Let's Talk - Cobra Kai Episode 136: Update - Sensei Jim True (True Martial Arts Academy)
Jason Connell shares an update on the health of Sensei Jim True of True Martial Arts Academy. Sensei Jim has been teaching martial arts for 48 years, has a connection to The Next Karate Kid, and was a guest on the show in Episode 105 (May 25, 2022).
Whoa, just curious. Welcome to Just curious media. This is let's talk Cobra Kai. I'm Jason Connell. And yes, I am without Salvador Rodriguez. That is because this is a very timely episode important episode and I didn't want to try to wait and schedule it with our East Coast west coast. Timelines being what they are. But today, it's a bit of a heartfelt episode. It truly is. And it deals with someone who's actually been on the show before. It is since a gym true of true martial arts academy. We had him on last year episode came out May 25 2022. I highly, highly recommend checking that episode out for the first time are revisiting that episode. Listening to it again, Episode 105 To be truly precise. In fact, sound I did a preview episode 104 setting the stage for since a Jim true and the reason he was on the show is because I met him as I was researching dojos when I lived in the Boston area for a year. And then I found out that he was responsible for getting students from his dojo in The Next Karate Kid movie with Hilary Swank, Pat Marita etc, etc. So we delve into that in the episode. It's fantastic. But beyond that, we really got a better sense of since a Jim true and his legacy in martial arts. I mean, the next episode we had on after him was Chris Jensen, who was one of his students who's now one of the people helping run the dojo. So, you know, back to back, check those out. They're fantastic, really great guys. And then I'm on an email list from the dojo, although I've moved to Rhode Island. And I, you know, keep up with things here and there. And this one, I read it last week, and I thought, oh my gosh, I have to come on and do something about this, because it's just really important. So here's the deal. There's a GoFundMe for Jim true since it Jim true. And the reason being he's battling cancer, and not in the dojo currently, and it's being run by Chris and others. And I'm just gonna read this, which is on the GoFundMe. And by the way, if you guys want to read this as well, it's just go fund me since a gym, Sen. Sei Jim J. I am and I just figured to share this amongst martial arts lovers good people in the world. GoFundMe really helps out so many people in need. And I was just really touched and moved. Just a little time I've spent with since a Jim true I feel like he's a dear friend. So I just thought I have to do something more than just a tag at the beginning of an episode. I wanted to dedicate an episode to him. Okay, here we go. I'm going to read this the best I can. No one is ever ready to hear the words you have a cancerous mass in your upper intestines. Those were the words since a Jim and his wife Rosie heard on January 19 2023. After a successful surgery and follow up at MGH, which I believe would be Massachusetts General Hospital. He will be receiving chemotherapy treatment for diffuse large B cell non Hodgkins lymphoma. his battle with cancer and resulting low immune system will keep him out of the dojo and out of work for some time. Toby Fisher, Justin Barrett, Chris Jensen that since a Chris by the way, Justin CI, Keith guard and others are joining together to support their friend, mentor and teacher since hmm, true. He has shared his passion for martial arts with over 10,000 Students Wow. ranging in age from three to 102 over the last 48 years. That's amazing. He embodies what he teaches. Respect, passion, focus, patience, courage, you miletti wisdom, sincerity, and self confidence. Should you not already know how much Jim means to the Waltham community, which is a community just outside Boston. Just ask one of his friends mentioned above. Since a Jim has to put on his fighting gear and step into the ring again, this time to save his own life. The money raised will be used to help pay medical and living expenses. We appreciate the many who have reached out to help this is a great way to give back to a man who has given to so many your love and support show extreme compassion and empathy for since a Jim and his family Sorry, that was tough. It's pretty emotional. So just reading that. But the goal is to raise $40,000. It's almost at the halfway point, just under like 19.5 to three. And I just wanted to come here a, he's a great person, and he's done so much in his life and will continue to do so much. He has to, you know, like they said, Go back in the ring, strap them on, but knowing since a gym, he's probably going to beat this cancer. And he'll be back in the dojo, leading kids for many years to come. But he just needs help along the way. And so anybody out there who's in the giving mood and wants to help out someone who's helped so many, please do so. Again, it's GoFundMe since a gym and maybe share with others and like I said, listen to the episodes. It's fantastic his Chris since a Jimson say Chris, Sal a nice preview of each episode because Sal was not in either one of those interviews. They actually came into a studio I was still in the Boston area. There was a studio there if I had to record during the day because our neighborhood could be so loud with mowers and blowers and kids. And they actually came in studio and that's like the first interview in person interview I had done pre COVID Since sound I were in studio. So that was really cool to be kind of hanging out together seeing them in the flesh. And oh yeah, I'd be remiss if I didn't share some photos from that day which are also on our social media but this is great. So this is since a gym true and I right there in the LEX Media Studio. Great that's posted on our social media. And I know I did mention this but since a gym is so well known in the area that he has his own beer. Look at that right there. Japanese lager since a Jim mighty squirrel brewery, very good, I might add. And then just because we've talked about him, here is since a Christiansen also came by he was actually in The Next Karate Kid. Since it Jim was in a scene that was cut out they were at the bowling alley, but he was in the pool room at the bowling alley and Pat Marita was going to come by but that got cut out but he did meet Pat Marita playing pool waiting for it said same. And then here's Chris with the shirts. Well, I guess it's fun back it's one shirt, but he kept it from the production and then the back of it. It does reference The Next Karate Kid. So how great is that? Such a great man. And I should put that photo up earlier but I'm glad I didn't forget. So really that's it short and sweet. Support since a gym true. I hope to come back with a wonderful update at some point in time. But as always, no mercy