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

3 Misconceptions About Martial Arts

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

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

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

Encouragement, Karate, Reader

The Most Complicated Kata Ever

A kata is a choreographed set of martial art moves, or techniques, that simulate fighting  an attacker.  They are composed of blocks, kicks, punches, and stepping patterns.  When rehearsed over and over, they help you improve in your skills. Some people claim that a kata, or form,  is useless, or no longer relevant. I believe… Read More The Most Complicated Kata Ever

Encouragement, Karate, Learn to Appreciate

Popcorn with that Martial Art?

Martial arts practitioners are a lot like popcorn.  All the kernels look similar, but when popped they end up transforming into beautiful, distinct shapes. Maybe calling martial artists “popcorn” sounds a little strange, but isn’t it important that you get a chance to “pop” at some point in life?  Show your true colors?  Stand out because… Read More Popcorn with that Martial Art?

Decreasing Stress, Encouragement, Motivational, Philosophy, Reader

Find Greatness In Your Life

“Greatness” is a big word, has a big meaning, and makes a big difference in your life.  Yes, you can be great, and here is how… The Great Little Picture What’s your big picture?  What consumes the bulk of your day or gobbles up your time? Going to work. Raising a family. Organizing bills. Fixing… Read More Find Greatness In Your Life

Encouragement, Karate, Learn to Appreciate

Ignite Your Martial Art Flame

What ignites your imagination?  What fire burns deep within your heart?  What is your passion, your mission, your vision?  Whatever the answers are, don’t let them wane.  Don’t douse them with complacency.  Find a way to take hold of them, control them, and keep them burning.  These are good flames.  They are the heated truths and… Read More Ignite Your Martial Art Flame

Encouragement, Karate, Learn to Appreciate

Being Stopped by 2 Cop Cars Taught Me a Lesson

Being stopped by 2 cop cars taught me a lesson, but it’s not what you think. It had been a very long day!  I got up at 5:15 a.m. to get ready for work, made the hour drive, and got there just at 7:00 a.m.  I put in a full work day, then headed the hour drive… Read More Being Stopped by 2 Cop Cars Taught Me a Lesson