Author: Andrea Harkins

Andrea Harkins is a professional life coach and teacher who uses the principles of martial arts as daily life tools for self improvement. She is a published author and a public speaker. She can be reached for bookings of speaking engagements, book signings or private life coaching via her website: http://www.themartialartswoman.com
— Decreasing Stress, Encouragement, Karate, Learn to Appreciate, Philosophy, The Martial Arts Woman Podcasts —

Cast Your Shadow (Blog and Podcast)

November 26, 2014

(If you receive this via e-mail, click on the blog title to reach the podcast) There is a palm tree outside my window at work.  It’s tall thin base supports luxurious greenery at the top.  This tree is symbolic of balmy, warm climates and tropical locations.  On a dreary day like today, though, when the wind… Read More Cast Your Shadow (Blog and Podcast)

— Encouragement, Karate, Reader, Self Defense —

5 Self-Defense Concepts Adapted From Martial Arts

November 24, 2014

There is a difference between my martiual art and self-defense classes.  Although components of martial arts are in self-defense, when I teach self-defense, the strict rules are removed and the basic, general concepts are taught. In martial art class, students do not have to fight to save their lives; rather, they are learning the intricacies of an art… Read More 5 Self-Defense Concepts Adapted From Martial Arts

— Decreasing Stress, Encouragement, Learn to Appreciate, Philosophy, Reader —

The Genuine You

November 20, 2014

How do you describe yourself? How do others describe you? You would be surprised, perhaps, that the two don’t always match.  If you are in a relationship, that’s when you learn this.  Take any argument when you believe you are the right one.  And, when your partner calls you out on being selfish or mean or… Read More The Genuine You

— Encouragement, Karate, Learn to Appreciate, Philosophy, Reader —

Even Martial Arts Have Bullies

November 18, 2014

I’m part of many social networks where I blast my blogs, hoping people will read and find something interesting, helpful, or inspirational.  I share a lot about my life in these writings because it is from personal experience and through the use of a martial art mindset that I have gained a lot of my… Read More Even Martial Arts Have Bullies

— Encouragement, Karate, Learn to Appreciate, Philosophy —

Your Life is Waiting for You

November 16, 2014

I recently returned from a cruise with my mother.  We had a nice time on the ship that took us to the Grand Cayman Islands and Cozumel, Mexico.  We saw the usual sights, bought souvenirs, and ate a lot of food.  As the last day drew near, my mother said she was sad to see the… Read More Your Life is Waiting for You

— Encouragement, Karate, Learn to Appreciate, Reader —

Learn and Teach

November 5, 2014

You have heard it before.  You’ve seen it in books.  Some guy on television announces it all the time. You should make the most of today. What exactly does that mean?  Does it mean fill every moment with something? Does it mean live each day like it’s your last?  Maybe it means you should continually… Read More Learn and Teach

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5 Basics Required to Learn a Martial Art

November 2, 2014

1.  Be open-minded Learning a martial art is interesting.  There’s a lot involved.  Every move has a fine point, every task has a meaning.  Your instructor may be demanding, but he will provide you with all the necessary tools to become a real martial artist. The key to learning is being open-minded.  A martial art… Read More 5 Basics Required to Learn a Martial Art

— Decreasing Stress, Encouragement, Karate, Learn to Appreciate, Philosophy, Reader —

3 Misconceptions About Martial Arts

October 30, 2014

1. Learning a martial art will save your life Let’s be honest.  Learning a martial art takes time.  A lot of time.  It will add substance to your life and it will give you many tools to practice and think about.  When you practice a martial art, you discover so much about yourself including your… Read More 3 Misconceptions About Martial Arts

— Encouragement, Karate, Learn to Appreciate, Reader —

Black Belt in Motherhood

October 28, 2014

I was at an event recently with a bunch of families and had time to sit with some of the moms with whom I don’t often get the chance to talk.  We have children of varying ages and are varying ages ourselves and yet we share the same bond of motherhood. We shared thoughts and questioned if… Read More Black Belt in Motherhood

— Decreasing Stress, Encouragement, Karate, Learn to Appreciate, Reader —

Aged to Black Belt Perfection

October 27, 2014

The martial arts are not often seen as a great choice for older people.  No one thinks we have it in us.  What?  You do martial arts? they ask, incredulously. Well, believe it or not, there are a handful of us out there from middle-aged to very much older who still have an interest in being a… Read More Aged to Black Belt Perfection