So over my time practicing Marttial Arts I've known a few people to get really stressed about belt tests.  Myself included.  Understandably so, it's stressful.  Of course you want to make progress and be rewarded for it, but then there's always the doubting voice in the back of your head. 

    There are numerous ways to cope with stressors, too many to talk…

     So lately there have been a few projects for the younger students that focus on their future goals...such as making Black Belt.  Also, talking to people that are getting close to that goal has been kinda ramping me up for my next step.  Sometimes it's still surreal for to look down and see that black belt tied on my waist.  Its been almost 2years, but the novelty of…

   There aren't many things that I enjoy more than a good heart pounding workout.  I try to mix things up so that I don't get bored, which happens easily.  Running, hiking, trail running, biking, lifting weights, annoying my fiancee...just to name a few that I cycle through most often.  Then there's the one that I do daily at the Dojang and the one that I would like…

   This week my fiancee, Rita, started going to Physical Therapy for a few minor aches and pains that have been bothering her for a while.  I've been interested in body mechanics and muscular movement for a while and have been giving serious thought about going back to school to become a physical therapist; so I went with her.  I wanted to see what she was prescribed to do, see what other people were doing, and I wanted to be able to support her. 

   I've have had fairly decent…

IT's belt testing time!!!  One of the things that I look most forward to is the Belt Test.  Not sure why...i guess there are a few reasons.  Watching all of the students demonstrate what they have learned in past months is fun to see.  Thinking about them learning the steps to the poomses  and gradually learning the Chung Kals; and recounting the times we all have repeated those steps is near impossible.  However, watching everyone on testing day provides a sense of satisfaction.  All of the…

Last week I was watching a lot of 'Grey's Anatomy' at home.  If you have some how missed out on this show, it's a hospital drama that is arguably the most depressing show in television.  But it's an awesome show! 

Much of what I watched involved people dying (as it usually does) but one particular case involved a man losing half of his leg.  Now adays with the development of prothetics, it's probable that this man will be able to continue life as normal...save for…

In the Black Belt classes, we have been working on new material...a Black Belt Poomse, and some Hapkeido wrist lock moves.  It's all super fun!  I've always looked forward to those classes in particular, but especially now.  Last week's classes were a little much.  Meaning I took A LOT of falls, which my low back and hips absolutely did not approve of.  It'll get better though.  My body just needs time to adapt.