We had the good fortune of connecting with Dominick Ruggieri and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dominick, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
My favorite quote, which is mine, is “You CAN Do It, Even If It Hurts a Little.” I started using this saying when I was teaching. Adult and children are often told, the “no pain, no gain,” implies pain to get ahead. I think we need a more accurate and positive message. The first part of the message is YOU CAN DO IT! This is without exception. The second part of the message is a sacrifice or some element of going beyond our normal limits will be required and that will be uncomfortable. So, whether teaching children or adults, the mantra was YOU CAN DO IT, EVEN IF IT HURTS A LITTLE and I would have them repeat after me. Nothing comes easy, but we should not see it as pain, but, as a way to go outside the box to grow.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I do Chinese Martials Arts – Kung Fu, Meditation, the stuff you see on TV portrayed as monks in the temple. These ancient arts are more than self defense or fighting. They are a way of life and thought that leads to a higher level of existence in this life and the next. It was how cool it looked on TV that drew me to it, but, after more than 35 plus years, of practice and teaching, I have learned about why I really love this – helping others!!! I have a passion for what I do and want to share it with anyone who wants to learn it. I am excited because I have reached the part of the journey that I thought was cool in the movies. But, getting here it has made me realize how much more I have to grow and learn and that excites me more because this is a never ending journey which has many paths, all of which lead to the top of the mountain. Some paths are easy, while some are difficult – – even highly challenging. Kung Fu translates to “Great achievements made over time that require effort and patience” or said another way “you can do it, even if it hurts a little,” meaning we have to work hard for everything of value in this world. Finding the positives, finding a new way to achieve creating your dreams and desires with a positive intention to create good starts with yourself, so I was the biggest challenge to overcome by far. Ultimately, leading a simple life, treating others the way I would want to be treated, and being honest with my self – especially when I disagreed with someone, because it was more often than not, I was wrong, but didn’t want to admit it. Kung Fu is the way to find peace, harmony, and spirit to manifest our dreams and desires.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
A best friend needs an adventure and that adventure might be something like starting with a trip to a local spot on the Jersey Shore to listen to the band play our favorite music. And of course, where is music there is dancing because music reaches to our sense of companionship and sharing old times. Then, as the night grows dark and the stars shine bright, a walk on the boardwalk while enjoying the smells, sounds, and laughter of people surrounding us. This would finish by making ourselves at home on a bench, as the crowds dissipate and quiet overcomes the senses. We talk till the we hours about our lives and where time has brought us. The next day, we would make our way to the city, the only city – NYC. Here, we would walk the streets, to admire the architecture, window shop, have the best pizza in the world. and stay the night. As the day grows long and night time sets in, we would go to Times Square to enjoys the energy of the lights, billboards, and warm summer night as we sip on a latte and watch the fascinating people that are right there with us. Of course, our tip back from the city the following day would have to include a ride into the country where we could shop for fresh vegetables and fruits, which could be enjoyed as we lounged by the pool, slowing down, and just savoring the moment. Then to finish this adventure, we would spend a day or two visiting friends and family. Remembering the good times and those times that hurt a little, but always savoring the importance of those we love, the simple things in live that bring the greatest joys, and realizing We did it and it much less then what we thought in the end.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I will Shoutout to everyone who has ever met me. Because each person I have had interaction with has influenced the person I have become and in one way or another, assisted in me reaching my goal. Friends, family, and students certainly have provided the love and support needed to continue on this journey. There are all of my instructors and the knowledge they so willingly shared. But, there are those who I agreed to disagree with, that diverged from my differing opinions whom I owe the most. They inspired me to reach for the what seemed impossible, to open my mind, heart, and soul to the impossible, to make it possible. They made it HURT A LITTLE! And that drove the overwhelming desire to know I COULD DO IT! Thank you ALL.

Website: www.chinahand.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShifuDominickRuggieri
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ChinaHandKungFuAcad
Other: https://www.flickr.com/photos/chinahandkungfu/

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