I really try to avoid talking about my relationship on this blog. I don’t find it to be appropriate or relevant in many cases, but there is one thing about my relationship and influence that my girlfriend Sarah has had on me that we can all easily apply to our Continue Reading
Inspiration
Sharpening the Mind in Order to Sharpen the Body – Why Education is Important to Martial Arts
Often times in popular media and entertainment, the physical aspects of martial arts are highlighted to the detriment of all else. The focus is always on what kind of fancy flips and spin kicks they can perform as they look flashy and impressive. What they don’t often show is how Continue Reading
Every Day Is a New Day
My life as a new karate studio owner has been crazy busy, whenever I have any down time I look for more things to do to help my business. Therefore, some of my training has taken a cut as I don’t get around to training as much as I used Continue Reading
Manage Your Expectations with Your Effort
As a young 3rd Dan that had just started a college club, I was very hard core with the technical aspects of class as well as attendance expectations of my students if they were to train. I was very strict and often told them that if they did not come Continue Reading
Another Important Leadership Tip: Remember People’s Names!
One thing that stood out to me when I was reading the popular book How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie is the advice to remember people’s names and use their names when talking to them. Indeed, one thing that leaves an impact on me when interacting Continue Reading
Martial Arts Competition and Why It’s Important
Going through the ranks, I never felt that I was competitive or particularly looked forward to tournaments for the medals. Initially I tolerated them as a way to socialize with others from around the region, but beyond that I did not have any aspirations of winning 1st place or becoming Continue Reading
How Do You Feel About Sparring? If You’re Intimidated by it, Read On!
How do you feel about sparring? While some people absolutely enjoy getting to spar, others absolutely dread it when the instructor says that it’s time to put sparring gear on. Some even get to the point where they are absolutely terrified. Why is this? And what does that mean for Continue Reading
Creating Positive Habits for Positive Change
I remember reading something in high school that stated ‘it takes 21 days to make or break a habit’. This made sense to me; I grew up Catholic, so every year there was a period of time, Lent, where we fasted and chose something to give up for 40 days. Continue Reading
The Importance of Having a Student Mindset to Being a Successful Leader
I was organizing a regional training clinic with a high ranking individual in our organization as our guest. As a 4th Dan, I always feel awkward telling very senior masters what the plan is and giving them instructions. I’m sure many other 4th Dans would agree with me. I very Continue Reading
Look at Things From the Other Perspective
Before I was passionate about martial arts, my main hobby was music. The first job that I wanted was to be a rock star, so I began playing guitar as soon as my parents let me. I played in a handful of bands over the years, learned from many different Continue Reading