Snap Judgment - Episode: The Master
Release Date: March 13, 2025
Hosts: Snap Judgment and PRX

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Snap Judgment titled "The Master," Simon Shea takes listeners on an emotional journey through his formative years spent in a rural Michigan karate school. Blending raw storytelling with evocative beats, Simon delves deep into themes of power, control, and personal liberation, offering a candid exploration of his relationship with a domineering master and the path he took to reclaim his identity.

Early Experiences at the Karate School

Simon begins by setting the stage in his small hometown near a livery stable, where he and his friends earned the privilege of tending to magnificent horses in exchange for labor. Among these horses was a particularly fierce one named Demon, controlled effortlessly by the owner's son, Chad.

Simon Shea [06:19]:
"One day, my buddy steps too close to Demon's stall. She nips him on the shoulder hard enough to draw blood... Then the owner's son, Chad, places his hand on Demon’s head, and she instantly calms down. It is magical. And I hate this guy so much. But he speaks horse like no one I've ever seen in life."

This incident not only highlights Chad's extraordinary ability but also symbolizes the kind of control and influence that Simon would later experience from the karate master.

The Master’s Influence and Abusive Behavior

As Simon immerses himself in the karate school, he introduces the enigmatic and authoritarian master whose rigid discipline and harsh methods leave a lasting impact.

Simon Shea [10:55]:
"I was just a shy, sensitive kid. And when you're a shy, quite vulnerable boy in middle school, you have no value. At least I didn't feel like I had any value."

The master embodies the archetype of the tough, unyielding teacher, often making inappropriate jokes and maintaining a fearsome presence.

Simon Shea [17:53]:
"In every ballroom he is the chandelier. He is the song that everyone only knows the chorus of, beautiful, relentless."

While Simon does not explicitly detail instances of sexual abuse, he alludes to a pervasive silence and an environment where inappropriate relationships between the master and female students went unaddressed.

Rigorous Training and Personal Struggles

The intensive training regimen imposed by the master shapes Simon’s early adolescence, fostering both discipline and inner conflict.

Simon Shea [13:17]:
"I was a very good student. I would stay the latest. I would train the hardest. I felt really good doing karate. That's the time when I felt most myself."

Despite the outward success and the sense of purpose karate provided, Simon grapples with the darker aspects of his training and the master's domineering control.

Decision to Pursue Independence: Moving to Beijing

At fifteen, Simon's parents decide to move to Beijing, offering him an escape from the master's influence. However, the transition is fraught with emotional turmoil and a lingering sense of obligation.

Simon Shea [22:00]:
"We moved to Beijing when I was 15. The night my parents told me we were moving, I said that I hated them. But as soon as they left my room, I burst into tears."

In Beijing, Simon seeks solace and a fresh start, immersing himself in a new martial art—Muay Thai—under a coach named Vince, who contrasts sharply with his former master.

Simon Shea [27:29]:
"Vince told me this, and he was like, do you still want to fight him? And I was like, yeah. This guy walks out much bigger than me, probably in his 30s... I kind of found my voice in the ring."

Confronting the Master and Achieving Liberation

Returning to New York for college, Simon attempts to reconcile with his past by confronting the master and seeking autonomy over his training.

Simon Shea [32:16]:
"You know, he was like, oh, you're back. You've grown up a little bit, and you think you're hot stuff. Let's test that out."

The confrontation culminates in a sparring match that symbolizes Simon's fight for self-empowerment and detachment from the master's oppressive legacy.

Simon Shea [35:36]:
"I didn't know how to think about my experience at the karate school. I hadn't processed it enough. This poem is really about writing a poem and this process of discovery and revelation."

Through introspection and creative expression, Simon begins to heal from the psychological scars left by his upbringing, ultimately breaking free from the master's control.

Conclusion

"The Master" is a profound narrative that intertwines personal struggle with broader themes of authority, abuse, and resilience. Simon Shea’s honest recounting offers listeners a visceral glimpse into the complexities of growing up under the shadow of a tyrannical figure and the arduous journey toward self-liberation.

Notable Quotes:

• "Mercy is for the weak." – Simon Shea [05:08]
• "I am firewood being cut in the rain." – Simon Shea [15:00]
• "I have no self concept, I had no self esteem. I was purely as good or as bad as I was in his eyes." – Simon Shea [21:20]
• "Nothing of me did he take and how much I gave him?" – Simon Shea [16:43]

Final Thoughts

Simon Shea's episode is a testament to the power of storytelling in confronting and overcoming personal demons. By merging narrative poetry with real-life experiences, Snap Judgment delivers a moving exploration of mastery, control, and the human spirit's capacity for growth and change.