You all know by now (I hope!) that my students and I are committed to community activism through service projects and project-based leadership training, right? I've just discovered — and will continue to investigate — a new outlet and connection for our community service initiatives. Please take a few moments to check out Service Nation.
And, if you feel inspired to do so, sign their Declaration of Service. I did, and I challenge you to do the same!
Right now, some of my students are planning their community service projects. Right now, we are creating excitement and buzz in our community. Right now, we are, bit by bit, making the world a better place.
What more could I ask for?
This, I believe, is the ultimate expression of martial art!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Some Interesting Empathy Training
Last weekend both my wife and I wore infusion sets for an insulin pump to see which configuration will be most comfortable for our daughter Ava. For those who don't know, an infusion set is a small needle that gets inserted into the body which then connects to a tube that leads to an insulin pump. When Ava gets her pump, it will be attached to her 24 hours a day to deliver the insulin that will regulate her blood sugar. The pump itself is about the size of a pager -- not so bad for an adult, but for a 2-year-old it's HUGE.
She'll be on the pump for life, or until a cure for diabetes is found. We're all praying for that. By the way the JDRF Walk for A Cure is coming up: please donate if you can. One of my long-time karate training partners is participating in the walk. You can contribute to her walking page here.
Anyway, I wore two types of infusion sets -- one plastic, one metal -- throughout the weekend to get a sense of what wearing one full-time would feel like. It wasn't entirely comfortable, but it wasn't painful, either. In fact, I taught 3 karate classes last Saturday morning while wearing the sets: I was literally a walking pin cushion, but it didn't really affect my performance on the floor. I didn't tell my students what I was up to either, I guess because I wanted to prove to myself that my daughter would not be slowed down by this disease.
And Ava, my little hero, wore a set over the weekend too. She didn't have to, but she asked for it when she saw my wife and I wearing ours. So I imagine Ava's playground roughhousing won't be too interrupted once she's on the pump. But man, did she EVER scream when we took it off.
Such a brave little trooper!
She'll be on the pump for life, or until a cure for diabetes is found. We're all praying for that. By the way the JDRF Walk for A Cure is coming up: please donate if you can. One of my long-time karate training partners is participating in the walk. You can contribute to her walking page here.
Anyway, I wore two types of infusion sets -- one plastic, one metal -- throughout the weekend to get a sense of what wearing one full-time would feel like. It wasn't entirely comfortable, but it wasn't painful, either. In fact, I taught 3 karate classes last Saturday morning while wearing the sets: I was literally a walking pin cushion, but it didn't really affect my performance on the floor. I didn't tell my students what I was up to either, I guess because I wanted to prove to myself that my daughter would not be slowed down by this disease.
And Ava, my little hero, wore a set over the weekend too. She didn't have to, but she asked for it when she saw my wife and I wearing ours. So I imagine Ava's playground roughhousing won't be too interrupted once she's on the pump. But man, did she EVER scream when we took it off.
Such a brave little trooper!
Friday, September 12, 2008
So Much To Do, So Little Time!
Just a quick post today, folks. I've been so busy planning for the new studio I haven't had time to write — or sleep. Build out plans, paint colors, telephone installation, equipment ordering... Man, there's a lot that goes into this "running a dojo" thing!
In any case, the latest information on the progress at our new facility can be found here.
Last week's presentation at the local school went extremely well. Haven't had time to reflect on it, but I felt energized by speaking to a room full of educators about education!
I read Coach Tom's post from earlier this week, and I'm happy to announce that we've added a yoga program at our dojo. Check out the new yoga page here.
I'm coming up on the end of my UBBT, and I owe everyone a progress report. Coming soon!
In any case, the latest information on the progress at our new facility can be found here.
Last week's presentation at the local school went extremely well. Haven't had time to reflect on it, but I felt energized by speaking to a room full of educators about education!
I read Coach Tom's post from earlier this week, and I'm happy to announce that we've added a yoga program at our dojo. Check out the new yoga page here.I'm coming up on the end of my UBBT, and I owe everyone a progress report. Coming soon!
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