As part of my new web series, The Role Model In You, here is my most recent interview. The Role Model In You series discusses how individuals were influenced as a child to lead a healthy lifestyle. It covers who influenced these individuals, the changes they made in their life to be healthy, and the message they would like to convey to the youth of today. Our guests include doctors, soccer stars, Super Bowl champions, NBA players, Olympic gold medalist, entrepreneurs, celebrities, and just regular people looking to share their story. I hope you enjoy it!
1. Your name, title, and age? What do you do (or did you do) for a living?
Sifu Neil Ripski, Founder and head instructor of Red Jade Martial Arts.
2. Who was the person that inspired you as a child to eat healthy and stay fit? What was their relationship to you?
My kung fu teacher inspred me a great deal and set me on the path I have followed all my life.
3. What did they do to inspire you?
He was a real inspiration to me because although he was older than I was, he would workout just as hard as we did. Each pushup was not just his or mine, but ours. He always found the time to workout with us.
4. How did their lesson change your life?
I have become a lifelong practitioner of martial arts (Kung Fu) because of him and, while I am starting to get closer to 40, my peers seem to have many health problems, I have not had any at all. This I owe to my practice.
5. Do you convey their message to kids in your life presently?
I am a full time martial arts teacher and almost all of my students are under the age of 18, I do my best to influence their lives in a positive and healthy way.
6. What would be your main message to children today to lead healthy lifestyles?
Stay active! Go outside and turn off the computer, join a club that keeps you moving and happy. Eat more fruits and less sugars. Live a long and healthy life.
7. Do you have a web site you would like to promote….web address only?