Categories
How to Improve Knee Mobility for Karate
One of the biggest complaints I hear among martial artists centers around aches, pains, and injuries in their knees. I'm not a medical [...]
Creator Burnout Is Real
I had my camera set up, batteries charged, two videos planned, and all I had to do was press record. But I couldn't [...]
Changing Your Story Can Change Your Life
Changing your story can change your life. When you change the narrative, you expand the limits of what you thought was possible for [...]
Seven Dozen Eggs Have Taken Over My Life
Seven dozen plastic eggs have taken over my life. Weep for me. Thanks for reading and listening. [...]
The FASTEST Way To Improve In Martial Arts
I’m going to tell you the fastest way to improve as a martial artist. There are several steps to [...]
We Need More Compassion In Martial Arts
I’m getting really sick of the “suck it up, buttercup” attitude in martial arts. I was raised to be tough. I was raised [...]
Your Thoughts Are Lying To You
You’re not ready. You’re not good enough. You’re not worthy of your rank. You’ll never achieve anything. These are just thoughts in your [...]
When You Don’t Feel Ready For Your Belt Test
Here’s a question I saw on a martial arts forum recently: If you were invited to do a belt test and you didn’t [...]
Training Burnout in Martial Arts
Whenever I post something online about the importance of rest and recovery, I always get at least one comment claiming that rest makes [...]
How To Transform Jealousy Into Something Positive
Jealousy is admiration plus comparison. Think about it. That martial artist you’re jealous of: you admire them and you’re impressed by them. That’s [...]
Why I Finally Let My Kids Quit Karate
My kids wanted to quit karate long before I actually let them. I should’ve listened to them sooner. At [...]
Does Failure Make Us Better Martial Artists?
We hear it all the time. Failure makes you tougher. Mistakes help you grow. Messing up is how you learn. So… if you [...]
Can Anger Help Us Perform Better in Martial Arts?
Can anger help us perform better in martial arts? Can it help us clear our heads and fight our best fight? [...]
Are You Too Old To Start Martial Arts?
I felt really nervous about starting martial arts in my 40s. I’d never been athletic as a kid. I hated gym [...]
How to Become a Great Martial Artist
You want to be great at martial arts, but all you see now is the gap between where you want to be and [...]
Why Change Is Difficult (And What To Do About It)
You’re having difficulty making a change in your life—with your martial arts training, your diet, or something else. Here’s an activity that will [...]
Foundational Skills for Improving Your Diet and Eating Habits
If you want to perform your best in life and martial arts, building good eating habits and a healthy diet are key. But [...]
Want to Stop “Spinning Your Wheels” in Life & Martial Arts?
This is it. 2023 is going to be your year! But if you’re going to do anything but spin your wheels, you’ll need [...]
Just Do Your Martial Arts Training
Just get up and train. If you’re struggling, get up and train. If you’re overwhelmed, get up and train. If you’re depressed, do [...]
New Year, New You: How to Make It Happen
2023: a new year and a new you. What are your resolutions for next year? And what are you going to start doing [...]
When Motivation Fails: How to Stay Consistent in Martial Arts
Until last year, nothing could keep me from my karate training. I trained religiously, attended every possible class at the dojo, competed regularly [...]
Finding an Outlet for Our Personal Struggles
Struggle is normal… but it still sucks, doesn’t it. And working through our personal struggles can be incredibly difficult amidst societal pressure to [...]
Humility vs Ego in Martial Arts
Do martial arts actually teach humility? I know we talk a lot about being humble in the context of martial arts. We value [...]
A Self-Reflection Exercise for Improvement in Martial Arts
That martial arts tournament or belt test you’ve worked so hard for is now finished. Apart from taking some time for rest and [...]
How to Handle Nerves in Martial Arts
Maybe you have an upcoming tournament or belt test. Or perhaps you’re getting back into martial arts again after a period of time [...]
Honour or Ego? My Story of Vengeance
I was 10 when my dad was killed. My mom came running into my room, frantic that my dad hadn’t woken me up [...]
Obsession in Martial Arts
Why do we fear obsession? We worry that becoming obsessed with something will take over our lives, make us crazy, make us stand [...]
Positive Body Image in Martial Arts
I used to hate my body. For years I used exercise as a means to either look a certain way, or to punish [...]
Best Teaching Style for Martial Arts?
Almost every teacher and coach I’ve ever had has been more concerned with having power over their students and being admired for their [...]
Do You Compare Yourself to Other Martial Artists?
There is tremendous value in not quitting when things get tough. But “tough” for one person is not necessarily equivalent to “tough” for [...]
How to Deal with Negative Thoughts & Bad Habits
For the past 18 months or so I’ve wanted to start a podcast, but I’ve been plagued with a slew of doubts. Am [...]
Trying to be the Ideal Martial Artist?
The ideal martial arts warrior. Never falters, fears, or doubts. Trains vigorously, pure-spiritedly, without fatigue or fail. We don’t [...]
Mind Hacks to Effectively Boost Confidence in Martial Arts
Instantly boost your confidence as a martial artist with these mental tricks. #1 - Fake it. When you’re performing [...]
Ten FACTS About Black Belt Martial Arts Females
BLACK BELT MARTIAL ARTS FEMALES! Here are 10 facts about those deadly ladies: #1 - They’re all [...]
Our Strength As Martial Artists
How do you define strength in martial arts? Is it the power of your punches or kicks? Your ability to beat an opponent? [...]
How to Use the Bo & Eku (Kobudo Long Weapons)
The bo and eku are my favourite traditional Okinawan weapons. In this article I'll explain how to size and hold these long weapons. [...]
Karate & Kobudo Weapons are Awesome
I get this thrill of excitement every time I pick up my karate weapons. Bo. Nunchaku. Sai. Tonfa. Eku. I love them all. [...]
The TRUTH About Starting Karate
I never knew how much of a pounding I could actually take until I started karate. I mean, I [...]
How to Conquer Fear of Sparring in Karate
My first time sparring at a tournament, I got absolutely destroyed. I went from LOVING sparring, to having panic attacks every time I [...]
Black Belt in Martial Arts, White Belt in Life
Do you have your black belt in martial arts, but feel like you have a white belt in the rest of your life? [...]
Do Rice Digs to Build Grip Strength for Karate
This training exercise is called “dirty rice,” "rice grips," or “rice digs,” and is a very effective—and fun!—way to increase grip strength for [...]
Don’t Ever, EVER Wash Your Karate Belt
Legend has it that ranking in karate arose from an ancient tradition of martial artists never washing their belts. White belts turned black [...]
My Diet Isn’t Perfect… But I’m Happier Now
Have you ever seen someone perform the perfect kata, with almost inhuman precision? Technically perfect, but somehow… too perfect? That perfect performance feels [...]
I Quit My Dojo, But I’m Still a Martial Artist
I haven’t told you all of this story yet. This is going to be difficult. I started karate in [...]
How to Handle Jealousy in Martial Arts
That new karate student who learns everything so quickly! That martial artist who ALWAYS beats us, at EVERY tournament, in EVERY division!! No [...]
Here’s How to Wear Your Sparring Gear for Karate
Don’t know how to put on your sparring gear for karate? I can help. [Video demo below] I have 2 sets of gear [...]
Use Math to Help Improve Your Karate Performance
To maximize your performance in karate, should you build your strengths, or improve your weaknesses? The answer, of course, is both. But which [...]
Competing Against Higher Ranks at Karate Tournaments
You have a tournament coming up, and you’re FREAKING OUT because of one of two things: You’re going to be bumped up to [...]
When Should You Start Competing in Karate?
Before you’re ready. The End. Okay, I’m still here, but I meant what I said: the best time to start competing [...]
Performance vs Mastery: Striving for Gold at Martial Arts Tournaments
That tournament coming up—you really want gold. Picture it: Walking up when your name is called. Bowing your head [...]
Fakes and Frauds in Life and Martial Arts
I was going to write this blog post about my recent run-in with a fake martial arts master. I made a video on [...]
“Good” vs “Bad” Foods
Time to address this concept of “good” vs “bad” foods. Many of us have talk about food this way. [...]
10 Simple Steps to Improve Your Eating Habits & Your Diet
When I’m feeling stressed and overwhelmed, my health-related habits are the first ones to take a beating. Add some chaos to an already [...]
Bo Staff Mobility Warm-Up for Karate & Kobudo
Do you want a fun and effective warm-up for karate and kobudo using a bo staff? Check this out: [...]
Perhaps It’s Time to Wake the F*ck Up
It’s Easter Monday, and I’ve been alternating between agonizing over my To Do list, and anesthetizing myself with chocolate all day. Mondays for [...]
New Mobility Courses at Karate Shrimp Academy
Do you want to improve your mobility so you can kick ass at karate? So you can reduce your chance of injury? So [...]
How to Improve Flexibility for Karate (Without Injuring Yourself)
Okay, I know you’re a badass. But you don’t need to do crazy stretches to improve your flexibility for karate. And you actually [...]
Think You’re an “Expert” at Karate?
I think every martial artist should start a YouTube channel. And not just to accumulate playlists of favourite videos by other YouTubers, but [...]
Reach Out Your Hand to the Children of Ukraine
My dad got killed when I was 10, and I started having this recurring nightmare. I was walking in the woods with my [...]
A Fun Way to Strengthen Your Core & Glutes for Karate
I wasn’t planning on making a “butt walking” video last week. Or ever, really. I have a long list of videos I want [...]
How to Improve Shoulder & Thoracic Spine Mobility for Karate
We love punching people in martial arts, don’t we? Turns out you need good mobility in your thoracic spine and shoulders if you [...]
Foam Rolling Can Keep You Warmed Up at Karate Tournaments
Next time you compete at a karate tournament, bring a foam roller. Myofascial rolling has been shown to help [...]
How to Improve Hip Mobility for Karate
Want to improve your hip mobility for stronger kicks and better stances in karate? Here’s how to do it. Improving mobility [...]
How to Strengthen Your Feet for Karate (and Prevent Ankle Sprains)
Ankle sprains are one of the more common injuries for martial artists. And getting ankle sprains can set you up for chronic instability [...]
How to Improve Foot & Ankle Mobility for Karate
Poor mobility in your feet and ankles will make it really difficult to kick ass at karate. That limited range of motion and [...]
Don’t Lose Sight of This in Your Karate Training
Being an adult can be a drag sometimes. So many items on that never-ending to do list. And when you’re busy juggling responsibilities [...]
Should You Practise Karate When Sick?
Taking time off karate sucks. I really hate missing a practice session. But this past week, my kids and I have been isolating [...]
How I Faced My Fear of Performing in Karate
Fear sometimes points us in the direction we need to go. My whole life, I was terrified at the thought of performing in [...]
New to Karate? Here’s How to Look the Part
Are you interested in trying karate? Or have you just started but have no clue what you’re doing? (Full disclosure: None of us [...]
Will Karate Help With Weight Loss?
Can karate help you lose weight? Yes, and no. Karate can absolutely help you lose weight, but it is by no means the [...]
Is Karate Right for You?
Practising karate isn’t for everyone, but if you’re reading this you’re probably curious enough to at least consider the idea of trying martial [...]
Karate Injury Keeping You Off the Mats? Focus on Nutrition for Faster Recovery
Getting injured sucks. When karate is your FAVOURITE THING, having to take time off due to injury can be incredibly disappointing. But guess [...]
Using Glows & Grows to Get Better at Karate
Making note of my “glows and grows” in karate is one of my favourite habits for self-reflection and feedback. Have you heard of [...]
Keep Practising the Basics (in Karate & Your Diet)
How do you build a solid martial arts practise? You start with the foundation. As beginners in karate, the first thing we learned [...]
How to Get Results in Martial Arts (& Anything Else)
I did not feel like writing a blog article today. Chalk it up to preoccupation with other projects, or exhaustion (or both), but [...]
Practising Martial Arts When You Feel Overwhelmed
When things get crazy, how do you stay committed to your karate training? This week has been nuts. Southern British Columbia, [...]
Celebrating One Year With The Karate Shrimp
Last week, on November 9th, I celebrated my one year anniversary! One year ago on that date I went live with my website, [...]
How to Soften Your Stiff New Karate Belt
Karate belt too stiff? Too hard to tie your belt? Ends sticking out like a moustache? Try this technique to soften your new [...]
Do You Drink Enough Water? Read and Find Out!
Hydration is so important, but how much water do we actually need? Baseline Water Requirements On average, we need [...]
Change the Label to Improve at Karate
I grew up hearing that I was shy. I heard this so often that it became part of my identity. I believed it, [...]
Try These Forms of Training to Improve at Karate
Let’s talk about fitness fallacies. Here’s a common fallacy in the fitness world: certain types of training are only for athletes. You need [...]
Kick Ass in Karate via Integrated Training
Do you want to see a huge boost in your health, wellness, and athletic performance in karate? Yes? Then try this. [...]
Pain Can Be Liberating: Getting Hit in Karate
Do you remember getting a scraped knee as a kid? You were playing outside, having fun, doing something stupid or challenging or daring. [...]
Frustrated That You’re Not a Karate Black Belt Yet?
Picture this scenario: You’re a brown belt in karate. Your Sensei is giving out invitations to the upcoming black belt test. When you [...]
Don’t Feel Ready to Start Karate? Read This
You’d love to try karate, but you’re holding off, because you feel too old. Or too fat. Or too out of shape. Or [...]
Opening Up About Grief (Hint: It Helps)
No one likes talking about grief. No one has an easy time processing it. No one knows what to say. [...]
My Mom’s Fighting Spirit
My mom passed away this weekend, on September 4th, after a 5+ year long fight with cancer. Her fighting spirit never faltered. [...]
Dear Anti-Vaxxers: Please Read This (COVID-19)
The other day I brushed my mom’s teeth for her for the first time in my life. She’s dying of two cancers right [...]
How to Improve at Karate
If you want to get better at karate, you need to practise and get better at the basics. We know this. This is [...]
Karate, Grief & Resilience
I don’t even know what to say right now. My mom is dying in hospice, and I’m a mess. [...]
Winners & “Losers” in Karate at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020
We’ve all been waiting for this: Karate at the Olympics. Watching kata and kumite at Tokyo 2020 has been riveting. What we’ve seen [...]
Dealing With Defeat at a Karate Tournament
Have you ever had your butt kicked so badly in a sparring match that you wanted to quit? My [...]
Protein Needs for Karate Training
If you want to look, feel and function your best in karate, you need to focus on protein. In other words, sufficient amounts [...]
Should You Skip Karate Training Tonight?
You had planned on going to the dojo tonight, but now you’re thinking of skipping out on your karate class. Are you being [...]
What is the Best Diet for Karate? Is There One?
In our quest for optimal health and sports performance, many of us are eager to find that magic ingredient: the perfect diet. Is [...]
What’s the Best Mindset for Competing in Karate?
What mindset helps you perform your best at a karate tournament? Let’s find out. A few years ago, I [...]
Agility Ladder Drills for Karate Training (Fun for Everyone!)
Want to kick ass at karate? Of course you do! If you’re like me, you’ll try anything and everything to get that edge [...]
How to Make a Proper Fist in Karate
Making a proper fist in karate is one of the best ways of protecting your hand. Here are step-by-step instructions for making a [...]
How to Tie Your Karate Uniform
New to karate? Not sure how to tie your uniform? Here are step-by-step instructions for tying your karate uniform. I've included a video [...]
How to Tie Your Karate Belt Correctly
The first step in your karate training is learning how to tie your belt. Here are step-by-step instructions for tying your karate belt. I've [...]
How to Get Better at Karate (and Everything Else)
You want to get better at karate, but you don’t want to look or feel stupid while doing so. What do you do? [...]
Small Actions Do Add Up: On Making a Karate Top 20 List
Ever feel like you’re not making progress towards your goals? Like the goal is so big, and your efforts so insignificant that you [...]
Karate and Coffee? The Effect of Caffeine on Athletic Performance
Karate tournaments are typically long, exhausting affairs. The combination of nerves, a poor sleep the night before, a long and unpredictable day, and [...]
No Instant Makeovers With Health & Fitness
It’s makeover month! I Need a Makeover I’ve been feeling really burnt out, so I’ve decided to do a [...]
Achieving Black Belt in Karate
I did it! I achieved the rank of Shodan—1st degree black belt—in Meibukan Goju-Ryu karate. I tested just over one month ago, on [...]
Feeling Stressed and Overwhelmed? Try This Mindfulness Activity
Have you ever paid attention to what’s actually going on inside your head? The absolutely chaotic mess of thoughts we’re being subjected to [...]
Increase Motivation With a 5-Minute Action
Hi, I’m Sabrina Bliem, The Karate Shrimp, and I have a confession to make: I’m addicted to self-help books. [...]
Sparring Matches, Safety, Opinions, & Entitlement
Consider a sparring division at a karate tournament. There are rules in place to protect the safety and well-being of the competitors. For [...]
On Sore Losers & Growth Mindset
Ever deal with a sore loser at a karate tournament? Ever see someone mess up their kata, bomb their division, and blame everything [...]
Top 10 Reasons to Try Karate
Ever consider taking karate? You should! Here are my top 10 reasons why karate kicks ass, in no particular order. [...]
My Journey Through Disordered Eating
I used to hate my body. “You’re ugly.” “You’re fat.” “You’re gross.” “You’re disgusting.” This was my typical self-talk. I would never talk [...]
Karate Belt Tests, Anxiety and Control
I have my black belt test in less than 2 weeks. It’s possible I’m feeling a little bit nervous. [...]
How to Find More Time for Health and Fitness
I don’t have the time to get jacked, fix my diet, or get woke. Or maybe I do…. You [...]
Reality Check: Health and Fitness Gains Require Trade-Offs
I was at a wedding reception once, and as I was sitting and eating and chatting with another guest, she looked me up [...]
Want to Get Better at Karate? Balance is Key
I am terrible at balance. All or Nothing Doesn’t Work When I’m really excited about something—like karate—I go all [...]
Feeling Unmotivated to Pursue Your Goals? Find Your “Why”
Do you ever struggle with motivation? Have a goal you’re pursuing that’s really important to you, but suddenly find yourself not that into [...]
Want to Maintain, Lose or Gain Weight? Try This
Do you struggle with weight management? Do you want a simple way to achieve your goal, whether it’s to maintain, lose or gain [...]
Why You Should Practise Karate in Your Kitchen
I practise karate in my kitchen. That’s normal, right? Karate in the Kitchen I spend a lot of time [...]
Testing for Black Belt in Karate… at Age 45
I’ve been invited to test for my black belt in karate in two months. (COVID-19 pandemic permitting.) This is kind of a big [...]
Grief and Coping: It’s Okay to Fall Apart
I had a very different plan for my blog post and video this week. But, in light of recent events in my life, [...]
A Powerful Tool to Improve Confidence, Focus and Performance
Do you want a powerful tool to boost your confidence, improve your focus, and help manage performance anxiety? Check this out. [...]
White Belt Mindset and Not Feeling “Good Enough”
I almost didn’t start this blog. I’ve wanted to be a writer my entire life. I love karate almost as much as I [...]
All or Nothing: A New Year and a Fresh Start
New Year’s Eve is fast approaching, and with it our favourite annual tradition: resolutions. A fresh start. A new year. The perfect time [...]
An Easy Way to Improve Your Diet and Manage Your Weight
You’re sick of diets. Tired of counting calories. Done with measuring portions. Weary of stepping on that scale. You want a better way, [...]
Failure is Not a Certainty: The Value of Perseverence
Finalize topic on Tuesday. Write script on Wednesday. Film on Thursday. Edit on Friday. Upload on Saturday. This is my weekly routine for [...]
Sleep, Weight Management and Performance
My sleep habits suck at the best of times. I typically stay up too late, wake up groggy, and rely on caffeine to [...]
Make Time for Your Health and Fitness Goals
We feel overwhelmed by our responsibilities. Our schedules are overloaded. Work, leisure, parenting, housework, hobbies, social life: we don’t EVER seem to have [...]
Social Support During COVID-19 Pandemic
As martial artists, as athletes, we want to excel at our sport. We want to achieve peak performance, to continuously improve, to thrive. [...]
My Dialogue With Fear: Prep for Sparring
Sparring can be scary. And those nerves threaten to overwhelm me during a match if I’m not careful. What helps me? Acknowledging that [...]
You Will Never Feel Ready
I have worked incredibly hard these past several months. I took a Precision Nutrition coaching course, and became certified as a performance coach. [...]
FREE Nutrition Calculator for Calories, Portions and Macros
You want to improve your health and achieve peak performance, but you don't know where to start. What you eat can make all [...]
Nervous About Your Belt Test?
You have a belt test coming up. Maybe this is your first test ever. Or maybe you've done this before and know what [...]
When You Just Don’t Feel Like It: Training and Motivation
I’d had my workout all planned out. I was going to warm up with a boxer shuffle, arm swings and jumping jacks; bang [...]
FREE 14-Day At-Home Strength and Conditioning Workout
Strength training and conditioning workouts are so important for your health, and can have a huge impact on your karate performance. But what [...]
Karate Builds Resilience: Grief and COVID-19
Karate gives you grit. Not the stuff clinging to the soles of your feet after a sweaty training session at your dojo (although [...]