Got myself "back on the ball" this week, with training & diet. What a difference a couple of days can make! Still, in the last few days, I've been a little snippy and impatient... Could it be the cold weather? Work stress? The holiday crunch? Who knows, but I don't like who I've been over the last few days, and I'm in need of a major attitude adjustment.
On the bright side, this weekly journaling process serves to give myself a regular moment of reflective pause: Have I been living "on purpose" — in the present and working toward my goals — or am I lost in my own complaining and whining over the little things? This week, have I been my best self, or have I been self-centered?
Funny thing is, it's not only me who gets to decide. It's also those around me who have either enjoyed being around me, or who have suffered because of my lack of attention and awareness.
Playing with my daughter on the living room floor puts everything in perspective, and back in balance.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Friday, November 30, 2007
Be Grateful For Your Problems
I don't want to complain or whine in this entry (coach Tom hates that!), but it's been a tough week. Challenges at work, a minor crisis at home, several extra-long commutes, and a few unplanned expenses to boot. In all of the chaos and stress that this week introduced, my discipline broke down. I haven't done any physical training or stretching in the last 4 days, and my new habit of healthy eating has really taken a beating. I'm off my game, out of my routine, and feeling rather cranky about it all!
I did manage some quite time for meditation, though, and in a sudden insight, a little voice spoke to me and said, "Love your problems."
I'm learning that "what we resist, persists," so I'm trying to go with the flow and look for the lessons. And, I know darn well that there are many, many other MAJOR problems out there that I'm fortunate enough to NOT have to deal with. So I've been trying extra hard to smile, be kind, stay centered, and help others. Doing this takes my focus off of my petty little problems — even though they seem big right now. In fact, I believe my problems are life's way of encouraging me to grow.
Fall down seven times, get up eight. Right?
Tomorrow's another day, and the first day of a new month will be the perfect time for a fresh start.
I did manage some quite time for meditation, though, and in a sudden insight, a little voice spoke to me and said, "Love your problems."
I'm learning that "what we resist, persists," so I'm trying to go with the flow and look for the lessons. And, I know darn well that there are many, many other MAJOR problems out there that I'm fortunate enough to NOT have to deal with. So I've been trying extra hard to smile, be kind, stay centered, and help others. Doing this takes my focus off of my petty little problems — even though they seem big right now. In fact, I believe my problems are life's way of encouraging me to grow.
Fall down seven times, get up eight. Right?
Tomorrow's another day, and the first day of a new month will be the perfect time for a fresh start.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
It's Not About the Turkey!
I'm thankful for so many things this year, it would take far too long to list them all. Beyond family, health, home, friends, creature comforts, and all the "usual suspect" things we esteem with our gratitude around the holidays (holy days), this year I am especially grateful for my increased awareness, the superb assistance and advice I've received from both friends and perfect strangers, and the opportunity and ability to make a real difference in people's lives. I'm thankful for being inspired by the things, ideas, and people this UBBT process has exposed me to — this journey has been a real eye opener...I believe that Thanksgiving should be about THANKS and GIVING. On this holiday, I strongly feel — and wish to express — the gratitude for all of the blessings in my life. And I'm looking to contribute more, too: Gotta give back to keep all the energy moving!
I've started to set higher goals and make some positive changes in both my attitude and my actions. There can be no return to "normal" now!
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Conscious Eating, Spiritual Activation, and Saving the Planet
I recently read an article by Thich Nhat Hanh about the impact our diet can have on our environment. The article describes how producing livestock contributes to land degradation, greenhouse gas emissions, and water pollution. The message is clear: our eating habits are threatening our future.
My wife and I talked about the subject, and while we don't think we're heading toward strict vegetarianism, we both agreed that reducing our meat consumption is a good and positive action to take. We also agreed to replace more of the regular light bulbs in our house with energy-efficient ones.
I just purchased a Kleen Kanteen — a reusable, lightweight, stainless steel water bottle — to cut down on the amount of plastic I use and recycle, and to help reduce my exposure to the potentially hazardous chemicals that can leach into my drinking water from plastic containers.
This past weekend, I broke out my old Juiceman Juicer out of storage, and enjoyed some fresh, homemade juice made from organic fruit. The juicer is a real pain in the butt to clean (and it takes a LOT of fruit to make a few glasses), but the juice sure is tasty!
And I've recently discovered Peace Cereal – a nutritious, delicious, and organic cereal promoting a worthy cause. I don't want to sound like a commercial, but what a concept! And since breakfast is the most important meal of the day, I thought, why not create some good karma while I'm fueling up my body?
For years now, I've been a big fan of what has been called "Mobile University," and I frequently listen to CD audio programs in my car during my commute to and from work. My most recent acquisition: a program called "Spiritual Activation" by Julia Butterfly Hill, an environmental and social activist best known for living in a redwood tree for two years to keep it from being cut down. On the CD, Ms. Hill speaks about connection, gratitude, sacred space, and developing and increasing our social awareness. I'm only 20 minutes in, and I'm hooked.
Am I becoming a granola crunching, tofu-eating, tree-hugging hippie? Just maybe... I even updated our dojo website homepage this week.
Want to know what all this has to do with karate, martial arts, and "self-defense?"
Contact me!
My wife and I talked about the subject, and while we don't think we're heading toward strict vegetarianism, we both agreed that reducing our meat consumption is a good and positive action to take. We also agreed to replace more of the regular light bulbs in our house with energy-efficient ones.
I just purchased a Kleen Kanteen — a reusable, lightweight, stainless steel water bottle — to cut down on the amount of plastic I use and recycle, and to help reduce my exposure to the potentially hazardous chemicals that can leach into my drinking water from plastic containers.
This past weekend, I broke out my old Juiceman Juicer out of storage, and enjoyed some fresh, homemade juice made from organic fruit. The juicer is a real pain in the butt to clean (and it takes a LOT of fruit to make a few glasses), but the juice sure is tasty!
And I've recently discovered Peace Cereal – a nutritious, delicious, and organic cereal promoting a worthy cause. I don't want to sound like a commercial, but what a concept! And since breakfast is the most important meal of the day, I thought, why not create some good karma while I'm fueling up my body?
For years now, I've been a big fan of what has been called "Mobile University," and I frequently listen to CD audio programs in my car during my commute to and from work. My most recent acquisition: a program called "Spiritual Activation" by Julia Butterfly Hill, an environmental and social activist best known for living in a redwood tree for two years to keep it from being cut down. On the CD, Ms. Hill speaks about connection, gratitude, sacred space, and developing and increasing our social awareness. I'm only 20 minutes in, and I'm hooked.
Am I becoming a granola crunching, tofu-eating, tree-hugging hippie? Just maybe... I even updated our dojo website homepage this week.
Want to know what all this has to do with karate, martial arts, and "self-defense?"
Contact me!
Friday, November 9, 2007
Got some motivation this week!
A good friend of mine just sent me a You Tube link to some outtakes and trailers for a new Japanese karate action film called, "Black Belt." Now, I know the stuff in the film is precisely choreographed, but I can't watch it and not marvel at how GOOD these guys really are. The techniques and control the artists demonstrate is AMAZING! Makes me want to go out and train right now. Exactly the motivation I needed today!
See the You Tube film here.
Got some other motivation this week: my yoga instructor told me that she thought I was making progress in improving my flexibility. Now THAT was nice to hear — such a small compliment, and yet it made a HUGE difference in my outlook. I'm really enjoying the yoga class because it provides me with a weekly opportunity to do some "inner" and "outer" work. While holding some of the balance poses, I have no choice but to stay focused on where I am and what I'm doing RIGHT NOW.
It's a nice lesson for the "balance" I'm trying to achieve in the rest of my life.
See the You Tube film here.
Got some other motivation this week: my yoga instructor told me that she thought I was making progress in improving my flexibility. Now THAT was nice to hear — such a small compliment, and yet it made a HUGE difference in my outlook. I'm really enjoying the yoga class because it provides me with a weekly opportunity to do some "inner" and "outer" work. While holding some of the balance poses, I have no choice but to stay focused on where I am and what I'm doing RIGHT NOW.
It's a nice lesson for the "balance" I'm trying to achieve in the rest of my life.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
A Diet Challenge!
Halloween has come and gone. We didn't get much traffic at our house, so the candy that we bought for the neighborhood kids is still in the house. And as good as I've been with eating healthier in the last few weeks and months (more fruit, more water, less meat, less caffeine, and very little refined sugar), I'm finding it way too easy this week to dip into the sweet, chocolate leftovers!
So, I'm taking the extra bags of treats into the office to give them to my co-workers. I know they'll appreciate the snack, even though it's really a selfish act on my part to help keep me from binging. (So I suppose I can't really count this as an "Act of Kindness!")
And next year, it's granola bars for the Trick-Or-Treaters.
I hope they don't egg my house!
So, I'm taking the extra bags of treats into the office to give them to my co-workers. I know they'll appreciate the snack, even though it's really a selfish act on my part to help keep me from binging. (So I suppose I can't really count this as an "Act of Kindness!")
And next year, it's granola bars for the Trick-Or-Treaters.
I hope they don't egg my house!
Friday, November 2, 2007
You Never Know Who's Listening
I read a great quote the other day. Forgive me for not remembering who said it:
"People will forget what you did. People will forget what you said. But they'll never forget how you made them feel."
You never know who's listening to your words, or watching your actions, or when the impact of what you've done will come back to you. A while back I posted a article on my blog (http://jasongould.blogspot.com/) titled "The Price of a Beer in Boston." It was about a killing that took place in a bar over a spilled beer. Well, as fate would have it, people actually READ these blogs... This week I got a comment posted on my blog from the SISTER of the victim.
You never know who's listening to your words, or watching your actions. I'm so very blessed and grateful to be able to do what I do...
"People will forget what you did. People will forget what you said. But they'll never forget how you made them feel."
You never know who's listening to your words, or watching your actions, or when the impact of what you've done will come back to you. A while back I posted a article on my blog (http://jasongould.blogspot.com/) titled "The Price of a Beer in Boston." It was about a killing that took place in a bar over a spilled beer. Well, as fate would have it, people actually READ these blogs... This week I got a comment posted on my blog from the SISTER of the victim.
I just happened to be searching through the web and came across your blog on my brothers' murder. I think that is is a great that you are teaching your students how to defend themselves against a knife. I wish that my brother had the knowledge walking in to the six house bar the night he got stabbed eight times by Bernard Piscopo. Adam was one of ten children, he has lil brothers and sisters that find it hard to sleep at night knowing that their brothers murderer is out and about..knowing that he could stike again. Adam, 26 of Revere was the type of kid who was outgoing and courageous. He was the type that would never back down from a fight! I always told him "one day you will meet your match" do I regret that YES! I regret that cause he is gone...did he meet his match? NO! He met someone who knew nothing about self defense and who's pride was easily hurt. MY brother met metal. Fighting cause you enjoy the sport is great! Fighting cause you don't like someone is not worth it. It is not worth your life and you never know whether or not you are going to meet someone who had other plans for the night. I hope that justice will be served and my brothers murderer will be behind metal bars for the rest of his life. I wish you and your students the best and just wanted to say thank you!
Sincerely
Jenelle Rich
Revere, MA
Wow.
And here's another: Last week, I received another comment, on another of my blog posts, titled, "What the World Needs Now," which was about the Virginia Tech shootings:
Good on you Sensei and good on you jen,I have a mental illness, and understand all too well the barriers and stigma people face, Some are not strong enough to realise that the illness is only a part of them and need not consume all of who they are.So often we put people in a box and leave them to fend for themselves particularly in the case of mental illness.There needs to be more talk about this subject worldwide and slowly people will begin to see the person and not the illness.
I have found Karate a tremendous tool for me in coping with my illness,when i am training I am me and no one worries about who i am where i come from or that I have an illness.Learning Kata, forms and Kumite give me great focus and I have improved enormously under the guidance of my Senseis and my fellow karateka.Please keep talking to each other, encouraging eachother, for it is together that we can break down stigma.
Signed Mad and proud of it!!
You never know who's listening to your words, or watching your actions. I'm so very blessed and grateful to be able to do what I do...
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
On growth, weaknesses, and sticking your neck out
Some big changes in the dojo lately: New students, new flooring (OUCH! — $$$), a revised curriculum, and — hot button — a new ranking system.
In the process of "professionalizing" the dojo, I've expanded our ranking system to include one additional kyu rank at the intermediate stage. The Green Belt stage has traditionally been a marathon stage, where a lot of material is taught, and a lot of time elapses between belt tests. It's a gut-check. But I decided to add a new belt rank to break down the intermediate Green Belt stage into more digestible chunks so that the material will be more thoroughly practiced, mastered, and retained.
At the same time, I'm trying something new: I've modified the belt colors we use in the dojo over the last four years. I've done this for a number of reasons, but especially to give clearer indications of student progress as the dojo grows. I believe that making the change in the belt colors is the right thing to do for where the dojo is headed in terms of organization and professionalism, and I believe the change will help with student retention. The amount of time, effort, and technical knowledge that's required to earn a Black Belt in our dojo remains the same, but even so, the change in belt colors brought out a fair amount of confusion and resistance in my students.
Aha! ATTACHMENT has reared its ugly head — what an opportunity for GROWTH! In the middle of all of this, I asked myself, how attached am I to MY belt color? How can I reinforce in my students that all of our training is not about the BELT at all? Our training is about LIFE, the curve balls that life will throw you, and what we do with them. It's about trying new things. It's about gaining the confidence to run screaming away from the "comfortable" and the "familiar." Live to dare and to take risks — and to accept (with grace, gratitude, and humility) both the "awards" and "lumps" that come from risking.
Communicating this — LIVING THIS — is where my "karate" training lies. In part, anyway. I'm still learning I guess.
Striving to be free of what I wear around my waist, my "black" belt test is today.
And tomorrow.
I did one other thing, too — I'm still not sure if it was foolish or inspired. But at the end of class I asked my students what MY weaknesses were. Man, if you really want to grow, you should try this some time!
I'm still reeling from the punches.
In the process of "professionalizing" the dojo, I've expanded our ranking system to include one additional kyu rank at the intermediate stage. The Green Belt stage has traditionally been a marathon stage, where a lot of material is taught, and a lot of time elapses between belt tests. It's a gut-check. But I decided to add a new belt rank to break down the intermediate Green Belt stage into more digestible chunks so that the material will be more thoroughly practiced, mastered, and retained.
At the same time, I'm trying something new: I've modified the belt colors we use in the dojo over the last four years. I've done this for a number of reasons, but especially to give clearer indications of student progress as the dojo grows. I believe that making the change in the belt colors is the right thing to do for where the dojo is headed in terms of organization and professionalism, and I believe the change will help with student retention. The amount of time, effort, and technical knowledge that's required to earn a Black Belt in our dojo remains the same, but even so, the change in belt colors brought out a fair amount of confusion and resistance in my students.
Aha! ATTACHMENT has reared its ugly head — what an opportunity for GROWTH! In the middle of all of this, I asked myself, how attached am I to MY belt color? How can I reinforce in my students that all of our training is not about the BELT at all? Our training is about LIFE, the curve balls that life will throw you, and what we do with them. It's about trying new things. It's about gaining the confidence to run screaming away from the "comfortable" and the "familiar." Live to dare and to take risks — and to accept (with grace, gratitude, and humility) both the "awards" and "lumps" that come from risking.
Communicating this — LIVING THIS — is where my "karate" training lies. In part, anyway. I'm still learning I guess.
Striving to be free of what I wear around my waist, my "black" belt test is today.
And tomorrow.
I did one other thing, too — I'm still not sure if it was foolish or inspired. But at the end of class I asked my students what MY weaknesses were. Man, if you really want to grow, you should try this some time!
I'm still reeling from the punches.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Not too shabby for an old(er) guy!
Quick journal entry today — just got back from competing at an international karate tournament in Niagara Falls, Canada. Overall, I'm very happy with my performance in a tough division, especially since I haven't really competed — or trained for competition — since 1996 or so. Of course, there's still lots of room for improvement!!!
In the "nidan and up" empty-hand forms division, I tied for third place, but then lost the tiebreaker. I also placed second in the "nidan and up" weapons forms division. I'm still too young for the "senior" division, but many of my competitors were more than 10 years my junior. (Hey, am I already making excuses for my performance?)
A BIG thanks to Coach Tom for inspiring all the kata practice. Three times a day every day makes a big difference, and I was glad just to keep pace with the more serious competitors. (Did I mention they were younger, too? — ha ha !)
Some big lessons to take home with me, too: Being "in shape" and being "in sparring condition" are two very different things. I was soundly defeated in the sparring division by some highly-skilled folks. A great learning experience overall. More polishing and training ahead for me... I had 4 of my students with me, and it was their first tournament — a big one! They all did very well, too.
Attended a short seminar with Master Hidy Ochiai over the weekend. Wow. He's 68 years young and still AMAZING! An inspiring martial artist, and I was in awe just to be on the training floor with him. I'll remember this one for some time to come! And yes, Master Ochiai totally destroys my "age as an excuse" cop out... I guess I just need to train harder and smarter, and continue to improve, inch by inch! There are no shortcuts!
In the "nidan and up" empty-hand forms division, I tied for third place, but then lost the tiebreaker. I also placed second in the "nidan and up" weapons forms division. I'm still too young for the "senior" division, but many of my competitors were more than 10 years my junior. (Hey, am I already making excuses for my performance?)
A BIG thanks to Coach Tom for inspiring all the kata practice. Three times a day every day makes a big difference, and I was glad just to keep pace with the more serious competitors. (Did I mention they were younger, too? — ha ha !)
Some big lessons to take home with me, too: Being "in shape" and being "in sparring condition" are two very different things. I was soundly defeated in the sparring division by some highly-skilled folks. A great learning experience overall. More polishing and training ahead for me... I had 4 of my students with me, and it was their first tournament — a big one! They all did very well, too.
Attended a short seminar with Master Hidy Ochiai over the weekend. Wow. He's 68 years young and still AMAZING! An inspiring martial artist, and I was in awe just to be on the training floor with him. I'll remember this one for some time to come! And yes, Master Ochiai totally destroys my "age as an excuse" cop out... I guess I just need to train harder and smarter, and continue to improve, inch by inch! There are no shortcuts!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Making improvements -- everywhere!
Coach Tom has been challenging us to improve the quality of the people we hang out with. This week, I was fortunate enough to spend some time with Andy Mandell, a.k.a., "Mr. Diabetes." What a remarkable man! A diabetic, Andy is on the final legs of his perimeter walk of the United States. The focus of Andy's walk (The "Wake Up and Walk") tour is to raise awareness of diabetes, a terrible, but 100% PREVENTABLE disease that affects millions in our country alone. I'm happy to know Andy, and also to call him "teammate", as he has joined UBBT 5. Be sure to check out his website: www.defeatdiabetes.org.
In other news, I'm heading to Canada next week for a vacation and karate tournament. I'm looking forward to the time away with my family (balance!), but also to competing for the first time in YEARS. Win or lose, it'll be a great experience. I've been working on my kata and I'm ready to perform.
Beyond all the training, I've been working on the dojo, with a concerted effort to "professionalize" things with better systems, better processes, better equipment… better EVERYTHING. We've had six new students sign up for lessons, which is GREAT! I'll be introducing a revised curriculum and belt ranking system next month, and replacing the dojo flooring in December. Things are looking good!
In other news, I'm heading to Canada next week for a vacation and karate tournament. I'm looking forward to the time away with my family (balance!), but also to competing for the first time in YEARS. Win or lose, it'll be a great experience. I've been working on my kata and I'm ready to perform.
Beyond all the training, I've been working on the dojo, with a concerted effort to "professionalize" things with better systems, better processes, better equipment… better EVERYTHING. We've had six new students sign up for lessons, which is GREAT! I'll be introducing a revised curriculum and belt ranking system next month, and replacing the dojo flooring in December. Things are looking good!
Friday, September 28, 2007
The Weather's getting colder...
My Stats To Date:
Push ups: 10,300
Crunches: 10,300
Miles: 127.5
Kata Reps: 242
Man, this is tough! The numbers look imressive, but I'm actually falling a bit behind the pace on my crunches and push ups. It's not going to be any fun making those up! I really and truly don't have the time/opportunity to log as many miles as I'd like to, but the kata reps are going very well. (Getting ready for a tournament next month!)
My diet has improved quite a bit during my weekday lunches, but when Joy and I get home after a hard day's work, sit-down meals are a real challenge. With our 14-month-old, there's still laundry, bath time, story time... Who has the time and energy to cook, let alone eat!?!
I'm working on sparring with my intermediate-level students, so they're willing and able to go a few rounds with me every week. Gotta figure out a place to hang a heavy bag...
Push ups: 10,300
Crunches: 10,300
Miles: 127.5
Kata Reps: 242
Man, this is tough! The numbers look imressive, but I'm actually falling a bit behind the pace on my crunches and push ups. It's not going to be any fun making those up! I really and truly don't have the time/opportunity to log as many miles as I'd like to, but the kata reps are going very well. (Getting ready for a tournament next month!)
My diet has improved quite a bit during my weekday lunches, but when Joy and I get home after a hard day's work, sit-down meals are a real challenge. With our 14-month-old, there's still laundry, bath time, story time... Who has the time and energy to cook, let alone eat!?!
I'm working on sparring with my intermediate-level students, so they're willing and able to go a few rounds with me every week. Gotta figure out a place to hang a heavy bag...
They days are getting shorter... With less and less light, it seems harder to keep up the motivation. I've powered through a few rainy mornings to do my calisthenics, and we've had a couple of chilly mornings, too. (Although this week it's been back above 90 degrees.) Winter is on its way. Kata reps in the snow...? Yeech!
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Facing My Personal Nemesis
I hate yoga.
There! I said it. The truth is out!
Now, let me explain what I mean by "the truth:"
Yoga is my bugbear, my demon.. call it what you want — it's really hard for me! Even though I've trained in the martial arts for years and years, I'm physically very tight. My muscular flexibility and joint range of motion are two areas that I've constantly struggled with. And so I've avoided working on it — for years and years!
Downward dog? My mortal enemy!
Now, the truth is that I know how GOOD yoga is for me, mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually... I admire the art, it's practitioners, and all that yoga has to teach me. I subscribe to Yoga Journal. I even host yoga classes at my dojo. But the fact is I find it very challenging to face (and work with, and accept) my own physical limitations when I'm on the mat reaching for my toes and/or twisting my spine.
I've made significant improvements in recent years, but I've got a long way to go to get to where I'd like to be. And somewhere deep, down inside, I know that my physical inflexibility is probably a manifestation of a mental state. This is something I need to work on, a barrier I need to break through!
What better opportunity for growth could I ask for? I've added weekly yoga training to my UBBT.
There! I said it. The truth is out!
Now, let me explain what I mean by "the truth:"
Yoga is my bugbear, my demon.. call it what you want — it's really hard for me! Even though I've trained in the martial arts for years and years, I'm physically very tight. My muscular flexibility and joint range of motion are two areas that I've constantly struggled with. And so I've avoided working on it — for years and years!
Downward dog? My mortal enemy!
Now, the truth is that I know how GOOD yoga is for me, mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually... I admire the art, it's practitioners, and all that yoga has to teach me. I subscribe to Yoga Journal. I even host yoga classes at my dojo. But the fact is I find it very challenging to face (and work with, and accept) my own physical limitations when I'm on the mat reaching for my toes and/or twisting my spine.
I've made significant improvements in recent years, but I've got a long way to go to get to where I'd like to be. And somewhere deep, down inside, I know that my physical inflexibility is probably a manifestation of a mental state. This is something I need to work on, a barrier I need to break through!
What better opportunity for growth could I ask for? I've added weekly yoga training to my UBBT.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Trying to not compare myself to others
I want to help develop "artists of life" and help people achieve their personal goals, AND I want to grow my martial arts school into a viable business! It can be done!
Since part of my personal UBBT challenge is building and growing my school (can I double our student membership by the spring?), I've been working very hard at improving enrollment for my next adult karate beginner's session, which starts on 9/29 by posting craigslist ads, pushing student referrals, placing listings in the community news sections of local papers, etc. I'm printing up new flyers to distribute, and I'm collaborating with one of the local adult ed organizations.
I spent all of last Sunday with Master Chris Rappold at his business development seminar. Ever seen his dojo? Holy cow, it's beautiful! And more than that, it's full of students. I'm trying not to compare myself with Chris and the others in attendance (mostly multiple-school owners with hundreds of students), but it's hard not to!
Seeing and sitting with other successful dojo operators was a motivating experience... talk about seeking out masters! There's no reason why I can't be as successful as the others at the seminar... the only thing holding me back is ME!
Chris gave all of us some good suggestions, which I'm trying to wrap my head around and implement. I've been training like a wild man, too — going to a tournament in Canada at the end of next month, and competing for the first time in about a decade!
Since part of my personal UBBT challenge is building and growing my school (can I double our student membership by the spring?), I've been working very hard at improving enrollment for my next adult karate beginner's session, which starts on 9/29 by posting craigslist ads, pushing student referrals, placing listings in the community news sections of local papers, etc. I'm printing up new flyers to distribute, and I'm collaborating with one of the local adult ed organizations.
I spent all of last Sunday with Master Chris Rappold at his business development seminar. Ever seen his dojo? Holy cow, it's beautiful! And more than that, it's full of students. I'm trying not to compare myself with Chris and the others in attendance (mostly multiple-school owners with hundreds of students), but it's hard not to!
Seeing and sitting with other successful dojo operators was a motivating experience... talk about seeking out masters! There's no reason why I can't be as successful as the others at the seminar... the only thing holding me back is ME!
Chris gave all of us some good suggestions, which I'm trying to wrap my head around and implement. I've been training like a wild man, too — going to a tournament in Canada at the end of next month, and competing for the first time in about a decade!
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
On Acts of Kindness
Okay, I admit it: I haven't "exactly" been tracking my acts of kindness. Now, don't get me wrong, I've been doing them, I just haven't been writing them down every day (like I'm supposed to be doing). But I'm pretty sure I get at least three AOKs in during the course of each day.
There's one AOK that I do every day: Each and every time I go into the park across the street from my house — and I'm usually in there two times a day — I pick up some trash. Sometimes I pick up a lot (like the other day, when I cleaned up a full barrell of garbage that someone knocked over on purpose); sometimes I pick up an empty soday can, or a plastic bag, or some broken glass.
It's a never-ending battle, and sometimes it seems uphill. Every day I pick something up, and every day there's something new that wasn't there the day before. It's frustrating, but I know my efforts are worth something. It reminds me of a passage I read recently in the Tao Te Ching:
In the end, I simply try to leave the park a little bit better than it was when I walked in. My daughter sees me doing this, and I know I'm setting a positive example.
Sometimes I pick up newspapers off one of the park benches, even though I know they served as a blanket for some homeless person who spent the night sleeping there. Even in my cleaning I feel a pinch of compassion.
This week, I picked up a small notebook for writing down my daily AOKs. And in the back, I've started a list of things to be grateful for. "A bed to sleep in every night" made the list today.
There's one AOK that I do every day: Each and every time I go into the park across the street from my house — and I'm usually in there two times a day — I pick up some trash. Sometimes I pick up a lot (like the other day, when I cleaned up a full barrell of garbage that someone knocked over on purpose); sometimes I pick up an empty soday can, or a plastic bag, or some broken glass.
It's a never-ending battle, and sometimes it seems uphill. Every day I pick something up, and every day there's something new that wasn't there the day before. It's frustrating, but I know my efforts are worth something. It reminds me of a passage I read recently in the Tao Te Ching:
What is a good man but a bad man's teacher?
What is a bad man but a good man's job?
If the teacher is not respected
and the student not cared for,
confusion will arise, however clever one is.
This is the great secret.
In the end, I simply try to leave the park a little bit better than it was when I walked in. My daughter sees me doing this, and I know I'm setting a positive example.
Sometimes I pick up newspapers off one of the park benches, even though I know they served as a blanket for some homeless person who spent the night sleeping there. Even in my cleaning I feel a pinch of compassion.
This week, I picked up a small notebook for writing down my daily AOKs. And in the back, I've started a list of things to be grateful for. "A bed to sleep in every night" made the list today.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Anger Management, Meditation Centers, and the Tao
Another busy week. At Coach Tom's suggestion, I've enrolled in an online Anger Management course. It's not that I have an anger problem, but as a self-defense instructor, I have a role to play in helping people recognize when destructive anger is rising in them, and also to give them some tools to manage their anger and express it constructively. This course will help me be a better, more informed, and more empathic teacher. What a great concept! And yes, every once in a while, I get angry. Everyone does. I'm sure that through this course, I'll learn a few new skills myself!
In further exploration of meditation practices, I spent some time at The Center at Westwoods this week. It's an amazingly peaceful place dedicated to individual inner growth and healing. I sat in meditation by the "moss pond," enjoyed the cool silence of the "goddess cistern," walked the grounds and gardens, and spent some time in the library in the main hall. I'm currently reading from Wayne Dyer's new adaptation/interpretation of the Tao Te Ching, titled, "Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life." I've read the TTC before — I have several different translations of it in my dojo library — but this annotated version has been extremely interesting and educational. Each of the 81 verses of the TTC is accompanied by an essay for study, contemplation, and meditation.
In further exploration of meditation practices, I spent some time at The Center at Westwoods this week. It's an amazingly peaceful place dedicated to individual inner growth and healing. I sat in meditation by the "moss pond," enjoyed the cool silence of the "goddess cistern," walked the grounds and gardens, and spent some time in the library in the main hall. I'm currently reading from Wayne Dyer's new adaptation/interpretation of the Tao Te Ching, titled, "Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life." I've read the TTC before — I have several different translations of it in my dojo library — but this annotated version has been extremely interesting and educational. Each of the 81 verses of the TTC is accompanied by an essay for study, contemplation, and meditation.
Next week, I begin teaching karate to 4th and 5th grade children at the Gardner Extended Services School as part of their enrichment curriculum. I'm looking forward to teaching — and learning from — the kids. The classes I'll be teaching will have a particular emphasis on building character, discipline, self-confidence, teamwork, and leadership ability. Each class will include physical instruction in traditional karate — using equipment as appropriate — as well as short, informal discussions ("mat chats") on character, self-defense, and other related subjects. I have some interesting ideas to try out, including seeking teacher and parent involvement to ensure that the behaviors and attitudes that are expected during the karate class are being satisfactorily demonstrated at home and in the classroom. Wish me luck!
Trying to grow the school, too. I've written a short article, "Learning to Punch Like a Girl," about the women who train at my dojo for a local online magazine called Misstropolis. It's already live on my "Martial Musings" blog, but I hope the additional exposure on this new website will result in some new inquiries! I've made up about 1,000 new dojo flyers and will distribute as many as I can over the weekend.
Still pushing hard on the physical side, too. I've got to total all my stats and see where things stand. On an interesting note, I bumped into my neighbor, who read about my participation in the UBBT in the local paper. She mentioned that her kids have seen me in the park in the mornings, doing my push ups, crunches, and kata repetitions in the park. Yikes, I'm being watched...!
Good! PLEASE HELP KEEP ME HONEST, EVERYONE!!!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Relationships Come First!
As I continue to plug away at my UBBT tasks, it has become suddenly and painfully apparent to me that keeping everything in BALANCE is an important part of this test. We cannot afford to be martial artists in a vacuum! Even though I'd love to live a life in which I trained and studied martial arts 16 hours a day (I know many of my UBBT teammates understand this level of passion), I've come to the realization that we need to be come Artists of Life — in the REAL WORLD.
Now, I know that this point seems obvious to anyone reading this post, but it's true — and I don't understand why or how it wasn't glaringly obvious to ME:
Building, maintaining, nurturing, and strengthening our RELATIONSHIPS is far more important than building our muscles, our skills, our knowledge, or our schools.
For what happens if I "pass" this Ultimate Black Belt Test and satisfy all the requirements, but have no one to celebrate with? What happens if I fail this test (perish the thought — I WILL NOT FAIL!), and have no one to cry with? Victory or defeat, what a hollow feeling that would be!
From this point forward, relationships come first. If I can focus on this point and honor it every day of my test, every other requirement will be a piece of cake.
(Special thanks to my wife, Joy, for pointing these things out to me. You are a great teacher. Thank you and I love you!)
Now, I know that this point seems obvious to anyone reading this post, but it's true — and I don't understand why or how it wasn't glaringly obvious to ME:
Building, maintaining, nurturing, and strengthening our RELATIONSHIPS is far more important than building our muscles, our skills, our knowledge, or our schools.
For what happens if I "pass" this Ultimate Black Belt Test and satisfy all the requirements, but have no one to celebrate with? What happens if I fail this test (perish the thought — I WILL NOT FAIL!), and have no one to cry with? Victory or defeat, what a hollow feeling that would be!
From this point forward, relationships come first. If I can focus on this point and honor it every day of my test, every other requirement will be a piece of cake.
(Special thanks to my wife, Joy, for pointing these things out to me. You are a great teacher. Thank you and I love you!)
Thursday, August 16, 2007
What A Week This Has Been!
I took an hour out of the office to attend a meditation seminar by Shivabalananda, a meditation master from India. I went in very skeptical, mostly due to my unfamiliarity with the Indian culture, I suppose. The session had a strong spiritual theme, too, which I was a little uncomfortable with, but open minded about. You see, my personal meditation practice has always been very informal and VERY private, so sitting still and silent with my eyes closed in a room full of strangers (most of whom were dressed in traditional Indian garb) was more than just a few paces outside of my comfort zone. (Did I mention the vibhuti (sacred ash) that Shivabalananda's assistant placed on everyone's forehead?) When I meditate, I usually sit for no more than 10 or 15 minutes at a time, so a full 45-minute silent meditation was definitely a stretch for me, both physically and mentally. With the longer session, I went through a fairly intense period of "rejection" that must have lasted for about 25 minutes. But after that, my body FINALLY found a comfortable position, and my mind stopped wandering and resisting the silence quite so much. Once I settled down, I felt very peaceful — and free to explore my mind with curiosity. (I'd call it a "mental safari.") I definitely learned "something," but I'm having a hard time articulating exactly WHAT. There's more to explore here, for sure.
I taught a self-defense class for a group of blind young adults at the Carroll Center for the Blind on Wednesday evening. Amazing! This was absolutely one of the most personally rewarding things I've ever done — a personal victory! The students (ages 14-20) were the most energetic, positive, enthusiastic, appreciative, and polite group of young folks I've ever been around. And with a little training, MAN can they hit! It was a challenge to adapt my teaching methods for the audience, but everything fell into place in short order. I know the students left the training with a little more confidence. I left the training on CLOUD NINE. I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity, and I hope to do more training at the center in the future. WOW!
My physical training has been going well, although I think I somehow sprained my wrist. I've had to cut out doing push-ups this week to give my injury time to heal. I'm sure there will be other bumps and bruises that I'll have to deal with — this is a pretty minor annoyance that's hardly worth mentioning, except that I've started to see and feel results from my efforts, and I don't want to backslide! I've signed up for noontime yoga classes at work, too. They start next month.
I taught a self-defense class for a group of blind young adults at the Carroll Center for the Blind on Wednesday evening. Amazing! This was absolutely one of the most personally rewarding things I've ever done — a personal victory! The students (ages 14-20) were the most energetic, positive, enthusiastic, appreciative, and polite group of young folks I've ever been around. And with a little training, MAN can they hit! It was a challenge to adapt my teaching methods for the audience, but everything fell into place in short order. I know the students left the training with a little more confidence. I left the training on CLOUD NINE. I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity, and I hope to do more training at the center in the future. WOW!
My physical training has been going well, although I think I somehow sprained my wrist. I've had to cut out doing push-ups this week to give my injury time to heal. I'm sure there will be other bumps and bruises that I'll have to deal with — this is a pretty minor annoyance that's hardly worth mentioning, except that I've started to see and feel results from my efforts, and I don't want to backslide! I've signed up for noontime yoga classes at work, too. They start next month.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Cleaning Up My Diet
This past week, I sat down with Jill Braverman, an acquaintance of mine who is also a holistic health counselor. As part of my initiative to clean up my diet during my UBBT, I talked with Jill about diet and nutrition and my eating habits. Jill introduced me to the concept of "primary and secondary foods." According to Jill, primary foods include love, hugs, meditation, self-expression, tears, nature, downtime, close friends, and play. These things all feed our souls and our hunger for living.
Primary foods are things that feed us, but they don't come on a plate. Secondary foods, on the other hand, are the things we actually put into our mouths to chew and swallow.
According to this theory, the more primary food we receive, the less we'll depend on secondary food. The opposite is also true: the more we fill ourselves with secondary food, the less we are able to receive the primary foods of life. This certainly puts a new spin on the way I "eat!"
Primary foods are things that feed us, but they don't come on a plate. Secondary foods, on the other hand, are the things we actually put into our mouths to chew and swallow.
According to this theory, the more primary food we receive, the less we'll depend on secondary food. The opposite is also true: the more we fill ourselves with secondary food, the less we are able to receive the primary foods of life. This certainly puts a new spin on the way I "eat!"
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Falling Into a Rhythm
My Stats To Date:
Push ups: 3,000
Crunches: 3,000
Miles: 27.5
Kata Reps: 65
Falling into a rhythm now — I'm really enjoying my morning routine in the park: Every morning at about 7:00am, there's a group of 60-70 year old Chinese women doing chi-kung exercises by the ballfield. There's usually 7 or 8 of them moving and talking togehter, and when I come along, they stop to fawn over my daughter while I do my crunches on the bleachers. I don't speak a word of Chiense, and they don't speak any English, but still communication is easy. (One morning last week, they even presented me with a package of teething buiscits for Ava — how sweet!)
There are other now-familiar faces in the early-morning, too:
I often spy a man and woman doing Yang-style tai chi (long form) together on the tennis courts. Their tai chi is beautiful and graceful (although their tennis is unforgivingly awful!) ; An older gentleman does kung fu by the tot-lot; still another man stands on the park green in silent, standing meditation. It's an interesing gathering of martial artists! Who knew?
There are others whom I see every morning, too: People on their way to work; a handful of dog walkers; A Russian man walking and doing calisthenics; kids enrolled in summer school pass by and wave or pet my dog while I do my push-ups.
I'm reading "Touching Peace" by Thich Nhat Hanh and enjoying it. Also reading "The Book of Tea" by Kakuzo Okakura. Reminds me of the ceremonies I attended with Master Kaji Aso at the House of Flower Wind before he passed away.
Push ups: 3,000
Crunches: 3,000
Miles: 27.5
Kata Reps: 65
Falling into a rhythm now — I'm really enjoying my morning routine in the park: Every morning at about 7:00am, there's a group of 60-70 year old Chinese women doing chi-kung exercises by the ballfield. There's usually 7 or 8 of them moving and talking togehter, and when I come along, they stop to fawn over my daughter while I do my crunches on the bleachers. I don't speak a word of Chiense, and they don't speak any English, but still communication is easy. (One morning last week, they even presented me with a package of teething buiscits for Ava — how sweet!)
There are other now-familiar faces in the early-morning, too:
I often spy a man and woman doing Yang-style tai chi (long form) together on the tennis courts. Their tai chi is beautiful and graceful (although their tennis is unforgivingly awful!) ; An older gentleman does kung fu by the tot-lot; still another man stands on the park green in silent, standing meditation. It's an interesing gathering of martial artists! Who knew?
There are others whom I see every morning, too: People on their way to work; a handful of dog walkers; A Russian man walking and doing calisthenics; kids enrolled in summer school pass by and wave or pet my dog while I do my push-ups.
I'm reading "Touching Peace" by Thich Nhat Hanh and enjoying it. Also reading "The Book of Tea" by Kakuzo Okakura. Reminds me of the ceremonies I attended with Master Kaji Aso at the House of Flower Wind before he passed away.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
So Far, So Good!
My Stats To Date:
Next week, I start running again. Logging 1,000 miles seems impossible... Coach Tom, when do I sleep?!?! I'm counting dojo training as sparring time, getting "real" rounds in whenever I can. As for the boxing and BJJ? I have no idea how I'm going to fit that stuff in. Like a few of my teammates, I am NOT a full-time instructor, so I guess I'll just have to get creative! I know I'm "doing" daily acts of kindness, but I've got to get cracking on keeping better track of them. Periods of meditation have been brief, but relaxing. This is a lot of stuff to cram into a day!
I'm keeping a closer eye on my diet now, which means I'm frequenting the salad bar more often during my lunch breaks. I've stopped drinking coffee, too, replacing it with green tea. (My students had a good laugh when I told them that a soy milk green tea latte was my new guilty pleasure!)
Support from my fellow UBBT team members has been great so far: Hal Gustin was in town this week and he dropped by my tiny dojo to train with my students and me. Thanks, Hal!
So far, so good!
- Push ups: 1,500
- Crunches: 1,500
- Miles: 12.5
- Kata Reps: 30
Next week, I start running again. Logging 1,000 miles seems impossible... Coach Tom, when do I sleep?!?! I'm counting dojo training as sparring time, getting "real" rounds in whenever I can. As for the boxing and BJJ? I have no idea how I'm going to fit that stuff in. Like a few of my teammates, I am NOT a full-time instructor, so I guess I'll just have to get creative! I know I'm "doing" daily acts of kindness, but I've got to get cracking on keeping better track of them. Periods of meditation have been brief, but relaxing. This is a lot of stuff to cram into a day!
I'm keeping a closer eye on my diet now, which means I'm frequenting the salad bar more often during my lunch breaks. I've stopped drinking coffee, too, replacing it with green tea. (My students had a good laugh when I told them that a soy milk green tea latte was my new guilty pleasure!)
Support from my fellow UBBT team members has been great so far: Hal Gustin was in town this week and he dropped by my tiny dojo to train with my students and me. Thanks, Hal!
So far, so good!
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Jump and the Net Will Appear
I must be crazy, but I've just signed up to participate in The Ultimate Black Belt Test — a grueling yearlong examination that consists of challenges that are designed to create physical, mental, emotional and spiritual breakthroughs. It's going to be quite an adventure!
A successful test involves completing — among many other things — the following in the course of one year:
I know that with all that's going on in my life that I won't be able to complete "every" requirement "exactly" as it's prescribed on the list, but I'll be working closely with Coach Tom Callos to customize my test so that it is challenging and meaningful — and LIFE ALTERING!
This is a fantastic opportunity to accelerate my own personal growth and development through martial arts-based training. But beyond that, it's a wonderful way for me to lead by example and to inspire my students and others in my community to go beyond the limits that they have set for themselves.
My goals?
Through this test, I want to become the martial artist I've always wanted to be. That means making massive improvements in my techniques, forms, and stances, as well as increasing my flexibility, strength, and endurance. As Coach Tom says, being in the Ultimate Black Belt Test means becoming the ultimate student.
I also want to become more of the person I've always wanted to be. I want to grow my dojo in size and membership so that I'm able to meet and inspire and serve more people. I want to learn more about myself and my place in the world, and to make some positive contributions to it. I want to be more connected, more cognizant, and more compassionate. I hope this test will help with these things and more!
It will be interesting to see how I come out on the other side. Wish me luck! Please check back here often to see how I'm doing — and to keep me honest!
A successful test involves completing — among many other things — the following in the course of one year:
- 52,000 push ups and crunches
- 1,000 miles of running/walking
- 15 minutes of daily meditation for a year
- 1,000 acts of kindness
- 1,000 repetitions of a single kata
You can check out the full list of UBBT requirements here.
Now, I haven't completely lost my mind, but I must be pretty close! Actually, I've been thinking about doing this for a long time, and I finally realized that the "perfect" time to get on board is never going to come.I know that with all that's going on in my life that I won't be able to complete "every" requirement "exactly" as it's prescribed on the list, but I'll be working closely with Coach Tom Callos to customize my test so that it is challenging and meaningful — and LIFE ALTERING!
This is a fantastic opportunity to accelerate my own personal growth and development through martial arts-based training. But beyond that, it's a wonderful way for me to lead by example and to inspire my students and others in my community to go beyond the limits that they have set for themselves.
My goals?
Through this test, I want to become the martial artist I've always wanted to be. That means making massive improvements in my techniques, forms, and stances, as well as increasing my flexibility, strength, and endurance. As Coach Tom says, being in the Ultimate Black Belt Test means becoming the ultimate student.
I also want to become more of the person I've always wanted to be. I want to grow my dojo in size and membership so that I'm able to meet and inspire and serve more people. I want to learn more about myself and my place in the world, and to make some positive contributions to it. I want to be more connected, more cognizant, and more compassionate. I hope this test will help with these things and more!
It will be interesting to see how I come out on the other side. Wish me luck! Please check back here often to see how I'm doing — and to keep me honest!
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