A Very Personal Blog written by Instructor Jeff Robison:I walked into John Helton’s life at the age of 7 years old. My best friend Andy asked if I wanted to take karate at his Uncle John’s house. Of course I went and we ended up training with John for a couple of years. Our class was called the Bears, we were just a group of neighborhood kids meeting every Monday night in Johns basement, called the karate room. Like anything else, all good things came to an end as my friend Andy decided to start playing soccer. I loved martial arts too much to quit, so I decided to keep training martial arts at another school. I spent the next 10 years learning Tae Kwon Do and really focusing on getting a black belt and helping instruct classes.
My friend Andy and I reconnected after college, and he mentioned I should reconnect with his uncle John.
I called John and spent the last 8 years of my life learning 'the martial arts movie.' He always explained just as a movie has frames our life is made up of thousands of experiences. Experience them and make your own movie.
John introduced me to all kinds of styles, principles, concepts, and Instructors. He took me in as a student and showed me how to learn by seeing, doing, and feeling. He always pushed me to train with anyone that was better then me.
John Helton passed away July 30, 2010. It was very unexpected and upsetting. John has been a major influence in my life and I will miss him dearly. I will try everyday to carry on his legacy through the martial arts.
Rest in peace my friend!
The Banner that will hang in Club MMA in Memory of Mr. John Helton.
