On Saturday January 26th 2002 Papa Paul carried the Olympic Torch on its journey to Salt lake City. This honor was a result of a nomination made by several ASKA students who felt inspired by Papa Paul’s teaching. The theme of the Olympic Torch Run was: “Light the Fire Within” and selection to be a Torchbearer was based on the stories told to the Committee demonstrating how someone had inspired them in life. After the run, still feeling the effects of the adrenaline, Papa Paul said that he was the one inspired by his students.

“Karate is very much like this Torch Run. Knowledge is passed on to you and you in turn pass it on to others. Often the light comes full circle and those you shared with years earlier come back with an even brighter light that charges and motivates you again. We think of the ASKA as a karate family in this way. More than a Papa, I am a great, great grandfather, as so many generations of karate teachers are out there growing and passing on the knowledge. It is truly awesome.”

Some Torch Bearers were nominated by their children, some by their brothers or sisters. Some parents nominated their children. A few came from the community having saved a life or given to others in some important way. Each was somebody’s “hero.” Papa Paul said. “A common thread that ran among the Torch Runners was a feeling of being connected to this great international event, something bigger, combined with a very strong connection to our country and to the American spirit. The light is symbolic of that spirit, and that we each have a responsibility to see that it never gets extinguished, but rather is held dear and given a chance to burn brightly in each and every one of us. That we can help each other keep the light burning is a tribute to the human spirit. The human spirit can never be defeated, nor can darkness prevail when the fire within is burning so brightly.