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Antonio Graceffo: From the Dust of 9/11 NYC to the Shaolin Temple

He went from a military career to a successful job in finance.

Until he realised he didn’t truly know those around him.

A pivotal moment made him re-evaluate what was important in life.

So he dug out his teaching diploma.

And went to follow his dreams.

Training at the Shaolin temple & building a new life as a martial arts anthropologist in Asia.

Here is The Brooklyn Monk, Antonio Graceffo.

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“That hot dog cart is going to be the last thing I see before I die.” – Antonio Graceffo (Tweet It)

Travel Topics:

  • Surviving the national guard, navy & merchant marine
  • Using his military background to get to university
  • Going to university for free in Germany
  • Becoming a homeless finance worker in New York City
  • How the near death experience of 9/11 put things into perspective
  • The awe-inspiring experience of training in the Shaolin Temple
  • Living abroad is a more fulfilling experience than being a tourist

Lovely Links:

Speaking Adventure | Twitter | Facebook | Youtube

  • Antonio reporting on the Refugees in Shan State, Burma:

Travel Tools:

Music Credits:

Take Action:

What skills and qualifications do you have?  How would you be able to use these skills to live or travel abroad?

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Izzy the Ninja: Forget the 9 to 5, I’m Going to Be a Ninja!

He was a bored teacher.

So he decided to move to Japan.

To become a ninja.

He learnt the value of humility.

Now he helps others in believing that they too can fulfil their dreams.

Welcome, Izzy the Ninja.

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“My life is evidence that you can achieve the impossible.” – Izzy (Tweet It)

Travel Topics:

  • Why he decided to Forget the 9 to 5, I’m Going to Be a Ninja
  • Studying aikido in Japan
  • Using your teaching qualifications to set you up abroad
  • Following your childhood dreams
  • The value of not understanding everything
  • How cleaning toilets gives you a simpler and more fulfilling life
  • Japanese mother nature is scarier than Japanese people

Lovely Links:

The 30 year old Ninja | Facebook

Travel Tools:

  • Achieve the impossible – An online course that teaches the fundamentals, educating and inspiring people to achieve what they initially believe to be impossible

Music Credits:

Special Shout Out:

  • Belal Khanfar, Chris Jones, Tom Miller, André Gussekloo, Cheryl DeMesa, Michael Rigby, Brian Walsh, Pavan Mathur, John Naylor & Mickael Jan for assisting with the playlist!

Take Action:

Write down your vision – what does a perfect travel experience look like?

Once you’ve done that, now write down the next steps and ways to overcome the objections & hurdles.