When Rick and I first spoke of selling Princeton Academy of Martial Arts (PAMA) there were many thoughts about how do you really sell your baby. The one that Rick birthed and raised for almost 27 years and I have known and loved for almost 16 years and have adopted. These many years Rick has crafted EVERY detail of the Academy just so. The attention to detail, care, and love he has poured into creating this Martial Arts Mecca, growing it from a mere seed to a World Renowned Institution. All this was done purely for love of the Martial Arts and a passion for how the Martial Arts process can transform an individual. As other personal business owners know, we eat, sleep, and breathe PAMA. Just like a child it was given lots of love and care. If we sold it to someone just for a big payout, I can imagine us waking to nightmares just as one would if your daughter marries a deviant. Whhooo, glad that has not been the case.
I still remember the look on Mike Lee’s face when I approached him about his interest in taking over PAMA. First it took him quite a few days to process that Rick and I would be moving on, after all, for years he has been my Chinese brother/training partner and Rick’s dedicated student for 20 years. When I say that the three of us are close – He has traveled with us all over the world – Peru, Switzerland (2x), Sweden (5x), Paris (2x), Belgium (2x), not to mention all of the US trips, the thousand upon thousand hours of training, meals, drinks, and many, many laughs. Mike had a picture of us in his wedding slideshow as his Italian family. We even spent Thanksgiving together this year!
The closing went smoothly because leading up to it there was no infighting or no harsh negotiations between Rick, Mike, and their lawyers. During the past few weeks before the transition Rick and I keep giving Mike additional things to help him and Rick has even decided to loan some of his more exclusive artwork to the new Princeton Academy. Mike wants to become a successful entrepreneur and professional Martial Artist and we want nothing but success for him and for the future of PAMA. Most closing, I imagine, are harsh, clear chop, and hand over the keys. We are and will always be willing advisors for Mike, his extended family here for support and encouragement.
Mike is moving the Academy to the new location in a few weeks and we are co-habitating 14 Farber Road but we are more then used to hanging together in close quarters. That’s what family is about, someone who will treat your baby with the same care and intention.
Living Wherever We Are 
What a beautifully written article Mary Jo! Congratulation to you, Rick and Mike.
It strikes me that one of the things that contributed to this being such a wonderful experience is how Rick’s “baby” must have been raised in participation with other “surrogate” and supportive family members from the very beginning.
I’ve seen many examples in business where these transitions don’t go so well….it is to everyone’s credit here that this baby was raised in a way that set the tone so this larger “Chinese/Italian family” could work together to assure the success of this precious life well into the future!!!
Kudos everyone! What a beautiful example of heart-felt, responsible stewardship.
Thank you Pat for your lovely and poetic words. XO
It’s really happening.
Correction it has happened! 🙂
Rick and Mary Jo I wish you and your family all the very best.
After the many years of dedication to making PAMA what it is today I can only say that I am happy to have had the privilege of knowing, training, and learning from you both during my year’s there.
Best wishes to you.
Dave Loebell
Dear Sifu, Mary Jo, and Mike,
Congratulations! Best wishes on your new endeavors.