Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayan Cajudo.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have a background in traditional martial arts and have been teaching for over 25 years. From martial arts I found Earthskills/primitive skills survival. As a blacksmith and knife maker, I became a fabrication welder and wood worker. It was through these uncommon skills that we formed Cypress River Outdoor Education nonprofit.
After working with kids for a time, I immediately learned about the mental health epidemic that our young people are facing. This is our mission at Cypress River, to support the mental and physical health of kids and adults through outdoor creative skills.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The greatest challenge of starting an outdoor education school is building the infrastructure within the community to support the unconventional learning environment. Finding venues and finding funding for the events and classes. The greatest challenge by far, is opposing a culture of, atomized,digital consumerism. Creating a space of togetherness, not social isolation, addressing the common addiction of technology .Getting kids and adults outside to touch the Earth and work with their hands in a creative way, while building belonging through purpose and challenge has proven to be difficult to introduce to the community .A community who hasn’t realized that there are so many other options and alternatives to unhealthy use of technology.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a Forged in Fire contestant with 15 years of knife making experience. I am a full-time fabrication welder and contractor, as well as the founder and president of Cypress River Outdoor Education. I’m known for a teaching creative and survival skills, such as wood carving, blacksmithing, boxing, wrestling, weapons defense, archery, sustainable agriculture and fitness.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
My personal success is freedom and autonomy, but the higher purpose of success is through service of my family and community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cypressriver.org
- Instagram: @Cypressriveroutdooredu
- Facebook: Cypress River Outdoor Education
- LinkedIn: Kayan Cajudo
- Youtube: Cypress River Outdoor Education
