Approximately 25 years ago I started practicing Cuong Nhu Oriental Martial Arts, having had one year of experience in Tae Kwon Do. I decided to try out this Martial Art due to some comments from friends.
I still remember the first class, when I first met Sensei Renzo, he said to me: “are you ready to sweat? He was always like this, so humble that he will disguise his teachings in small casual conversations, but I knew what kind of person he was.
After the first classes, I felt that this Martial Art and this teacher met my expectations, so I started training.
You have to remember, I was a teenager, my days were busy, too many distractions, but Renzo, he kept me focused, I even went through high school, and university (most busiest times of someone’s life), but he knew what to do to keep me motivated, he was great at not only being a Sensei, but at being a good friend, a friend that only wanted the best for me.
Over the years I have learned and experienced many things, including to recognize people who really appreciate the Martial Arts and others that only train to get a belt, I’m proud to say the Ranzo taught me well and prepared me for this.
He taught me that I’ll see people that believe that training is an obligation, because of this, they lose heart and stop thinking that Cuong Nhu is so good for them. When you train you are taking advantage of your time, growing stronger physically and mentally.
“Learn from everything, be a sponge” he said to me many times.
Now I feel more connected than ever to his teaching, I feel great about the fact that I’m passing the knowledge, that I see my students grow as individuals, and especially, that I see that what I do really help my students be men and woman that will stand up for themselves and for what is right.
Sensei Renzo, I will always remember you, you were the greatest teacher I could ever ask for.
Sensei Luis Costa.