“Honor, Loyalty, Family And Bravery” An Interview With Ernie Reyes
Ernie Reyes
Why is loyalty so important in the martial arts?
Ernie Reyes: Loyalty is the true essence of the spirit of martial arts training! The highest values of traditional martial arts training are: honor, loyalty, family and bravery! To teach martial arts without teaching and developing the value of loyalty is impossible! How can we create a feeling of honor, family and bravery when there is no bond of loyalty between student and instructor?
Here are some role models of loyalty: From my experience I know Commander Ned and
Mr. Nick Cokinos have been loyal to each other for more than half a century! They
are the ancients of loyalty! Then you add John and Mark Cokinos, who were born
into loyalty, into the mix. Then there is Kyoshi Steve LaVallee who was brought
up through the mentorship and guidance of Nick Cokinos and EFC for decades.
Kyoshi Steve has not forgotten where he came from. He is a shinning example of
gratitude and loyalty.
For myself I have had the opportunity to share the values of loyalty with my
friend, training partner, business partner, and founder of our West Coast World
Martial Arts Association Tony Thompson for 43 years!
Loyalty is not easy to sustain year after year. Loyalty is something that has to be
worked on daily by individuals with a common goal, to sacrifice for each other
and do whatever it takes to maintain that extraordinary relationship and
feeling of caring and sharing with each other during good and bad times
forever! Loyalty is the highest honor of martial arts training. It is a
priceless attribute that comes from the heart! I hope we all have the
opportunity to share a lifetime of loyalty with our students, friends,
associates and family!
What is your philosophy of teaching martial arts?
Ernie Reyes: I love to teach! I feel blessed to have discovered my noble calling in life to become a
martial arts teacher! I believe martial arts is one of the greatest gifts of
life to change people’s life for the better in a positive way. In each class I
focus in on teaching students to become, “Peak Performers,” and help them
develop a “Black Belt Mindset!” The “Black Belt Mindset” is the “Ultimate Power” that transforms peoples’ lives!
1. The Black Belt Mindset is a symbol of a “high standard of excellence!”
2. The Black Belt Mindset is developing an indomitable spirit, to
never quit! It is build upon the basic foundation of martial arts teachings
of—respect, discipline, and ethics!
The Black Belt Mindset in reality is a Martial Arts Warrior
Mindset! The warriors of ancient times did whatever it took to honor, serve,
and protect the highest values of martial arts training: 1. Honor 2. Loyalty 3.
Family 4. Bravery. They gave their hearts and souls to their training and they
developed an indomitable spirit of the highest level to never ever give up! The
Warrior Mindset is powerful and honorable, but the ultimate power I believe is
to develop a Black Belt Mindset of a “Peaceful Warrior!” This means to not only
protect and live up to the high standards of the meaning of Black Belt
excellence but also to be the first to extend a helping hand to people in need.
It’s all about teaching a philosophy of giving unconditional love! This means
learning to give to others without expecting anything in return! This means to
continuously teach with passion and from your heart!
Tell us about your 22 years with EFC.
Ernie Reyes: My 22 years with EFC has been a big part of my martial arts development,
evolution and journey in life! Martial arts is all about helping one develop
balance in life. Through martial arts training one can develop oneself
physically, mentally and spiritually! EFC has added another factor in creating
balance for success to not only become Masters in Martial Arts but to become
Masters in the Art of Business! I started with EFC as a white belt in business
and have grown tremendously because of knowledge acquired from all of the EFC
Board of Directors, Advisory Counsel, Commander Ned, John and Mark Cokinos. I
consider Kyoshi Steve LaVallee as my martial arts brother who has been there
for me in my development, as I am there for him!
Mr. Nick Cokinos’ vision and continuous commitment in the past and now in the future to make sure martial artists
continue to survive and flourish as traditional martial art teachers and as martial arts business professionals is why I have been loyal to EFC and Mr. Nick Cokinos for 22 years!
And if you don’t mind sharing with us some details about your participation at the
MAIA Super Show…
Ernie Reyes: My participation at the MAIA Super Show came about because I was asked to be one
of their featured master instructors. I will do a seminar on 12 Steps to Legendary Teaching! It will focus on the art of teaching and continuing to maintain that passion decade after decade! Mike Dillard has been a great friend
and has been supporting and sponsoring our West Coast World Action Demo team since the 1980s.
