It is not every single day you come throughout somebody who embodies the spirit of a real legend, and Willie Nelson is unquestionably considered one of them. As a rustic music icon, he is identified for his unimaginable songwriting and guitar selecting abilities, however what’s much less well-known is his dedication to the martial artwork of GongKwon Yusul, a Korean self-defense self-discipline. With over 20 years of observe beneath his belt, he is achieved black belt standing, and it is clear that this side of his life has had a profound impression on him.
As Willie himself put it, “Black belt by day, Crimson-Headed Stranger by night time.” This phrase speaks to the duality of his character, showcasing each his robust and delicate sides. In an interview with AARP, he shared his ideas on why he selected to pursue martial arts coaching, saying, “I grew up in Abbott, Texas, the place we didn’t have a lot besides comedian books. We had Charles Atlas and Bruce Lee, judo and jujitsu. Excuse my language, however in Abbott, we had a saying that each one we all know do down there’s battle, f*** and throw rocks. I grew up combating one factor or one other.” This background has clearly influenced his way of living and music.
Willie additionally talked about how his martial arts coaching has given him confidence, saying, “Primarily it offers you adequate confidence the place you don’t have to leap on the market and get into bother. If they bring about it to you, you’re feeling assured you’ll be able to deal with it. It’s not something I fear about, as a result of I’m not likely afraid of it. I don’t actually assume I’m afraid of something.” This fearlessness is one thing that is evident in his music and his total way of living.
Regardless of being 92 years previous, Willie continues to be going sturdy, touring the nation together with his Outlaw Music Pageant Tour alongside Bob Dylan. It is a testomony to his enduring spirit and dedication to his craft. As he continues to carry out and create music, it is clear that he is nonetheless thriving, and we’re all higher off for it.
One one that can vouch for Willie’s abilities, each on and off stage, is Luke Combs. In an interview on the Full Ship Podcast, Luke shared a hilarious story concerning the time he met Willie at his house in Maui. Luke had been invited to play poker at Willie’s home, and as he arrived, he was greeted by the nation legend himself, who was watching TV within the storage. As they spent extra time collectively, Luke discovered himself getting right into a relatively intense recreation of poker, and at one level, Willie bought up and walked down a hallway, the place he proceeded to punch a punching bag with crane kicks, very like the Karate Child.
Luke’s story is a superb instance of Willie’s unpredictable and playful nature, and it is a reminder that even at 92, he is nonetheless a power to be reckoned with. As Luke stated, “It was wild. It was completely wild.” Willie’s capacity to steadiness his robust and delicate sides is one thing that is inspiring, and it is a huge a part of what makes him such a beloved determine within the music trade.
Ultimately, it is clear that Willie Nelson continues to be a real authentic, and his dedication to his craft, each on and off stage, is one thing that is worthy of admiration. As he continues to plug alongside, placing out albums and headlining festivals, it is a reminder that age is only a quantity, and that with the proper angle and spirit, something is feasible.
