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 Life is a Complicated Kata
What exactly is “the crossover?” It is the point in your martial art path, or in your life, when you are redirected. It may happen if the status of your health changes, you move, or you make the choice to start a new career. A new situation or experience may seem scary or uncomfortable at… Read More The Crossover
It happens. You have a miserable day. You face a diagnosis. You hear bad news. You feel terrible. Nothing seems to be going right. I wish I could say that none of that happens, or even that it shouldn’t happen, but it does and it should. It is life. We take the good for granted,… Read More Amazing Life
Who am I in the world of martial arts? Where do I stand in the spectrum? Am I worthy to indulge in circles where some of the best martial artists in the world frequent? Do I have what it takes to stand out? Am I successful? I have nothing to brag about. I am still… Read More Humility in Martial Arts and Life
Many people look at martial arts and see fighting. Yes, fighting or sparring are a part of martial arts. Truly, they are a defense system where you learn to fight back if you must. The training is important. What would you do if you were thrust into a situation beyond your control and needed to… Read More Martial Arts are a Tool for Powerful Living
Life. It is a big blank canvas. We do not know what each moment will bring. We do not know for sure where we will be tomorrow. Still, there are plenty of opportunities to create a path that is right for you. Among daily chores, regular commitments, work, study, or martial art practice, there are… Read More Blank Canvas
One day, I stood in front of a group of professional women to give a motivational talk. About seventy sets of eyes stared back at me as I spoke. I cautiously previewed the room. Did they laugh at my jokes? Did they wince at my delicate stories? Did they smile at my encouragement? It is… Read More The Shocking Truth of What Almost Happened That Day
It’s quite simple. Stop complaining. I know that politics suck and life is difficult and that we all feel like there is a lack of opportunity, or that we are entitled to something. When it does not go our way, it is easy to complain. Negative words fall from our tongues as freely as a waterfall… Read More Stop Whining and Get Down to Business
Say Goodbye to 2017 2017 probably contained a bit of good and a bit of bad. Either way, it is time to let go of what once was and look forward to a new year with positive anticipation. It is a great time for resolutions and goals, but in order to make any of that… Read More How to Be More Positive in 2018
Someone asked me recently, do you know who you are? I provided the usual reply…”You know, a mother, wife, martial artist, writer, friend…” blah, blah, blah.” The truth is that I did not take even a moment to think about it. What I quickly spewed off are the roles I play in life, not really who I… Read More Find Your Truth
