You always hear about the big guys, the franchises, the mega dojos on the corner with an abundance of students, and the schools that advertise all over the place. What about the little guys? What about the small dojos and martial art programs that brighten and enlighten the local recreation centers, YMCA’s, and community centers? At… Read More 10 Small Dojo Survival Tips
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
How do you see yourself? Are you powerful, courageous, or brave? The truth is that you are all of those things and more. As a woman in martial arts, I see myself as a practitioner and instructor. It does not seem outstanding to me. But, others see me as one of few women martial artists… Read More You Are a Superhero
If you are like me, you have some good days and some bad. Many times, the bad days are out of your control. You got laid off from your job. You broke a tooth. You had a flat tire in the middle of the freeway on the way home. Even if your day was going… Read More The Martial Art Connection to Happiness
Let it go. Leg go of the stress, the obstacles, the worries, and the fears. They only inhibit you from being the person you are meant to be. Once you focus on these negative feelings, it is difficult to move past them. You begin to believe that you have no potential, cannot reach your goals,… Read More Stop Crying and Start Defining
What they say is so true, isn’t it? The only constant thing in our lives is change. Either we evolve, or our situations alter, and there is no turning back when the evolution begins. Unexpected change is difficult. There is always an element of stress, worry, and fear of the unknown, even if the change… Read More 6 Ways to Conquer Unexpected Change
I believe that there is one key leadership component missing in the world today. It may be the very thing that is holding you back from success, accomplishment, or improvement. I wish I could say that everyone is doing exactly what they need to do to reach their goals and dreams, but something is lacking… Read More 10 Reasons to Stop Avoiding the Truth
I was talking to a couple of martial art women tonight, and the first thing that entered my mind during the discussion was the plight of the martial arts woman. A “plight” is a dangerous, difficult, or otherwise unfortunate situation. While we have made great strides in martial arts, I believe the martial art woman is… Read More The Plight of the Martial Arts Woman
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
