For my black belt Community leadership project I've decided to try and get a group together and volunteer at Northwest Harvest.  Since 1967 Northwest Harvest has been helping feed people through their network of food banks and meal programs. To read more about how Northwest Harvest helps feed Washington go to http://www.northwestharvest.org/how-we-fight-hunger

With the holiday season upon us I thought…

For my black belt project...I decided to do a blanket drive and collect a bunch of blankets for Seattle Union Gospel.  I remember as a child, up through my teenage years doing all kinds of projects for my community, so it is very exciting to be in charge of one as an adult.  So for the month of November…

The Washington Trial Association or WTA is a local organization which promotes hiking and protecting the wilderness areas which surround us here in the PNW. My family has supported the group for a long time with donations and taking part in the yearly Hike-A-Thon that takes place each August.…

Seattle officially declares Oct. 3rd 'Bruce Lee Day', so I had to share Jido Merly's picture from a few months ago!  Happy Bruce Lee Day, I think I'm going to have to watch some Enter the Dragon.…

Dear Master Strongheart & Master Wells,

I am writing on behalf of black belt candidate Gail Cribbs. She will be an incredible black belt! Her focus, persistence, and determination is infectious. She always comes in with a smile on her face and a welcoming, joyful spirit. Her commitment and leadership is inspiring, and will continue to…

I have thought a long time about my journey to obtain my black belt and what it means to me now and in the future.  Several times on my journey I came at a crossroads, due to injuries.  Each time I faced the decision, do I hang it up or do I work through it, adjust and continue on. 

It has been a journey!  I look at obtaining my black belt…

They say knowledge is power and that words are powerful...I had put down five goals in a previous po…

A couple years ago, Master Strongheart posted blog's called Five Words Friday.  I loved it!  It forced me to think about goals, write them out and then successfully complete them.  I feel that putting opinion and goals out loud/ sharing them holds me accountable and upon…

My final two heroes are my Mom and my Dad.  As routine as it may seem for a person to say that their parents are their heroes, I don't think there is anything average about my parents.

 …

Thomas Edison

One of my first ever hero's was Thomas Edison. I can remember in grade school finding every book available in the library about him and reading them all multiple times. Edison is known for creating the first practical light bulb, but most people don't know he actually invented hundreds of other things over his lifetime.  (personally he held more than a thousand patients) Beside the lightbulb,…

                                                                                  Living Heroes

Mommo & Daddo:

My In-laws have welcomed me into their family with absolute love and joy. Their kindness, warmth, and support are such a blessing.  They are such genuine, fun, and caring…

My Black Belt Journey

When I first started martial art s I had no idea how much I was going to love it, and what an amazing impact it would have on my life. It is so incredible to be a part of a community in which we learn and grow both physically and mentally. I learn something new every day and I am so excited to continue my learning. I can’t wait to start learning…

5 Living Heroes

Avery Smith



Bill Harris: At Islander Middle School, Bill could be found walking through the halls picking up trash and making sure no one ran too fast. Bill also worked with the busses so that everyone could get to school on time. He was always nice and would ask how our days went and how the school year was going. His kindness to everyone that he met makes him an everyday hero.



Bill Nye: Bill Nye the Science Guy doesn’t just do shows for young…

My third hero is my sister in law Janeel. She had been the primary caregiver for my brother, keeping him home doing everything for him until last year. In reality the sacrifices she made personally to keep him at home were above and beyond. Her love and dedication and strength are amazing, and a true tribute to the strength of love.

My final hero is a group of people that I look at and realize have common traits. These people are: Jan E, Linda w and Jane C. These women have all lost their partners, the love of their life to a horrible disease cancer. The grace, strength and resolve that all three of these women had during the illness' leaves me in awe. The strength to continue with life after losing their partners is something that I look to as a source of strength and inspiration and something that let's me put life…

One of my favorite hero's is my son Steve. Steve was one of those kids that seemed to fight growing up, you know the kind, bright, but bored, he was always testing the limits and did not seem to get the messages.



Today he is one of the most focused, driven, responsible and generous people I know. He is so very patient with his children and step children (which he has 3), is always there to help a friend and/or family. I look at all that he takes on his shoulders and the strength…

I sat recently at a small group at work for a focused discussion on the practice of mindfulness.



“Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way

-on purpose

-in the present moment

-nonjudgementally

-as if your life depended on it.”



I realize that martial arts is one of my 'mindfulness practices'. When I am working on forms,…