You are a martial artist! That is really great. You are ready to apply new concepts of defense to your body and your mind. The physical challenges are good. You are surrounded by others who have the same hopes, ambitions, and goals. There is power in that. There are literal ways in which you can… Read More 8 Ways to Become a Better Martial Artist
In 1993, I experienced a miscarriage of my first pregnancy. Back then, it felt like the worse time of my life. I had dreamed of being a mother since I was a child. This knocked me for a loop, and made me question everything I ever believed. Everyone will face a personal disaster at… Read More If You Believe
How would you feel if your black belt were only worth a quarter? What if someone sold it to a complete stranger so their kids could play ninja warrior with it? Or, how about if they used it to tie something together they were transporting on the back of their truck? Are all of your… Read More Only Worth A Quarter
To be a martial artist You must practice everyday In your heart, or mind, or spirit You will always find a way As a martial artist You must always soar above And when thunderous storms threaten Defend with courageous love To live as a martial artist You should take a mindful breath And seek a… Read More To Be a Martial Artist
Recently, I had some professional photographs taken. It was a beautiful day outside. The sun was shining, all the trees were green, and the air was fresh. I found a simple spot to sit in my dress, while the photographer set up his equipment. I hoped he would capture the essence of who I am.… Read More The Martial Art Lens
Someone told me recently, “The pen is mighty.” He was encouraging me to keep writing about important martial art life lessons, even if someone on the Internet challenges me, or provokes me with an unwarranted comment. What he said made good sense. Being a writer, or a martial artist, is not just about what you… Read More The Pen and the Sword are Mighty
Life is a fighting art. There are battles of the mind and of the body. How you overcome your demons and your fears determines how well you succeed. How you improve your body and health determines how you feel. The mind and body connection makes sense. One needs the other. Think of all of your… Read More Life is a Fighting Art
I don’t think I am going too far out on a limb by saying the art of manners in martial arts, and in life, could use a little improvement. When I started strengthening my public profile in social media, and connecting with larger groups of martial artists, I was sad to witness the lack of… Read More 5 Ways to Improve Your Martial Art Manners
LINT BETWEEN YOUR TOES The other day in Taekwon-Do class, we were practicing patterns or forms. For non-martial artists, this just means the practice of martial art stances, kicks, and blocks that are choreographed and simulate a fighting situation. Martial artists frequently learn patterns, forms, or katas as part of their training. They are very… Read More Lint Between Your Toes – In Life and Martial Arts
In the late 1980’s, my husband and I bought a house. It was the first house we looked at with the Realtor, and we liked it, but we decided to keep looking just in case there was something better. There wasn’t. For a city spot, it had nearly a quarter acre of yard, was directly… Read More Just Keep Going – A Lesson in Perfection
