Do they reveal things about you or the world around you that make you pause to remember, reflect, or regret? If the answer is no, then what you are reading is safe.
Philosophical Thoughts
Recap and Highlights of the US Sumo Nationals 2019 – Reblog
Here is a recap of the US Sumo Nationals where I and4 others from Georgia competed. I took Silver in the new weight class even though I weighed in as a lightweight. It was fun. We will do it again next year.
Training through the years.
This was me as a fresh white belt at my first seminar with Gustavo Machado, my head instructor. As I near ten years on the mat in Jiu Jitsu, plus the many more in Wrestling and Judo, I can't help but think about this year and what it will be like. I have never tired … Continue reading Training through the years.
7 New Year’s Resolutions for Martial Artists
Commit to being more disciplined This year, be more disciplined in your training. Jocko Willink said, “How do you become better? There is only one way – The way of discipline.” This might mean doing more reps during class. You might get there early and do solo drills. Make every move count. With every new … Continue reading 7 New Year’s Resolutions for Martial Artists
Quitting: Should I walk away?
Have you ever felt like quitting? Whether it’s a martial art, a marriage, or a job, we’ve all felt like giving up the fight at some point in our lives. So what do we do when we face the temptation to walk away? Why people quit. Some do it because of the stress involved in … Continue reading Quitting: Should I walk away?
Even Elvis Had a Black Belt
Photo credit: http://www.elvispresleyindex.com.br/2014/05/elvis-e-o-karate.html Being the good parent that I am, I recently made my children watch all of the Karate Kid movies (except the one I dub as Kung Fu kid for reasons I might reveal in the future). I hadn’t seen some of them in their entirety in many years. As we watched, it … Continue reading Even Elvis Had a Black Belt
Don’t Stop Beating Yourself Up - Use It
Who needs truth when you have an incredible tale to tell? Alexander the Great, one of the most successful conquerors of all time, was purported to have wept when he surveyed the size of his kingdom and realized there were no more lands to subdue. This story makes for a great analogy even if I … Continue reading Don’t Stop Beating Yourself Up - Use It
High Expectations and T-Rex Arms
I had a wise friend once tell me, “Aim low and achieve your goals. Don’t be disappointed. Eagles may soar, but weasels don’t get sucked into jet engines.” While I found his wisdom hilarious, I also thought about the weasel getting a shotgun shoved up his nose by the farmer when he caught it in … Continue reading High Expectations and T-Rex Arms
Enjoy yourself. It’s later than you think.
What I learned from a dying friend. On vacation at the beach with my family, we decided to take a stroll through an antique store. We do this ritual every year around the fourth of July, so I have seen most of the items in this shop over the last several years. Nothing new to … Continue reading Enjoy yourself. It’s later than you think.
Prepare for Days That Kick You in the Face
One night after class, I had a conversation with a student who rarely misses. I mentioned to him about having to cut back on his training in the future if he gets married and has kids. His reply was, “I won’t get married if she won’t let me train three or four times a week.” … Continue reading Prepare for Days That Kick You in the Face
The Philosophical Fighter 