forget that they were once beginners struggling when they become expert masters. John didn't forget that.