Master Austin Shares His Basket Brigade Story

It's worth sharing this story.

Every year, our dojo assembles and delivers Thanksgiving dinner baskets to less fortunate families in Santa Barbara. We call it the Basket Brigade, and it's one of the traditions closest to our hearts. One year, it taught me a lesson I've never forgotten.

A hard year

One particular year, my own family was going through the hardest financial year of our marriage. I didn't want to admit it, but I had fallen behind on some big bills, and I was struggling to pay for simple things like groceries and gas.

Of course, the Basket Brigade was my parents' biggest event of the year at the dojo, so I took the day off to help with the baskets, alongside my wife and young kids. I started that day thinking my life was in ruins. That belief was about to change.

What I saw on the deliveries

As we drove through rundown neighborhoods and knocked on the doors of small multi-family homes, I began to understand what true hard times looked like.

Every family we met was so joyous and grateful. They weren't letting their living conditions ruin their attitude. It was inspiring and humbling.

Those families had far less than I did, and yet they met us with smiles and thank-yous at every door. It was a reminder that gratitude isn't about what you have. It's about how you choose to see what you have. When we got back to the dojo, I had a whole new perspective on my own situation. And my lesson for the day wasn't over yet.

"That one is for you"

We were getting down to the last few baskets, and I noticed one tucked away out of sight. It didn't have a name on it. I brought it over to Grandmaster and asked, "What do we do with this extra one, sir?"

He looked at me with soft eyes and said, "That one is for you. Why don't you put it in your car."

For a split second, my pride wanted to turn it down. But a wave of relief and gratitude came over me, and I nodded. "Yes, sir. Thank you."

I've thought about that moment many times since. Grandmaster answered my situation with quiet kindness, not a lecture. That's the kind of leader I want to be, on the mat and off it.

Why asking for help takes courage

I have so much respect for every family we help, because it's not easy to ask for help, even when times are tough. That day taught me that giving and receiving are both part of being a community. Sometimes you're the one carrying the basket to the door. Sometimes you're the one who needs it.

In martial arts, we talk a lot about strength. But real strength isn't only about being the one who helps. It's also about having the humility to accept help when you need it, and the gratitude to pass it on when you can.

That's why the Basket Brigade matters so much to us. We team up with local nonprofits, this year including Jardin de las Rosas, Transition House and Family Service Agency, to reach the families who need it most. Volunteers assemble the meals at stations in the dojo, and then we all jump in our cars to deliver them. Even kids can help by coloring Thanksgiving cards for each basket.

You might also notice our new name. Yes, we're the same family with a new name: Santa Barbara Dojo.

Every one of you can help make a difference, whether you volunteer, donate or simply share this story.

Have questions or want to learn more? Contact us using the form below, and we'll be glad to help.