Stumble It!
I realized that I had not written in my blog since Dec. of last year! I was recovering from being sick almost the entire month of Dec. then it seemed as if one thing or another kept me from writing. Then on May 6th my dearest friend, trainer, little brother, mentor to my son was killed in the early morning in a motorcycle accident. He left behind a beautiful wife and 2 precious children.
As a matter of fact, looking over my blog, my last comment was from TJ. He was an amazing man that touched so many lives in so many ways and continues to do so. Time has passed since May. I struggled with a knee injury (learned lots of things about knees I need to write about) etc. I just didn’t have the desire to work out. TJ was such an encourager to me. He would show up at my house and say, “get ready we are going to work out”, and boy did we ever! He taught me how to run, how to do a proper squat, and that I could lift heavier weights than I ever thought I could. We did the Insanity work outs, heavy lifting segments and crazy cross fit work outs. We had so much fun!
After visiting a black belt test this past Saturday I was so impressed with my friend Rossi and another female martial artist Tammy that I was inspired to go to the gym and bring it. It felt good. I went all through my physical therapy knee exercises and decided to punch the hanging bag with my weighted gloves. Putting my gloves on I spot TJ’s picture that he gave me after his first MMA fight and my heart tugs. Looking around my gym I think of the hours spent there. I have his weight stand he dug out of someone’s trash, his weighted ball he would chunk at me, and his wooden step up box he built for box jumps and I began to get angry.
As I punched the bag harder and harder I was so mad he wasn’t here to train with me, to help me get ready for my red belt test. He had helped me prepare for every single one of my martial arts belt tests. I broke down and began to cry as I realized why I hadn’t been to the gym. My friend wasn’t there with me.
My oldest son also had a close relationship with TJ and it was always the three of us training together so in the midst of my breakdown I went looking for him as I knew he would understand my grief. He talked with me for a long time and I would like to share his insightfulness. He said, “Mom, TJ did train you. He equipped you with all you need to train. You know what to do”. And he is right. When I was punching the bag I could hear TJ’s voice in my head, “Your not pivoting enough, turn into your punch more.” He taught me so much that can be passed on.
If he were here, he would yell at me about not training, so I guess it’s time to get busy again.
I miss you TJ.
MomT5
I’ll post more later on knees….:)
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Is a bruise a good thing?
I use to wonder why sports athletes would injure themselves and continue doing the same job?
Now, I understand. It’s for the love of the sport. We had the best advanced/open class tonight. It’s been a while since I have had the opportunity to spar and grapple with some of our newer students. I had so much fun! Our students are so talented and eager to learn. It’s always a joy to work with them.
So, where did the bruises come from? Well, in addition to working with belts below mine, I also got to spar and grapple with our black belts and I always learn so much! Every time I work with a black belt I learn something new. However, if you are really working hard, you will earn a few bruises, especially if you’re an older student. Grappling and sparring will give you a few bruises but they are worth it. They become, somewhat of, a badge of honor. You grin when you show a classmate one of your bruises because you know that you earned it and it was fun doing so.
So, can a bruise be a good thing? Sure, it may be painful but it does make you smile.
Keep having fun!
Lisa
Now, I understand. It’s for the love of the sport. We had the best advanced/open class tonight. It’s been a while since I have had the opportunity to spar and grapple with some of our newer students. I had so much fun! Our students are so talented and eager to learn. It’s always a joy to work with them.
So, where did the bruises come from? Well, in addition to working with belts below mine, I also got to spar and grapple with our black belts and I always learn so much! Every time I work with a black belt I learn something new. However, if you are really working hard, you will earn a few bruises, especially if you’re an older student. Grappling and sparring will give you a few bruises but they are worth it. They become, somewhat of, a badge of honor. You grin when you show a classmate one of your bruises because you know that you earned it and it was fun doing so.
So, can a bruise be a good thing? Sure, it may be painful but it does make you smile.
Keep having fun!
Lisa
Monday, June 6, 2011
The story of the wrist band
Several years ago in our leadership meeting we came up with the idea to use wrist bands as a way of encouragement for our students. It never occurred to me how this small idea would affect me in such a extraordinary way.
Let me explain the concept. When you test and receive your color belt you also receive a wrist band of the same color to wear on your left hand. As you continue in rank the idea is to pass the wrist band to someone else as you make rank. For example: you test for white and receive your white wrist band, later you test for yellow and receive your yellow wrist band. You would then pass your white wrist band to someone who is working toward their white belt. They would wear the wrist band they received from someone that is to be their next color belt on their right wrist. Clear as mud?
It must be understood that in Tao Heish Wu Shu when you test for your belt rank and pass you know you have accomplished something. Each test is incrementally more difficult than the last test. Our tests are designed to be so difficult that you must rely on God to get through them. The further up in rank the more specific the test is geared to you personally. They are challenging and fun. I am often amazed when I watch a lower rank test to think, “Hey, I passed that test. That’s really cool.” Of course, I then think about the test to come and realize how much work I have to go.
But back to my story, I have passed down each of my wrist bands to someone in class that was working to obtain that belt level. Someone I wanted to encourage and push to reach the next level. Truthfully, I have concentrated on the ladies in our school because I have to enjoyed watching them blossom with confidence, strength and courage.
I have had several belt buddies over the years. Some who are no longer with us due to work…I miss you Jeff Rainwater and others due to family constraints. But one belt buddy in particular the past couple of years has remained in class and is a friend, adopted little brother and the hardest uke I’ve ever had! If you are in class then you know I’m talking about Rich Quiones. He had previous martial arts experience and was able to really help me prepare for my blue belt test. His encouragement and support really made a difference.
Rich tested for his red belt this past testing cycle. He had an amazing test despite injuries but the end of the test was the most surprising to me. You see, he passed his red belt wrist band to me. I was overwhelmed with emotion as it meant so much to me. This wasn’t just his wrist band. My son Luke had presented this same wrist band to Rich when he passed his red belt test. And before that, Sensei Van Thompson gave it to Luke upon receiving his black belt wrist band. Van earned this wrist band and wore it until he tested for black. Luke wore it preparing for his red as did Rich. Now I’m wearing that same wrist band while I prepare for my red belt test. This is a wrist band with history. It gives me encouragement every time I look at it to know the others before me accomplished the same goal I am working toward. How cool is that?
I’ve worn my blue wrist band almost daily since it was presented to me on my blue belt test. It reminds me that I can accomplish what ever I put my mind to. It is a symbol of many hours of training, overcoming injuries, blood, sweat and tears and three years of hard work. But, I gave it away last night. It was quite by accident.
I was sitting in church waiting on our guest speaker Larry Mudd http://www.muddinyoureye.org/ to come in. He came in the back of the auditorium shaking hands and beginning his story taking about colors. When he stopped in front of me he noticed my bright blue wrist band and asked if he could wear it. I know that I looked like a deer stopped by bright lights and I stammered as I hesitated to answer him. My first thought was, “No, it took me too long to get this. I’ll fight you for it!” But, I gave it to him explaining that it represented 3 years of hard work in martial arts. He said he would give it back to me.
But, as he spoke I thought about the meaning of the wrist band. To show encouragement, strength, motivation, and love and to reflect the love of friends in our life. Isn’t this one of many attributes of Christ. Christ worked so hard for us and ultimately died for us. My three years of work pales in comparison to His life on the cross. But I do know that Christ wants us to serve others, to encourage them and lift them up. I can’t imagine being a full time minister, ministry leader or speaker for Christ. I often wonder who ministers to them? Shouldn’t that be our job as Christian martial artists to encourage others in all capacities regardless if it is in martial arts or life. So I gave my blue wrist band to Larry in hopes that in some way my blue wrist band, the reflection of my blood sweat and tears will encourage him as he continues to speak across the country about the light of Christ. Maybe there is someone in Larry’s future that will need a physical symbol of the love of Christ and His fight for us that he will pass this wrist band on to. It will be interesting to see.
Let me explain the concept. When you test and receive your color belt you also receive a wrist band of the same color to wear on your left hand. As you continue in rank the idea is to pass the wrist band to someone else as you make rank. For example: you test for white and receive your white wrist band, later you test for yellow and receive your yellow wrist band. You would then pass your white wrist band to someone who is working toward their white belt. They would wear the wrist band they received from someone that is to be their next color belt on their right wrist. Clear as mud?
It must be understood that in Tao Heish Wu Shu when you test for your belt rank and pass you know you have accomplished something. Each test is incrementally more difficult than the last test. Our tests are designed to be so difficult that you must rely on God to get through them. The further up in rank the more specific the test is geared to you personally. They are challenging and fun. I am often amazed when I watch a lower rank test to think, “Hey, I passed that test. That’s really cool.” Of course, I then think about the test to come and realize how much work I have to go.
But back to my story, I have passed down each of my wrist bands to someone in class that was working to obtain that belt level. Someone I wanted to encourage and push to reach the next level. Truthfully, I have concentrated on the ladies in our school because I have to enjoyed watching them blossom with confidence, strength and courage.
I have had several belt buddies over the years. Some who are no longer with us due to work…I miss you Jeff Rainwater and others due to family constraints. But one belt buddy in particular the past couple of years has remained in class and is a friend, adopted little brother and the hardest uke I’ve ever had! If you are in class then you know I’m talking about Rich Quiones. He had previous martial arts experience and was able to really help me prepare for my blue belt test. His encouragement and support really made a difference.
Rich tested for his red belt this past testing cycle. He had an amazing test despite injuries but the end of the test was the most surprising to me. You see, he passed his red belt wrist band to me. I was overwhelmed with emotion as it meant so much to me. This wasn’t just his wrist band. My son Luke had presented this same wrist band to Rich when he passed his red belt test. And before that, Sensei Van Thompson gave it to Luke upon receiving his black belt wrist band. Van earned this wrist band and wore it until he tested for black. Luke wore it preparing for his red as did Rich. Now I’m wearing that same wrist band while I prepare for my red belt test. This is a wrist band with history. It gives me encouragement every time I look at it to know the others before me accomplished the same goal I am working toward. How cool is that?
I’ve worn my blue wrist band almost daily since it was presented to me on my blue belt test. It reminds me that I can accomplish what ever I put my mind to. It is a symbol of many hours of training, overcoming injuries, blood, sweat and tears and three years of hard work. But, I gave it away last night. It was quite by accident.
I was sitting in church waiting on our guest speaker Larry Mudd http://www.muddinyoureye.org/ to come in. He came in the back of the auditorium shaking hands and beginning his story taking about colors. When he stopped in front of me he noticed my bright blue wrist band and asked if he could wear it. I know that I looked like a deer stopped by bright lights and I stammered as I hesitated to answer him. My first thought was, “No, it took me too long to get this. I’ll fight you for it!” But, I gave it to him explaining that it represented 3 years of hard work in martial arts. He said he would give it back to me.
But, as he spoke I thought about the meaning of the wrist band. To show encouragement, strength, motivation, and love and to reflect the love of friends in our life. Isn’t this one of many attributes of Christ. Christ worked so hard for us and ultimately died for us. My three years of work pales in comparison to His life on the cross. But I do know that Christ wants us to serve others, to encourage them and lift them up. I can’t imagine being a full time minister, ministry leader or speaker for Christ. I often wonder who ministers to them? Shouldn’t that be our job as Christian martial artists to encourage others in all capacities regardless if it is in martial arts or life. So I gave my blue wrist band to Larry in hopes that in some way my blue wrist band, the reflection of my blood sweat and tears will encourage him as he continues to speak across the country about the light of Christ. Maybe there is someone in Larry’s future that will need a physical symbol of the love of Christ and His fight for us that he will pass this wrist band on to. It will be interesting to see.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
What is the definition of an athlete?
So, what is your definition of an athlete?
I have asked several people recently and each time have received a different response. Some of them are:
Someone who plays professional sports
Someone who is athletic
A search on google provided these:
Someone whose idea of a workout doesn't involve a playstation or xbox
An athlete practices even when it's not fun, because they want to get better.
The dictionary defines it as:
: a person who is trained or skilled in exercises, sports, or games requiring physical strength, agility, or stamina
I bring this up because I have never considered myself an athlete. I have always thought of an athlete as someone who was in shape and very athletic having endurance and strength. However, in class last week Soke told me, “Lisa you’re an athlete, trust yourself, your ukemi and your technique.” I have pondered those words since. Of course, he was absolutely correct (he usually is…lol). I was holding back and not trusting myself. But his comment that I was an athlete really stunned me. Me, a mom of 5 kids, someone who never did any sport prior to martial arts, an athlete? It was a very foreign concept.
But as I have given it more thought, I’ve wondered, “Am I an athlete?” As I reviewed what I have accomplished to date I realized, I have changed my endurance and strength but I needed to change my perception of myself to move forward. I needed to update the mental aspect as well. Isn’t part of being an athlete the mental part of what you perceive?
Yes, you do need strength, endurance, and stamina but you also need the mental endurance, perseverance, and diligence to be an athlete and you need to think of yourself as an athlete.
I don’t have all the words to describe how that thought made me feel. Just mentally thinking of myself as an athlete made me feel empowered, strong and confidant. It made me realize that I can continue moving forward in my goal towards becoming a black belt. (I was feeling rather intimidated. The advanced classes are a whole different world.) However, I believe it is possible because I have become an athlete as well as a martial artist.
It also made me think, “If I’m an athlete do I really need that piece of chocolate? Do I really want to miss that work out?” hmmm, interesting thoughts.
What about you? Are you an athlete? Are you working you way toward becoming one?
I hope so, because if I can do it so can you.
Keep training,
Lisa
I have asked several people recently and each time have received a different response. Some of them are:
Someone who plays professional sports
Someone who is athletic
A search on google provided these:
Someone whose idea of a workout doesn't involve a playstation or xbox
An athlete practices even when it's not fun, because they want to get better.
The dictionary defines it as:
: a person who is trained or skilled in exercises, sports, or games requiring physical strength, agility, or stamina
I bring this up because I have never considered myself an athlete. I have always thought of an athlete as someone who was in shape and very athletic having endurance and strength. However, in class last week Soke told me, “Lisa you’re an athlete, trust yourself, your ukemi and your technique.” I have pondered those words since. Of course, he was absolutely correct (he usually is…lol). I was holding back and not trusting myself. But his comment that I was an athlete really stunned me. Me, a mom of 5 kids, someone who never did any sport prior to martial arts, an athlete? It was a very foreign concept.
But as I have given it more thought, I’ve wondered, “Am I an athlete?” As I reviewed what I have accomplished to date I realized, I have changed my endurance and strength but I needed to change my perception of myself to move forward. I needed to update the mental aspect as well. Isn’t part of being an athlete the mental part of what you perceive?
Yes, you do need strength, endurance, and stamina but you also need the mental endurance, perseverance, and diligence to be an athlete and you need to think of yourself as an athlete.
I don’t have all the words to describe how that thought made me feel. Just mentally thinking of myself as an athlete made me feel empowered, strong and confidant. It made me realize that I can continue moving forward in my goal towards becoming a black belt. (I was feeling rather intimidated. The advanced classes are a whole different world.) However, I believe it is possible because I have become an athlete as well as a martial artist.
It also made me think, “If I’m an athlete do I really need that piece of chocolate? Do I really want to miss that work out?” hmmm, interesting thoughts.
What about you? Are you an athlete? Are you working you way toward becoming one?
I hope so, because if I can do it so can you.
Keep training,
Lisa
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Does it matter how old you are?
I looked at my blog today and realized I need to changed the header. The original header was, "MMA at 43". I started martial arts three years ago. I turn 46 this summer and I'm continuing to learn and train. So does age matter? No, if you really want to do something I believe you can do it! It takes time, patience and hard work.
It's interesting as I reach a new phase in my training I feel like I am starting all over again. When I started I felt so uncoordinated and silly. Learning the techniques seemed so foreign to anything I had ever attempted to learn. This passed as I learned and progressed. Now, as an advanced belt learning advanced techniques I sometimes feel the same way. Sensei Kendall was teaching us the S-kick last week and that feeling of being uncoordinated returned. Again, this past week in our advanced class I was doing other techniques that made me feel equally uncoordinated and silly. However, this time the feeling did not last as long and as I got into the grove of things I began to pick up the concepts quicker.
Soke has always said that earning your black belt is the beginning. As I reach each level I understand that statement more and more.
My training has changed over the last 3 years. I started with doing nothing to just working on the basic techniques, then doing weight training, and lastly extreme cardio. I only worked on each one at a time for a period of time! Now my goal is to combine all of the above. I believe I have finally reached a fitness level where I can combine all of them into one week. It has taken 3 years, some injuries and work juggling family, homeschooling, administration but it's finally beginning to pay off.
I have much to learn before my next belt test and a level of fitness that I want to reach but I've got a plan!
We have a tournament coming up on March 26th. Let me know if you would like to come out and watch. It's free to attend and our demo team is going to be awesome.
Keep training!
Lisa
It's interesting as I reach a new phase in my training I feel like I am starting all over again. When I started I felt so uncoordinated and silly. Learning the techniques seemed so foreign to anything I had ever attempted to learn. This passed as I learned and progressed. Now, as an advanced belt learning advanced techniques I sometimes feel the same way. Sensei Kendall was teaching us the S-kick last week and that feeling of being uncoordinated returned. Again, this past week in our advanced class I was doing other techniques that made me feel equally uncoordinated and silly. However, this time the feeling did not last as long and as I got into the grove of things I began to pick up the concepts quicker.
Soke has always said that earning your black belt is the beginning. As I reach each level I understand that statement more and more.
My training has changed over the last 3 years. I started with doing nothing to just working on the basic techniques, then doing weight training, and lastly extreme cardio. I only worked on each one at a time for a period of time! Now my goal is to combine all of the above. I believe I have finally reached a fitness level where I can combine all of them into one week. It has taken 3 years, some injuries and work juggling family, homeschooling, administration but it's finally beginning to pay off.
I have much to learn before my next belt test and a level of fitness that I want to reach but I've got a plan!
We have a tournament coming up on March 26th. Let me know if you would like to come out and watch. It's free to attend and our demo team is going to be awesome.
Keep training!
Lisa
Thursday, February 10, 2011
You will be amazed at what you can do...
You will be amazed at what you can do…..
I started the advanced class this year. To be honest, I was a little intimidated about starting the class especially since we were beginning with a special guest instructor teaching us Brazilian Jujitsu. I just did not think I was flexible or quick enough to be able to keep up with the rest of the athletes in class. All of the advanced belts are in very good shape, younger, and weigh less than I do. The last thing I want to do is hold someone else back in class.
However, I surprised myself. I was actually able to do all of the techniques we learned. Again, it all goes back to technique. We hear that often in class. It is not about strength but more about technique. If you learn your techniques correctly, whatever you are doing will work every time. As a blue belt, you would think, I would have learned this lesson by now!
Don’t get me wrong, I have gained physical fitness since I started martial arts. I am in much better shape and stronger than I have ever been. It started slowly, but as I got better in class I began working out more outside of class. I wanted to continue to see improvement in my abilities as I learned more techniques. This spurred me into lifting weights, doing more cardio workouts and watching what I eat. The transition has been slow and I still have a long way to go. But each time I think, I’m not sure I am going to be able to do ____ I am actually able to. It’s exciting and exhilarating to continue to learn and push past my own insecurities and what I view as my physical limitations.
So, if you are just starting out or if you are thinking, “I’m not sure about doing that”, at least try. You may just surprise yourself too! You may need to start out slow as I did, but give yourself time. I tell people all the time, if I can do it and learn so can you.
Lisa
I started the advanced class this year. To be honest, I was a little intimidated about starting the class especially since we were beginning with a special guest instructor teaching us Brazilian Jujitsu. I just did not think I was flexible or quick enough to be able to keep up with the rest of the athletes in class. All of the advanced belts are in very good shape, younger, and weigh less than I do. The last thing I want to do is hold someone else back in class.
However, I surprised myself. I was actually able to do all of the techniques we learned. Again, it all goes back to technique. We hear that often in class. It is not about strength but more about technique. If you learn your techniques correctly, whatever you are doing will work every time. As a blue belt, you would think, I would have learned this lesson by now!
Don’t get me wrong, I have gained physical fitness since I started martial arts. I am in much better shape and stronger than I have ever been. It started slowly, but as I got better in class I began working out more outside of class. I wanted to continue to see improvement in my abilities as I learned more techniques. This spurred me into lifting weights, doing more cardio workouts and watching what I eat. The transition has been slow and I still have a long way to go. But each time I think, I’m not sure I am going to be able to do ____ I am actually able to. It’s exciting and exhilarating to continue to learn and push past my own insecurities and what I view as my physical limitations.
So, if you are just starting out or if you are thinking, “I’m not sure about doing that”, at least try. You may just surprise yourself too! You may need to start out slow as I did, but give yourself time. I tell people all the time, if I can do it and learn so can you.
Lisa
Saturday, November 13, 2010
The Blue Test
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
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
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
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
What makes a martial artist?
Learning techniques does not make one a martial artist. Hmmm, that's a bold statement isn't it? But, it is true. I learned that lesson last night the hard way. I had one of the hardest classes I've ever had and left class distraught and frustrated. Let me explain what happened.
We were doing a class on self defense; real life scenarios. What do you do in a confrontation and at what point do you actually engage an attacker to defend yourself? Learning martial arts you have a responsibility to your attacker because of the knowledge that you have. Your job is to gain control of the situation and maintain control. Control could be walking away, diffusing the situation with words, or in worse case, gaining control using physical techniques to submission.
I was feeling uncomfortable, but thought to myself, "I can do this". I had been feeling pretty good about my training in the past 2 years, however God certainly has a way of humbling you.
Initially, each student squared off with another to practice the worse case scenarios. I was concerned about keeping control of my punches, kicks, etc and not hurting a fellow student. I was afraid emotion would take over and I would not pull back enough or if I kicked in the wrong place someone could be hurt. One kick to a knee can do tremendous damage. In the first situation, I simply walked away. That was easy to do since I was faced off with my son. The next couple of times I worked with the younger kids. Let me tell you, they kick pretty hard.
When faced with an adult male who tried to grab me my first thought was a wrist lock but his hands were so large I didn't get it and I just stopped. My mind went blank and I didn't know what to do. You would think that with all of the techniques that I had learned, something would take over automatically, it didn't. The tension in the room by this time was in a very heightened state and there was a lot of yelling and chaos. This is by design by our Master Instructor.
My last set ending up me being with two of our adult male students pretending they were going to take me with them. We had just finished discussing pressure points and my mind was focused on trying to get one of them with a pressure point and force the other to back off but I couldn't get my hands on either one. I was so focused on that one technique all I could do was move around and try to stay out of their grasp. One of them slipped behind me and put his arm around my neck in a tight choke hold cutting off some of my air. My mind panicked and went to the recces of a similar dark time in my childhood. I was no longer with other students but in the past and fear took over. I didn't have the wherewith all to say stop and all of my training went out the door. When Soke saw that I didn't know what to do, he paused us and told me to focus on one of the attackers and not both. He instructed me to do a hip throw on the one holding me. I heard him as if I was in a tunnel and tried to process what he was saying. I tried the hip throw which I've done many times. I couldn't even do it correctly. My brain had shut down at this point and pure panic and fear was there instead. I was able to get out of his grasp and thankfully at that moment class ended. I had to leave the room as emotion overtook me. You may have heard of females that have been abducted that knew martial arts and wondered why didn't they defend themselves? I know understood why with complete clarity.
Remember my opening statement, knowing the techniques doesn't make you a martial artist, applying what you have learned does. Martial arts is not only a physical art but a mental art as well. Can you keep control of yourself in order to control the situation? As a female, can you keep your confidence and your wits about you to control the situation? And for me, as a child from an abusive background can you control the panic and fear?
It was a tough lesson. This morning I can sit and think, "Why didn't I do this or that?". I am frustrated that I didn't perform any of the things that I have learned over the past two years. In our intermediate classes Sensi often tells us, "You have learned the technique, now it's time to do it with speed and fluidity."
Last night showed me that I have such a long way to go and I'm far from being what I consider for me, "a true martial artist".
Love and Merry Christmas,
Lisa
ps. (Scott, we need to finish our demolition downstairs and get the gym back together, I have some training to do!)
We were doing a class on self defense; real life scenarios. What do you do in a confrontation and at what point do you actually engage an attacker to defend yourself? Learning martial arts you have a responsibility to your attacker because of the knowledge that you have. Your job is to gain control of the situation and maintain control. Control could be walking away, diffusing the situation with words, or in worse case, gaining control using physical techniques to submission.
I was feeling uncomfortable, but thought to myself, "I can do this". I had been feeling pretty good about my training in the past 2 years, however God certainly has a way of humbling you.
Initially, each student squared off with another to practice the worse case scenarios. I was concerned about keeping control of my punches, kicks, etc and not hurting a fellow student. I was afraid emotion would take over and I would not pull back enough or if I kicked in the wrong place someone could be hurt. One kick to a knee can do tremendous damage. In the first situation, I simply walked away. That was easy to do since I was faced off with my son. The next couple of times I worked with the younger kids. Let me tell you, they kick pretty hard.
When faced with an adult male who tried to grab me my first thought was a wrist lock but his hands were so large I didn't get it and I just stopped. My mind went blank and I didn't know what to do. You would think that with all of the techniques that I had learned, something would take over automatically, it didn't. The tension in the room by this time was in a very heightened state and there was a lot of yelling and chaos. This is by design by our Master Instructor.
My last set ending up me being with two of our adult male students pretending they were going to take me with them. We had just finished discussing pressure points and my mind was focused on trying to get one of them with a pressure point and force the other to back off but I couldn't get my hands on either one. I was so focused on that one technique all I could do was move around and try to stay out of their grasp. One of them slipped behind me and put his arm around my neck in a tight choke hold cutting off some of my air. My mind panicked and went to the recces of a similar dark time in my childhood. I was no longer with other students but in the past and fear took over. I didn't have the wherewith all to say stop and all of my training went out the door. When Soke saw that I didn't know what to do, he paused us and told me to focus on one of the attackers and not both. He instructed me to do a hip throw on the one holding me. I heard him as if I was in a tunnel and tried to process what he was saying. I tried the hip throw which I've done many times. I couldn't even do it correctly. My brain had shut down at this point and pure panic and fear was there instead. I was able to get out of his grasp and thankfully at that moment class ended. I had to leave the room as emotion overtook me. You may have heard of females that have been abducted that knew martial arts and wondered why didn't they defend themselves? I know understood why with complete clarity.
Remember my opening statement, knowing the techniques doesn't make you a martial artist, applying what you have learned does. Martial arts is not only a physical art but a mental art as well. Can you keep control of yourself in order to control the situation? As a female, can you keep your confidence and your wits about you to control the situation? And for me, as a child from an abusive background can you control the panic and fear?
It was a tough lesson. This morning I can sit and think, "Why didn't I do this or that?". I am frustrated that I didn't perform any of the things that I have learned over the past two years. In our intermediate classes Sensi often tells us, "You have learned the technique, now it's time to do it with speed and fluidity."
Last night showed me that I have such a long way to go and I'm far from being what I consider for me, "a true martial artist".
Love and Merry Christmas,
Lisa
ps. (Scott, we need to finish our demolition downstairs and get the gym back together, I have some training to do!)
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Overcoming fear
Have you ever tried something new to get over something you are afraid of? I use to do a lot of rock climbing. Sounds like fun right? Well, not if you are terrified of heights. The first time I went, my friends put me in a climbing harness, hooked me up with ropes and off I went. I actually did pretty good, because I was terrified of falling. Once I was about 50 feet in the air I found a ledge I could stand on and I was stuck! I was so afraid of falling all I could do was hang on and wonder what on earth I was going to do. My friends had to talk me down and it took some time. After that first climb, I learned that I had to climb up a few feet and then let go. This allowed me to gain the confidence that the ropes would hold if I slipped, and I could continue my climb.
So, what does this have to do with martial arts? Well, for me, the same holds true with ukemi. When you watch someone being thrown it looks painful! But, if you know ukemi it really doesn't. However, I have somewhat of a mental block on throwing myself on the ground. It takes me being thrown a couple of times for my brain to remember that I can do it and it really isn't bad. We were practicing a wrist lock into a throw the other night and the first time I had to be thrown I was really wondering if I was going to be able to do the roll correctly. After I had done it one time and realized I really can do this, I was fine. But, it took doing the first one for my brain to register, "hey, you can do this".
I write this to encourage you, if you are learning ukemi and it seems a little imtidating keep working on it. It gets easier the more that you do it and when you do land from a fall or throw you will find it really isn't as bad as it looks!
Keep practicing!
Lisa
So, what does this have to do with martial arts? Well, for me, the same holds true with ukemi. When you watch someone being thrown it looks painful! But, if you know ukemi it really doesn't. However, I have somewhat of a mental block on throwing myself on the ground. It takes me being thrown a couple of times for my brain to remember that I can do it and it really isn't bad. We were practicing a wrist lock into a throw the other night and the first time I had to be thrown I was really wondering if I was going to be able to do the roll correctly. After I had done it one time and realized I really can do this, I was fine. But, it took doing the first one for my brain to register, "hey, you can do this".
I write this to encourage you, if you are learning ukemi and it seems a little imtidating keep working on it. It gets easier the more that you do it and when you do land from a fall or throw you will find it really isn't as bad as it looks!
Keep practicing!
Lisa
Friday, November 13, 2009
It's not just for kids
When my family started martial arts 6 years ago, I would always tag along and watch; secretly wishing I could do what they were doing. I was pregnant at the time and after the baby was born, I continued taking the kids to class and watching each class. To stay involved with the kids, I began doing some administrative work for our instructor. It was fun to be a part of what they were doing. I would still watch the kids and wish I could do what they were doing. They looked like they were having so much fun. However, I never thought that I could do it, and as a perfectionist didn't have the courage to try. If I do something, I want to do it well and I just didn't think I could do martial arts.
Soke would often ask me when was I going to start class and I would just laugh at him and say, "well I have the baby so I can't". In January of 07, Soke hired a babysitter and I was out of excuses!
In the beginning, I was terrified that I would look stupid trying to do some of the things my children perfected. They made it look so easy. I was so afraid that I would embarrass my husband and children because I couldn't even run one lap without stopping. But I kept at it because I wanted to be a part of what they were doing.
One of the coolest moments I ever experienced was during my white belt test and I heard my kids yell out, "Come on Mom, you can do it". Usually I was the one cheering them on. There have been many great moments since and the friends that we have made will last a lifetime.
It's been two years since I started and I have earned my green belt. I am still doing the administration for the school and loving each and every class. The interesting thing that occured to me lately is that I'm no longer doing it for my kids but for myself. I don't mean that in a selfish way, but in the aspect of furthering my development as a person and a martial artist. I love our classes and learning the things we are learning and it's exciting to begin helping others get started.
Martial arts isn't just for kids. It's for anyone that wants to try. Don't worry about how you look, or how much you can do. Just go for it; If I can do it so can you.
Lisa
Soke would often ask me when was I going to start class and I would just laugh at him and say, "well I have the baby so I can't". In January of 07, Soke hired a babysitter and I was out of excuses!
In the beginning, I was terrified that I would look stupid trying to do some of the things my children perfected. They made it look so easy. I was so afraid that I would embarrass my husband and children because I couldn't even run one lap without stopping. But I kept at it because I wanted to be a part of what they were doing.
One of the coolest moments I ever experienced was during my white belt test and I heard my kids yell out, "Come on Mom, you can do it". Usually I was the one cheering them on. There have been many great moments since and the friends that we have made will last a lifetime.
It's been two years since I started and I have earned my green belt. I am still doing the administration for the school and loving each and every class. The interesting thing that occured to me lately is that I'm no longer doing it for my kids but for myself. I don't mean that in a selfish way, but in the aspect of furthering my development as a person and a martial artist. I love our classes and learning the things we are learning and it's exciting to begin helping others get started.
Martial arts isn't just for kids. It's for anyone that wants to try. Don't worry about how you look, or how much you can do. Just go for it; If I can do it so can you.
Lisa
Friday, October 30, 2009
Tournament Preprations
My kids do alot of prep prior to a tournament and the results of their hard work show. I have 53 trophies and medals in my hallway upstairs from the past 4 years. Ok, I'm bragging on them a bit, but a great deal of it is because of their work. They practice daily for weeks prior to a tournament. This dedication shows in class when they are practicing and in demonstrations. As with all things, they have alot to learn but I'm always so proud to watch them compete. They don't always win, and they are ok with that. It makes the ones that they do win all the sweeter.
Are you preparing to compete in the upcoming tournament? Are you as excited as they are? I hope so. It is a wonderful experience, although a bit nerve wracking. I competed once in our team demo competition and I was so nervous. I was terrified I would do something wrong and let the team down. Thankfully it went well and we won first place.
Tao Hsieh Wu Shu was never designed for competition. However, our students do so well and our forms are so beautiful we have a great record so far. We can thank Soke Geniesse and the others that helped put the forms together for this. Our system is different and each level is more technically changeling than most martial arts systems and in competition; it shows.
In class we spar to submission, and in tournaments it is point sparring, but due to the way we block we do very good in the sparring as well.
The next tournament is going to be different and I think all of our students will be challenged more than in the past. We cannot do any inverted moves in our traditional forms competition. Forms 3 and up all have some type of inverted move, so changes will need to be made. Otherwise, our students will need to compete in the XMA division, will we measure up in that division? You bet!
There will be a new section for our students to compete in this year: grappling. This will be an entirely new event for us to try. My oldest son is very excited about this.
I can't wait for this next tournament. It is going to be a lot of fun and I confident that all of our students are going to do great regardless of winning or not!
Good luck to everyone and I hope you are practicing.
Are you preparing to compete in the upcoming tournament? Are you as excited as they are? I hope so. It is a wonderful experience, although a bit nerve wracking. I competed once in our team demo competition and I was so nervous. I was terrified I would do something wrong and let the team down. Thankfully it went well and we won first place.
Tao Hsieh Wu Shu was never designed for competition. However, our students do so well and our forms are so beautiful we have a great record so far. We can thank Soke Geniesse and the others that helped put the forms together for this. Our system is different and each level is more technically changeling than most martial arts systems and in competition; it shows.
In class we spar to submission, and in tournaments it is point sparring, but due to the way we block we do very good in the sparring as well.
The next tournament is going to be different and I think all of our students will be challenged more than in the past. We cannot do any inverted moves in our traditional forms competition. Forms 3 and up all have some type of inverted move, so changes will need to be made. Otherwise, our students will need to compete in the XMA division, will we measure up in that division? You bet!
There will be a new section for our students to compete in this year: grappling. This will be an entirely new event for us to try. My oldest son is very excited about this.
I can't wait for this next tournament. It is going to be a lot of fun and I confident that all of our students are going to do great regardless of winning or not!
Good luck to everyone and I hope you are practicing.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
The art in martial
Prior to beginning martial arts, I did not think of it as an art form, but merely a way of fighting. As I continue to learn, I see more and more of the art form in the movements that we do. Just as in dance, the smallest of details can change the look of a form (kata). The position of your hands, where you are looking, and the depth of your stances all make a difference. Watching my daughter perform her form is like watching her dance. Her fluidity and grace are beautiful to watch.
A weapons form can be the same thing. Have you ever watched someone performing a form with fans? Beautiful....
When I began learning form 1 my focus was: a. remembering the direction I should turn and which hand to use (I still get confused!), b: putting power and intensity behind my punches.
The number of movements in form 2 were greater but the focus for me was still on getting the kicks and punches correct.
Form 3 added more movements from many of the different systems that we learn in Tao Hsieh Wu Shu and some of the movements were definitely more artsy.
Form 4 begins to look like a dance with many of the movements flowing from one to the other. You can truly see the grace in our style when watching this form.
This leads to question do our forms add more grace as they get harder or is the student beginning to gain an understanding of the movements? Soke Geniesse will often tell us to flow like water. I believe by the time you are learning form 4 this concept begins to sink in.
Amazing....
A weapons form can be the same thing. Have you ever watched someone performing a form with fans? Beautiful....
When I began learning form 1 my focus was: a. remembering the direction I should turn and which hand to use (I still get confused!), b: putting power and intensity behind my punches.
The number of movements in form 2 were greater but the focus for me was still on getting the kicks and punches correct.
Form 3 added more movements from many of the different systems that we learn in Tao Hsieh Wu Shu and some of the movements were definitely more artsy.
Form 4 begins to look like a dance with many of the movements flowing from one to the other. You can truly see the grace in our style when watching this form.
This leads to question do our forms add more grace as they get harder or is the student beginning to gain an understanding of the movements? Soke Geniesse will often tell us to flow like water. I believe by the time you are learning form 4 this concept begins to sink in.
Amazing....
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Plantar Fasciitis
Well, I've learned alot about feet in the past 3 months, and I really don't like feet! But, I have been struggling with plantar fasciitis and I've learned more than I ever wanted to.
First, let me explain what plantar fasciitis is, just in case you don't know. It's pronounced "plantar fash-eee-eye-tiss". This is the condition that occurs when the long fibrous plantar fascia ligament along the bottom of the foot develops tears in the tissue. This creates pain and inflammation.
Plantar fasciitis causes the inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament which runs along the bottom of the foot. The plantar fascia ligament is made of fibrous bands of tissue and runs between the heel bone and your toes and stretches with every step. Inflammation develops when tears occur in the tissue.
The pain can be a burning, stabbing, or aching. It is particularly painful in the morning when you first step on your foot. The ligaments tighten during the night and in the morning when you put pressure on it, the ligament stretches and creates an unbearable pain. After walking and stretching, the pain will subside until you have been on your feet awhile, then the pain returns.
Athletes most commonly develop this condition. Excessive running, jumping, or other activities can easily place repetitive or excessive stress on the tissue and lead to tears and inflammation, resulting in moderate to severe pain. Athletes who change or increase the difficulty of their exercise routines are also prone to overdoing it and causing damage.
One of the factors that contribute to plantar fasciitis is wearing incorrect shoes. In many cases, shoes either do not fit properly, or provide inadequate support or cushioning. While walking or exercising in improper shoes, weight distribution becomes impaired, and significantly stress can be added to the plantar fascia ligament.
This is exactly what happened to me. Usually, I go see my buddy Jeff Rainwater at the Big Peach Running store for my running shoes, but this time I opted to save some money. I went to the local wallyworld and bought cheap shoes, but justified it by buying some nice inserts. Later that Friday I went running with Sensi TJ and guess what, my foot began to hurt that night and hasn't stopped since. Lesson learned, don't run in cheap shoes even if you have good inserts.
I have struggled for almost 10 weeks now with my foot hurting! It has been frustrating because I feel like it has slowed my training down. I passed my green belt test with my foot taped, but let me tell you, I was in tears trying to hold the monkey stance because my foot hurt so bad!
So, what is the solution? ice, rest and new orthodic's for my shoes have helped. I'm still on the road to recovery and after the cost of the orthodic's I really wished I had just gone to see Jeff in the first place.
Lesson learned, shoes are very important! Don't make the same mistake I did. If you are getting shin splints, or your feet hurt while you are running or training trust me, your shoes have something to do with it. Find a shoe store that specializes in running and get properly fitted with a good shoe. You will be doing your feet a favor and you will save money in the long run.
Keep training,
Lisa
First, let me explain what plantar fasciitis is, just in case you don't know. It's pronounced "plantar fash-eee-eye-tiss". This is the condition that occurs when the long fibrous plantar fascia ligament along the bottom of the foot develops tears in the tissue. This creates pain and inflammation.
Plantar fasciitis causes the inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament which runs along the bottom of the foot. The plantar fascia ligament is made of fibrous bands of tissue and runs between the heel bone and your toes and stretches with every step. Inflammation develops when tears occur in the tissue.
The pain can be a burning, stabbing, or aching. It is particularly painful in the morning when you first step on your foot. The ligaments tighten during the night and in the morning when you put pressure on it, the ligament stretches and creates an unbearable pain. After walking and stretching, the pain will subside until you have been on your feet awhile, then the pain returns.
Athletes most commonly develop this condition. Excessive running, jumping, or other activities can easily place repetitive or excessive stress on the tissue and lead to tears and inflammation, resulting in moderate to severe pain. Athletes who change or increase the difficulty of their exercise routines are also prone to overdoing it and causing damage.
One of the factors that contribute to plantar fasciitis is wearing incorrect shoes. In many cases, shoes either do not fit properly, or provide inadequate support or cushioning. While walking or exercising in improper shoes, weight distribution becomes impaired, and significantly stress can be added to the plantar fascia ligament.
This is exactly what happened to me. Usually, I go see my buddy Jeff Rainwater at the Big Peach Running store for my running shoes, but this time I opted to save some money. I went to the local wallyworld and bought cheap shoes, but justified it by buying some nice inserts. Later that Friday I went running with Sensi TJ and guess what, my foot began to hurt that night and hasn't stopped since. Lesson learned, don't run in cheap shoes even if you have good inserts.
I have struggled for almost 10 weeks now with my foot hurting! It has been frustrating because I feel like it has slowed my training down. I passed my green belt test with my foot taped, but let me tell you, I was in tears trying to hold the monkey stance because my foot hurt so bad!
So, what is the solution? ice, rest and new orthodic's for my shoes have helped. I'm still on the road to recovery and after the cost of the orthodic's I really wished I had just gone to see Jeff in the first place.
Lesson learned, shoes are very important! Don't make the same mistake I did. If you are getting shin splints, or your feet hurt while you are running or training trust me, your shoes have something to do with it. Find a shoe store that specializes in running and get properly fitted with a good shoe. You will be doing your feet a favor and you will save money in the long run.
Keep training,
Lisa
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