Get Out of the Comfort Zone!
Often, martial artists stay in their comfort zone and practice the same form or workout routine daily. They perform their favourite kata the same way several times a week. As a result, some get stuck in a rut. Why not challenge yourself? Why not get…
The Comparison Game
Several years ago, one of my students, who was in his mid 70s, stopped by my class and announced that he had decided to quit. I asked him for a reason, expecting him to cite a health or age-related issue. He surprised me by responding,…
Talent or Dedication?
Which is more important, dedication or talent? From an instructor’s perspective, dedication wins hands down. Like many instructors, I have students who are talented and “natural.” I also have students who are not “natural” in martial arts. Oddly enough, and generally speaking, the less talented…
Taking The Leap
Recently, I came across this video on Facebook, and it stood out to me. Take 10 minutes of your time and watch the whole thing. Some saw it as a metaphor for death regarding confronting the fear of the unknown. Some saw it in more…
Stop Judging Yourself!
I often see students judge themselves harshly after they have messed up a technique or cannot instantly master a new technique. Their facial expressions often betray their internal thinking process. “God, I’m so stuuuupid!” When this happens, I tell them “stop judging yourself!” If you…
The Impossible Is Possible
It always seems possible until it’s done. – Nelson Mandela. Last night, the sports world gave us yet another potent reminder that what is seemingly impossible IS possible. Before this year, no team in the history of the NBA had ever come back from a…
“Can’t” Gets You Fifty Pushups
Guest Blogger Cathy Chapaty is the author of No Pouting in the Dojo: The Imperfect Journey of Teaching Children Character through Martial Arts. A veteran martial artist, Chapaty has been respected as an empowering, positive teacher with a knack for helping children of all ages and abilities…
Never Too Late!
I am pleased to present a guest post from my good friend, RoseAnne Mussar. She hails from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, and trains in Modern Arnis at the 6Tigers Academy in Barrhaven under Renshi Janet Heffernan. She also trains in the American Cane System, often traveling to New…
To Hell With Inadequacy
For years, I felt beset by a constant feeling of inadequacy, mainly due to being nearly deaf in an overwhelmingly hearing society. It’s easier said than done, but at some point, you will need to “just let go of this shit.” It can be difficult…
