SETTING “THE BEST POSSIBLE EXAMPLE”

Mike Armstrong, 37, is a person who likes challenges.

For 26 years, the Phoenix resident has been stepping up to the mat where he has expertly refined his skills to earn a 4th-degree black belt in Kyokishin karate and a 1st-degree black belt in Aiki JuJitsu. He owns and operates his own karate school where he teaches martial arts and traditional Samurai sword classes. In 2003, he was indoctrinated into the World Karate Union Hall of Fame.

For 19 years, Mike has been a professional musician. Landing a recording contract in the music business is a challenging aspiration. Yet, Mike, who is a drummer, believes it is attainable. In fact, his band, Echotribe, a main stream hard rock band, is currently in negotiations with Columbia Records for a recording contract. He also drums for Siphon, a heavy metal band, and for his church's worship team at Shiloh Community Church.

Mike’s greatest challenge, however, may have occurred a little more than ten years ago. He lost his sight due to non-diabetic retinopathy.

“After all the surgeries, the diagnosis was total blindness with no chance of reversal,” he said. “It was difficult at first. I decided rather quickly, though, that I didn’t want to be a bitter blind man so I started to adapt and deal with my blindness.”

For Mike, losing his sight was a challenge because he had to relearn many daily living skills such as cooking and hygiene.

“My greatest challenge has been learning how to safely get from place to place on my own,” he said. “I also had to relearn things that had taken time over the years to learn like martial arts and drums.”

Through the state Vocational Rehabilitation Program, Mike enrolled in the Skills, Mastery and Adjustment in Rehabilitation and Transition (SMART) program in October 2006. The program, run by the FBC’s technology department, helped Mike to get back on track in a number of areas.

“I’ve been refining my mobility and braille skills as well as brushing up on daily living skills,” Mike explained. “My main focus is on technology training. Since I have been in the program I have been able to write all the content for my businesses website. I have also been able to promote my band thanks to learning about email and audio media.”

In addition to developing his technology skills, Mike has had the opportunity to
share his self-defense experience with fellow students. He’s even had opportunities to improve his ability to travel safely with his band using the Global Positioning System (GPS).

Family support has meant a great deal to Mike. He has been married to his wife, Tori, for four years. They adopted Shayla, 12, and Justin, 8, in November 2005. They also have another child, Jadyn, who is two years old.

The kids really make me pay attention to what I do,” Mike said. “They watch everything I do and I want to set the best possible example as a dad for them. My family makes life worth living.”

With a “strong faith and trust in the Lord,” Mike feels that he has grown from his trials in life.

“I like to be proof that no matter what adversity you face, you can achieve almost anything that you want,” he said. “I've been told by people that I do. I make it very hard for my students to use any excuses as to why they cannot do something.”

by Rich Kenney

   April 8, 2007