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

Even Martial Arts Have Bullies

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

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

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

— 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?

— Encouragement, Karate —

Fight Your Pain

When my son was a young boy, he was playing in the front yard.  There was a plastic chair sitting on a wooden pallet because we hadn’t had a chance to get rid of the pallet after a recent furniture delivery.  I was looking out the window and I saw him climb on the chair, but the back leg was… Read More Fight Your Pain

— Encouragement, Karate, Learn to Appreciate —

Where Destiny Dwells

There is no secret about where destiny dwells.  It’s not far from you in any given moment.  It might look like a crystal ball or a star, or maybe it’s just an aura.  You might reach out to touch it.  You never will feel its power that way; but, it will touch you.  Following your destiny… Read More Where Destiny Dwells