Stumble It!
As I have prepared for my blue belt test an interesting thing happened in my thinking. I no longer began to be so concerned about how to do the technique but how to control what ever I was doing in order to not hurt the partner I was working with. I also began to view some things differently. Much of this I can’t describe as it has to be experienced by each individual martial artist as they learn.
The closer to the test day I got, the more nervous I became. I make my family crazy when I am going to test because I worry about it so much! Thanks to them for putting up with me.
My test today was grueling. I have been fighting a pinched nerve in my left shoulder for the past 3-4 weeks. I’ve tried everything: Ice, massage, heat, Epsom salt baths, chiropractor trips, and neuro-muscular massage from my wonderful massage therapist Mia. Nothing worked. I almost called off the test this morning because I had such limited mobility. I wondered if I was being selfish to my instructors by pursuing what I wanted so badly that I would not reflect their quality teaching. I knew I could do the test and knew the techniques, but my fear was of lowering the quality of our test in the eyes of my fellow students. I didn’t want to let them down.
It was quite the opposite today in that they all lifted me up. I can’t even describe how wonderful the encouraging words I received from my classmates today made me feel. My instructors guided me, reminded me of important things like not to think so much and breath! It’s so funny. The most common advice I give to our students testing is to remember to breath and today I was receiving the same advice! God continues to remind me of humility and perseverance.
I can honestly say we have the greatest martial arts family in the world. The Godly love and encouragement supersedes any technique that could be learned. My instructors and classmates truly show the love of Christ and of all the things we learn, this is the most important.
So, here is a big THANK YOU to my family at home and my family at martial arts. I couldn’t have done it without you.
With much love,
Lisa
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Guard your heart
***NOTE*** Parents please review the following article prior to younger children reading it. This content is for mature discussion, although consideration was made in writing to make it as discrete as possible.***
Warriors:
As martial artists we train to keep our hands up to protect our face and how to block punches and kicks. We spend hours perfecting our kicks, stances and forms but do we practice guarding our hearts?
As you reach the intermediate level you will find yourself grappling with members of the opposite sex or possibly training with someone individually. As you learn to guard and protect yourself physically, are you also working to guard yourself mentally? The bible tells us: Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life (Proverbs 4:23)
I would like to humbly submit to you several things to do if you are training with someone of the opposite sex:
In all of your training, commit every training session to God. His Word tells us that our bodies are our temples until him. I Cor 6: 19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. Have you considered praying with your training partner before you begin your workout session?
If you can train with partners of the same sex or in groups of three or more. However, if you are training with someone of the opposite sex never put yourself in the position of temptation. Always include someone else in your training session. When I work out with my training partner, my son or daughter always trains with us. If they are not available, my other children are always in the same room or in the least in the next room with the door always open. If you are training with someone frequently alone you are putting yourself in the position of temptation. You may think, “Oh, I would never do anything like that!”, but why take the risk? We all sin and fall short of the Glory of God. We are born with a sin nature and our flesh is always weak, never take the risk. Mark 7:21-22 from within, out of our hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22 greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, and folly.
When you are working out, it is wonderful to have the affirmation of your training partner encouraging you. One of the reasons people work out together is for the extra push your training partner can give you. If you are married do not rely on this affirmation. You must rely on the affirmation of your spouse! Talk with your spouse and let them know you need their encouragement and support. If your spouse is the one working out with a partner, make sure you are giving them the verbal affirmation they need. Encourage them and tell them you are proud of them constantly and consistently. 1 Thess 5:11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
Keep your conversations to working out, your faith and the love you have for your spouse. If you find yourself confiding to your training partner your frustrations about your marriage, job or life you are opening a door that will lead to trouble. Those conversations are intimate conversations that should be with your spouse, Pastor or best friend (of the same sex) not your training partner. Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things.
Never let others get the wrong impression of you and your training partner. If anyone ever questions your relationship be prepared to explain the circumstances with a clear conscience. If you can’t, you have some soul searching to do now. Don’t wait until you have already started down a path that could hurt you and many others around you. Guard your heart now. 1 Tim 1:19 Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked.
If you are working with one of our instructors please be careful of not putting them in an uncomfortable situation. Make sure your expectations of the workout/training session are clear up front. 2 Peter 3:14 … make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.
If you ever find yourself in a situation where you even think you are slipping, find someone to confide in and assist in holding you accountable. One of the great things about Warriors’ leaders is that we are very real and understand life’s challenges. Eph. 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Remember it is important to balance our workouts spiritually, physically and mentally. Make sure you are giving yourself a workout in each of these areas.
These tips are applicable in every area of our lives. I hope that you are guarding your heart in all areas of life. Phil. 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.
In Christ,
Lisa Bethay
NOTE: My thoughts and idea for this article came from a sermon preached by Dr. David Fincher of Campus Church of Christ. If you would like to hear more please visit:
http://www.campuschurch.org/forum-guard-your-heart
Warriors:
As martial artists we train to keep our hands up to protect our face and how to block punches and kicks. We spend hours perfecting our kicks, stances and forms but do we practice guarding our hearts?
As you reach the intermediate level you will find yourself grappling with members of the opposite sex or possibly training with someone individually. As you learn to guard and protect yourself physically, are you also working to guard yourself mentally? The bible tells us: Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life (Proverbs 4:23)
I would like to humbly submit to you several things to do if you are training with someone of the opposite sex:
In all of your training, commit every training session to God. His Word tells us that our bodies are our temples until him. I Cor 6: 19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. Have you considered praying with your training partner before you begin your workout session?
If you can train with partners of the same sex or in groups of three or more. However, if you are training with someone of the opposite sex never put yourself in the position of temptation. Always include someone else in your training session. When I work out with my training partner, my son or daughter always trains with us. If they are not available, my other children are always in the same room or in the least in the next room with the door always open. If you are training with someone frequently alone you are putting yourself in the position of temptation. You may think, “Oh, I would never do anything like that!”, but why take the risk? We all sin and fall short of the Glory of God. We are born with a sin nature and our flesh is always weak, never take the risk. Mark 7:21-22 from within, out of our hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22 greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, and folly.
When you are working out, it is wonderful to have the affirmation of your training partner encouraging you. One of the reasons people work out together is for the extra push your training partner can give you. If you are married do not rely on this affirmation. You must rely on the affirmation of your spouse! Talk with your spouse and let them know you need their encouragement and support. If your spouse is the one working out with a partner, make sure you are giving them the verbal affirmation they need. Encourage them and tell them you are proud of them constantly and consistently. 1 Thess 5:11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
Keep your conversations to working out, your faith and the love you have for your spouse. If you find yourself confiding to your training partner your frustrations about your marriage, job or life you are opening a door that will lead to trouble. Those conversations are intimate conversations that should be with your spouse, Pastor or best friend (of the same sex) not your training partner. Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things.
Never let others get the wrong impression of you and your training partner. If anyone ever questions your relationship be prepared to explain the circumstances with a clear conscience. If you can’t, you have some soul searching to do now. Don’t wait until you have already started down a path that could hurt you and many others around you. Guard your heart now. 1 Tim 1:19 Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked.
If you are working with one of our instructors please be careful of not putting them in an uncomfortable situation. Make sure your expectations of the workout/training session are clear up front. 2 Peter 3:14 … make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.
If you ever find yourself in a situation where you even think you are slipping, find someone to confide in and assist in holding you accountable. One of the great things about Warriors’ leaders is that we are very real and understand life’s challenges. Eph. 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Remember it is important to balance our workouts spiritually, physically and mentally. Make sure you are giving yourself a workout in each of these areas.
These tips are applicable in every area of our lives. I hope that you are guarding your heart in all areas of life. Phil. 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.
In Christ,
Lisa Bethay
NOTE: My thoughts and idea for this article came from a sermon preached by Dr. David Fincher of Campus Church of Christ. If you would like to hear more please visit:
http://www.campuschurch.org/forum-guard-your-heart
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Never give up
Its really hard when you train, plan, train and then train some more for a specific goal in mind and then you are injured. The disappointment is the hardest feeling to deal with. Anger and frustration at yourself will dissipate but the disappointment will not fade until the date goes by and you have set a new goal for yourself with a new date.
I’ve been pushing myself harder this training period that I ever have. My body has been telling me I have been doing that as well. My knees were beginning to ache along with my shoulder and last year’s foot injury. This last three weeks I had planned on backing off of my training schedule and work only on technique but yesterday I didn’t listen to my body.
I ran for 1.5 miles, and then did punching drills for 30 minutes barefoot on a concrete floor. My foot was bothering me before the run and during. The ache didn’t feel serious but I felt tired that day. I should have listened. While I was doing my punching drills the floor felt especially hard but I continued anyway. I was in the middle of my last set of kicks when I didn’t land one correctly. Consequently, I ended up with a bone bruise, pulled achilles tendon and pulled plantars fasciitis tendon. I’m to be off my feet for the next week and then will have to begin training again slowly.
All of my training I’ve been doing all year for my test on August 21st just went on hold as did my test. I’ll have to wait for that blue belt. However, waiting only means that my technique will be even better when I am able to test, so I’ll have a great test instead of a good one. Earning my blue belt will mean even more then.
To be honest, I was so disappointed I cried. I didn’t go to class tonight for fear of breaking down in tears. I wanted to test so badly. I’ve put so many things on hold this summer so I could train. Being older means that I have to spend more time training but it also means I have to spend more time healing.
There are many lessons to be learned from this:
1. God’s plan is much bigger and better than ours. He will teach us patience in many ways and remind us to always acknowledge him.
2. Listen to what your body is telling you. Take the time you need, don’t be in a rush.
3.Anything that is worth striving for, perseverance is key you just have to keep striving.
4. You never know how many people love you, until something like this happens. The support from my friends has been overwhelming. God has indeed blessed me.
I know that there are many more things for me to learn. This is what I have figured out in the last 24 hours. However, I do know this, “Being a martial artist means never giving up”. Blue will have to wait, but not for long!
Lisa
I’ve been pushing myself harder this training period that I ever have. My body has been telling me I have been doing that as well. My knees were beginning to ache along with my shoulder and last year’s foot injury. This last three weeks I had planned on backing off of my training schedule and work only on technique but yesterday I didn’t listen to my body.
I ran for 1.5 miles, and then did punching drills for 30 minutes barefoot on a concrete floor. My foot was bothering me before the run and during. The ache didn’t feel serious but I felt tired that day. I should have listened. While I was doing my punching drills the floor felt especially hard but I continued anyway. I was in the middle of my last set of kicks when I didn’t land one correctly. Consequently, I ended up with a bone bruise, pulled achilles tendon and pulled plantars fasciitis tendon. I’m to be off my feet for the next week and then will have to begin training again slowly.
All of my training I’ve been doing all year for my test on August 21st just went on hold as did my test. I’ll have to wait for that blue belt. However, waiting only means that my technique will be even better when I am able to test, so I’ll have a great test instead of a good one. Earning my blue belt will mean even more then.
To be honest, I was so disappointed I cried. I didn’t go to class tonight for fear of breaking down in tears. I wanted to test so badly. I’ve put so many things on hold this summer so I could train. Being older means that I have to spend more time training but it also means I have to spend more time healing.
There are many lessons to be learned from this:
1. God’s plan is much bigger and better than ours. He will teach us patience in many ways and remind us to always acknowledge him.
2. Listen to what your body is telling you. Take the time you need, don’t be in a rush.
3.Anything that is worth striving for, perseverance is key you just have to keep striving.
4. You never know how many people love you, until something like this happens. The support from my friends has been overwhelming. God has indeed blessed me.
I know that there are many more things for me to learn. This is what I have figured out in the last 24 hours. However, I do know this, “Being a martial artist means never giving up”. Blue will have to wait, but not for long!
Lisa
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Advanced belts
As I continue to progress in our martial art system, I often wonder, "what does it take to be at the next level?" Of course, techniques are one of the key components, but as I continue further up the rank I learn how much more other things come into play.
There are key elements to be figured out between the intermediate level and the advanced level. Basic concepts are fundamental but there comes a point where certain things begin to make a difference. It may sound funny but how to land a kick, especially a spinning kick was a key one for me. A key movement, something I had been told before, seen before but didn't really click, until recently.
There are many other things mentally that begin to make a difference as well. I believe that they must be different for each person. I'm sure there are some common elements, but as each individual progresses what they need to learn for themselves will be different from what I had to learn for me.
I'm not sure this is making much sense. It's hard to put into words what I'm trying to say without being very specific and I don't want to tell specifics because I believe they are individual. I don't want someone to think, "Oh, I can do that, I'm ready to be an advanced belt." Your journey will be yours and only yours as is mine.
One thing I will share is the understanding of the responsibility of being an advanced belt. Are you ready to teach? To be responsible for an entire class large or small? Are you sure that you have your techniques good enough to pass them on? Are you ready for people to watch you and compare themselves to you to see if they are doing something correct? Are you ready for the responsibility of leadership?
These are tough questions that must be answered before you test for our blue belt and the transition from orange to green prepares you for just that. Don't rush through the intermediate level because you physically can. Make sure you are ready mentally as well. The mental aspect of our system is just as important if not more so than the physical aspect.
As quoted in Spiderman, "Remember with great power, comes great responsibility". Leadership is great responsibility.
Keep training and wish me luck on my next test August 21. I'm testing for Blue.
Lisa
There are key elements to be figured out between the intermediate level and the advanced level. Basic concepts are fundamental but there comes a point where certain things begin to make a difference. It may sound funny but how to land a kick, especially a spinning kick was a key one for me. A key movement, something I had been told before, seen before but didn't really click, until recently.
There are many other things mentally that begin to make a difference as well. I believe that they must be different for each person. I'm sure there are some common elements, but as each individual progresses what they need to learn for themselves will be different from what I had to learn for me.
I'm not sure this is making much sense. It's hard to put into words what I'm trying to say without being very specific and I don't want to tell specifics because I believe they are individual. I don't want someone to think, "Oh, I can do that, I'm ready to be an advanced belt." Your journey will be yours and only yours as is mine.
One thing I will share is the understanding of the responsibility of being an advanced belt. Are you ready to teach? To be responsible for an entire class large or small? Are you sure that you have your techniques good enough to pass them on? Are you ready for people to watch you and compare themselves to you to see if they are doing something correct? Are you ready for the responsibility of leadership?
These are tough questions that must be answered before you test for our blue belt and the transition from orange to green prepares you for just that. Don't rush through the intermediate level because you physically can. Make sure you are ready mentally as well. The mental aspect of our system is just as important if not more so than the physical aspect.
As quoted in Spiderman, "Remember with great power, comes great responsibility". Leadership is great responsibility.
Keep training and wish me luck on my next test August 21. I'm testing for Blue.
Lisa
Monday, July 12, 2010
Change
***I'm not in martial arts to change it, I'm in martial arts for it to change me*** TJ Fernandez
When I began martial arts I never considered that it would really change me. I thought, oh I’ll learn how to kick or get out of someone’s grasp. I truly didn’t think it would change me all that much.
Now, as I look back I can see some of the changes in myself and all for the good.
1. I’m learning to lighten up a little. I’ve always been a very serious person. I would never do anything goofy in public! Well, I was pretty goofy in class tonight and I had a good time. Sometimes it is about having fun.
2. I’ve always been a goal setter. For me physical goals are harder than any others. It takes a deeper level of commitment from me to obtain them. I’ve been able to set goals for myself that I never thought were possible.
3. Recognizing the perfectionist in me reminds me that none of us are perfect. As I tell my kids all the time, “We all sin and fall short of the glory of God”. It’s ok if I try something and don’t get it the first, second or even third time. This has been a hard lesson.
4. Learning to laugh at myself without being embarrassed. Truthfully trying to do cartwheels at 44 is a bit embarrassing. But tonight when I finally did a few that felt pretty good, I was so excited. You would have thought I had won the lottery with all the jumping I did. It was fun.
5. Courage – is a funny thing. It takes a lot of courage for me to trust my body into doing some of the things we do. I’ve learned to take a deep breath and go for it. Some things are not near as bad as I make them out to be in my head.
6. Trust – learning to trust others telling you, “you can do this” is very difficult. Sometimes you have to have faith in your instructors. They often see things within you that you don’t. You have to trust them.
I’m sure there are lots of other things that have been changed about me but this is a good start. I hope martial arts is changing you too.
Lisa
When I began martial arts I never considered that it would really change me. I thought, oh I’ll learn how to kick or get out of someone’s grasp. I truly didn’t think it would change me all that much.
Now, as I look back I can see some of the changes in myself and all for the good.
1. I’m learning to lighten up a little. I’ve always been a very serious person. I would never do anything goofy in public! Well, I was pretty goofy in class tonight and I had a good time. Sometimes it is about having fun.
2. I’ve always been a goal setter. For me physical goals are harder than any others. It takes a deeper level of commitment from me to obtain them. I’ve been able to set goals for myself that I never thought were possible.
3. Recognizing the perfectionist in me reminds me that none of us are perfect. As I tell my kids all the time, “We all sin and fall short of the glory of God”. It’s ok if I try something and don’t get it the first, second or even third time. This has been a hard lesson.
4. Learning to laugh at myself without being embarrassed. Truthfully trying to do cartwheels at 44 is a bit embarrassing. But tonight when I finally did a few that felt pretty good, I was so excited. You would have thought I had won the lottery with all the jumping I did. It was fun.
5. Courage – is a funny thing. It takes a lot of courage for me to trust my body into doing some of the things we do. I’ve learned to take a deep breath and go for it. Some things are not near as bad as I make them out to be in my head.
6. Trust – learning to trust others telling you, “you can do this” is very difficult. Sometimes you have to have faith in your instructors. They often see things within you that you don’t. You have to trust them.
I’m sure there are lots of other things that have been changed about me but this is a good start. I hope martial arts is changing you too.
Lisa
Friday, June 11, 2010
Injuries
One of the most frustrating things for a martial artist training is an injury. If you are training hard, you are are likely to experience an injury. Do you know what to do if you have one?
If you have an injury such as a sprain, strain, muscle pull, or tear, immediate first aid can prevent complications and help you heal faster. One of the most important acronyms to remember if you get a sports injury is R.I.C.E. R.I.C.E. stands for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Using these 4 immediate first aid measures can relieve pain, limit swelling and protect the injured tissues, all of which help speed healing.
If it is not better within 48 hours, call your doctor!
A bone bruise is different and ice should only be used to alleviate pain. You need to keep the blood circulating. Massaging the area and using compression works well. Use a brace to help with pressure. Bone bruises and take months to heal and are often the most painful type of injury.
General muscle soreness after working out is a result of the lactic acids being released in your body. You may have heard it before but, soaking in Epsom salt really helps. Try to keep your bath water as close to your body temperature as possible. This will enable you muscles to completely relax. If the water is too cold, your body has to work to warm up. If the water is too hot your body has to do the opposite in trying to cool down. Here are some of the benefits of an Epsom salt bath:
I hope these things help you as they have helped me. Keep training hard!
****NOTE: I am not a medical doctor, these are things that have helped me. You should always contact your doctor for medical information****
If you have an injury such as a sprain, strain, muscle pull, or tear, immediate first aid can prevent complications and help you heal faster. One of the most important acronyms to remember if you get a sports injury is R.I.C.E. R.I.C.E. stands for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Using these 4 immediate first aid measures can relieve pain, limit swelling and protect the injured tissues, all of which help speed healing.
If it is not better within 48 hours, call your doctor!
A bone bruise is different and ice should only be used to alleviate pain. You need to keep the blood circulating. Massaging the area and using compression works well. Use a brace to help with pressure. Bone bruises and take months to heal and are often the most painful type of injury.
General muscle soreness after working out is a result of the lactic acids being released in your body. You may have heard it before but, soaking in Epsom salt really helps. Try to keep your bath water as close to your body temperature as possible. This will enable you muscles to completely relax. If the water is too cold, your body has to work to warm up. If the water is too hot your body has to do the opposite in trying to cool down. Here are some of the benefits of an Epsom salt bath:
- improved heart and circulatory health, reducing irregular heartbeats, preventing hardening of the arteries, reducing blood clots and lowering blood pressure.
- Improved ability for the body to use insulin, reducing the incidence or severity of diabetes.
- Flushed toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances.
- Improved nerve function by electrolyte regulation. Also, calcium is the main conductor for electrical current in the body, and magnesium is necessary to maintain proper calcium levels in the blood.
- Relieved stress. Excess adrenaline and stress are believed to drain magnesium, a natural stress reliever, from the body. Magnesium is necessary for the body to bind adequate amounts of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of well being and relaxation.
- Reduced inflammation to relieve pain and muscle cramps.
- Improved oxygen use.
- Improved absorption of nutrients.
- Improved formation of joint proteins, brain tissue and mucin proteins.
- Prevention or easing of migraine headaches.
I hope these things help you as they have helped me. Keep training hard!
****NOTE: I am not a medical doctor, these are things that have helped me. You should always contact your doctor for medical information****
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Can you say cardio?
One of the toughest parts of our color belt tests for me is the endurance/cardio.
My goal for this year is to increase my cardio ability while training for my blue belt techniques (Mr. Van set a pretty high standard). Tonight, I felt like I showed promise. It's hard to work in cardio when you homeschool 4 kids, help your husband with his business, and help with the administration of a martial arts school. I also do web work for my son's drum teacher. So you can imagine my days are pretty full and it's easy to let cardio go by because it's the hardest thing for me right now. Nevertheless, it's the key to losing the rest of the weight I want to loose. I've lost 20 pounds so far and would like to see 25 more go away this year. It's been slow progress, but progress nonetheless.
This brings me back to tonight. I've been training, although I must admit not to the consistency that I should, with Sensi TJ using Crossfit. For the most part it is body weight exercises that you do as fast as you can or other days it's a specific number. I was skeptical that I could even do them at first but I kept plugging away and I can tell I am making progress.
Tonight, Soke asked me to teach the open class. I was a little nervous because I've only taught one other open class for adults and tonight I had 2 black belts from other systems in my class as well. But, I had planned out what I wanted to do and I wanted to work on cardio! Osu!
Here is what we did:
Warm up: up two flights of steps and down 3 times, light stretches and front leg dynamic stretch. Because this was everyone's 2nd class of the evening we were already pretty warm.
Cardio: 8 sets of (35 kicks, 10 pushups, 10 situps, 10 squats)
(the kicks we did moving up and down the dojo are: front high kick, inside
crescent, outside crescent, side kick)
Cool down: lots of leg stretches using our belts to help pull the stretch
Ending: I showed some cool tips on the spear finger strike that Sensi Kendall had showed me earlier.
Time: 40 minutes
That's a total of 280 kicks (I think we actually did 285 because I forgot to stop a couple of times), 80 pushups, 80 situps, and 80 squats. How cool is that! I didn't know I could do 80 pushups! It's amazing what you can do when you push yourself.
Everyone did awesome! Truthfully, I was wiped out after this and boy are my legs letting me know I need to continue working on my cardio consistently! However, I was so excited that everyone actually enjoyed the class.
It's a good feeling when you lead a class and feel like you are helping others progress. I got a glimpse of why black belts get so much enjoyment from teaching and watching their students progress. That was pretty cool.
Happy training,
Lisa
My goal for this year is to increase my cardio ability while training for my blue belt techniques (Mr. Van set a pretty high standard). Tonight, I felt like I showed promise. It's hard to work in cardio when you homeschool 4 kids, help your husband with his business, and help with the administration of a martial arts school. I also do web work for my son's drum teacher. So you can imagine my days are pretty full and it's easy to let cardio go by because it's the hardest thing for me right now. Nevertheless, it's the key to losing the rest of the weight I want to loose. I've lost 20 pounds so far and would like to see 25 more go away this year. It's been slow progress, but progress nonetheless.
This brings me back to tonight. I've been training, although I must admit not to the consistency that I should, with Sensi TJ using Crossfit. For the most part it is body weight exercises that you do as fast as you can or other days it's a specific number. I was skeptical that I could even do them at first but I kept plugging away and I can tell I am making progress.
Tonight, Soke asked me to teach the open class. I was a little nervous because I've only taught one other open class for adults and tonight I had 2 black belts from other systems in my class as well. But, I had planned out what I wanted to do and I wanted to work on cardio! Osu!
Here is what we did:
Warm up: up two flights of steps and down 3 times, light stretches and front leg dynamic stretch. Because this was everyone's 2nd class of the evening we were already pretty warm.
Cardio: 8 sets of (35 kicks, 10 pushups, 10 situps, 10 squats)
(the kicks we did moving up and down the dojo are: front high kick, inside
crescent, outside crescent, side kick)
Cool down: lots of leg stretches using our belts to help pull the stretch
Ending: I showed some cool tips on the spear finger strike that Sensi Kendall had showed me earlier.
Time: 40 minutes
That's a total of 280 kicks (I think we actually did 285 because I forgot to stop a couple of times), 80 pushups, 80 situps, and 80 squats. How cool is that! I didn't know I could do 80 pushups! It's amazing what you can do when you push yourself.
Everyone did awesome! Truthfully, I was wiped out after this and boy are my legs letting me know I need to continue working on my cardio consistently! However, I was so excited that everyone actually enjoyed the class.
It's a good feeling when you lead a class and feel like you are helping others progress. I got a glimpse of why black belts get so much enjoyment from teaching and watching their students progress. That was pretty cool.
Happy training,
Lisa
Saturday, January 23, 2010
How many female martial artist are there?
The ratios of men to women who practice martial arts is pretty high. The further up the ranking, the greater the ratio. Many have often wondered why. Are women not strong enough, tough enough or is it that they have nothing to prove? Is it the demands on our time? Who knows, but I can say it has nothing to do with strength, toughness or willingness to work hard.
Martial arts is our family sport and everyone in our family participates. Having 5 kids we decided to pick one sport that we could all participate in together. Martial arts was the perfect option. Consequently, working toward my black belt with my family has certainly helped me stay involved. I believe you have to reach a certain level in martial arts before you truly develop a passion and a love for it. If my family were not involved with me I’m not sure I would have developed that passion. Now, I’m at the point that I would continue even if they did not. It would be much harder but it has become my personal goal and not just a family thing.
I could not have begun this journey if my family were not behind me helping me and cheering me on. It answers one of my questions of why there are not more female martial artist. There simply isn’t time if you have a family that is involved in lots of other activities. It would seem easier if you are a female and have grown up in martial arts and you have a passion to continue and I hope all of the young girls training today will continue. In addition, I want to encourage you. If you are interested in beginning martial arts, start with your kids. You won’t believe how much fun you will have and how many friends that you will make.
To be truthful, sometimes thinking of obtaining my blackbelt is a daunting thought and I wonder if I’ll actually make it within Tao Hsieh Wu Shu. However, at those times I think of my friends like Angie Fitts and
Allison is training for her Master’s belt that she will test for this summer. She will graduate from college and earn her Master’s belt in the same year! Wow! Go Allison, your martial arts family is cheering for you.
While I was thinking on all of these things I began researching how many people practice martial arts and have come up with some interesting figures. I am continuing to research and will update my blog as I determine new information. My figures are estimates based on ratios and I have listed my sources at the end of this article.
Today the
on Jan 13, 2010 at 05:17 UTC
There are 18.1 million practicing martial artists in the
Approximately 600,000 of those are blackbelts (36,000 females based on 15:1 ratio)
Approximately 6000 people are Masters – 4th Dan or above (360 females based on 15:1 ratio, I think this ratio should be higher)
Approximately 600 people are 9th degree and above (I won’t venture to guess how many are female)
So if you are a black belt in a martial art system are are part of a very elite group within the
At our school Warriors For Christ, our colored belts have been given the remarkable opportunity to train with a 9th degree black belt, Kyoshi Max Andrews for a specific number of classes. Just think, you are being trained by 1 of only 600 people in the
Happy Training,
Lisa
Resources:
According to data from New York City-based research firm Simmons Market Research, an estimated 18.1 million Americans participated in karate or some other form of martial art at least once in the past year.
In the American Tang Soo Do Association there are 30,000 active students and 1000 black belts. I used this ratio to compute my figures. (Actually, my husband did the math for me!)
on Jan 13, 2010 at 05:17 UTC
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
