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 whatever you can to get up and train. If you’re lonely or grieving or angry, just get up and train. And I don’t care if it’s two hours or two [...]
2023: a new year and a new you. What are your resolutions for next year? And what are you going to start doing on January 1st to make it all happen? The idea of a fresh start is incredibly appealing and motivating. We circle that date on the calendar, feeling like [...]
Until last year, nothing could keep me from my karate training. I trained religiously, attended every possible class at the dojo, competed regularly in tournaments, cross-trained daily, and did whatever I could to improve in martial arts and get an edge in competition. I felt awesome. Never felt healthier or fitter in my [...]
Struggle is normal… but it still sucks, doesn’t it. And working through our personal struggles can be incredibly difficult amidst societal pressure to “Toughen up” and “Suck it up.” But sucking it up doesn’t make the pain go away, does it. No. Sucking it up often equates to burying it down deep and [...]
Do martial arts actually teach humility? I know we talk a lot about being humble in the context of martial arts. We value it. We discuss it at the dojo. We emphasize its importance at belt tests and tournaments. But… is there anything inherent in the training itself that actually teaches humility? Or [...]
That martial arts tournament or belt test you’ve worked so hard for is now finished. Apart from taking some time for rest and recovery, now is a great time to review your performance and set some goals for your training. What I find really helpful is a self-reflection exercise called “glows and grows.” [...]
Maybe you have an upcoming tournament or belt test. Or perhaps you’re getting back into martial arts again after a period of time off. Or maybe you're brand new to martial arts or are switching to a new style. Chances are, if you’re in any of these situations, you’re feeling at least a [...]
I was 10 when my dad was killed. My mom came running into my room, frantic that my dad hadn’t woken me up for school. She and I had both overslept. My dad hadn’t come home from his early morning walk with our dog. My mom and I sat at the living room window, [...]
Why do we fear obsession? We worry that becoming obsessed with something will take over our lives, make us crazy, make us stand out, make us different, and earn us disapproval from others. But obsession is a requirement of greatness. To be successful in martial arts, you really do need to dedicate all [...]
I used to hate my body. For years I used exercise as a means to either look a certain way, or to punish myself for not fitting some magazine-worthy ideal. Starting karate changed all of that. Training in a space where everyone wore the same uniform and where body composition wasn’t [...]