KICKIN' IT! BLOG

Nothing is permanent.

A friend and I were chatting last week. I’ve had this friend for nearly 30 years and during that time, we’ve always come and gone, in and out of each other’s lives. At the end of the conversation he said “Well, I’ll see you again.” and he headed off on a big trip for the next few years. When he said that, we weren’t saying goodbye, we were just saying “See you later.” That moment, I realized that nothing, no matter how good or bad, is permanent.

Over the years, I’ve experienced really great highs and struggled through really tough lows, but none of them have lasted forever. Whatever I’ve been going through, has never lasted forever. I’m sure it’s the same for you too.

6 Ways Karate helps develop FOCUS!

Strong convictions loosely held.

Last week I had a conversation with someone and it reminded me of the importance of being open to change. It reminded me of the “Strong convictions, loosely held.” That it’s important that we be open to changing our minds.

Inevitably, we’re going to bump heads with someone. They’re going to see something one way and we’re going to see it another way. When this happens, I always think of two things.

3 Ways Karate Develops Discipline!

People often ask me about the ways karate develops discipline. Having taught martial arts for nearly 20 years I’ve spoken with thousands of people about why they’re beginning to train. What I’ve learned from that is that confidence, focus, discipline, and fitness are EASILY the four most popular reasons why people start.

Now, before I go any further, I have a couple of disclaimers. First, I don’t think that the style matters. You can get any and all of these benefits from Karate, Judo, Kung-fu, Tae Kwon Do, boxing or any other style that you study. The key to getting the benefits comes from enjoying your training and doing it for a long time. That can only happen if you like your school and teachers. If you can find a school that you enjoy training at, over time, you will definitely gain benefit from your training.

Trying to learn a new skill?

There’s a funny thing that happens when you’re trying to learn a new skill. I’ve experienced it a million times. I’ve seen it happen in class a million times. This week it happened again and it got me really thinking.

What happens when you’re learning a new skill is that you’ll have it one day and the next day you won’t. One day it looks like you’ve been doing it for your entire life and the next week it’s like you’ve never done it before. Sometimes, it’s really funny to see. Other times, it’s really hard to wrap your head around and incredibly frustrating.

When will we start sparring?

As a member of WAKO (World Association of Kickboxing Organizations), we are a part of a sports organization that is recognized by the Province of Ontario (PSO – Provincial Sports Organization). As a member of a PSO, we are now allowed to start making contact during our training.

We will begin reintroducing some drills that involve contact during the next few weeks, including self-defence, bags drills, partner work, and sparring. Initially, all these drills will be of low intensity as we reacquaint ourselves with working with a partner.

Are you looking at the wrong things?

A couple of weeks ago, a great opportunity came up for a friend of mine. It’s amazing, but then they said something that made me think they didn’t believe they had earned the opportunity. When they said this, I immediately thought that they were looking at the wrong things. That’s what this week’s message is all about.

So, this great opportunity comes up and all they can focus on are the reasons why they DON’T deserve it. Despite the fact that they’re a hard worker, great person and more, they couldn’t believe they had the chance to do something so cool.

How FAST can I get in shape?

Every year, around this time, people start looking in the mirror and thinking “I need to get in shape”. Inevitably, the next question that I get asked is, “How fast can I get in shape?” and “What’s going to get me in shape the fastest?”

What I believe is that it doesn’t acutally matter what you do to get in shape. What will get you in shape the fastest, is the activity that you enjoy the most and will do CONSISTENTLY. If you can find an activity that you enjoy doing and will do reguarly, that it what will get you in shape the fastest.

I don’t think I can do it.

We’ve all hit an obstacle at one point in our lives where we think “I can’t overcome this! I don’t think I can do it!”

A friend of mine owns a school and it’s amazing. The school is so full of positive vibes that it’s impossible not to feel amazing when you’re there. One day she told me a story about an experience that she had with one of her competitors and the advice she gave them and I knew that I had to share it with you.

Look for the Learning Opportunity

Martial arts are great at providing learning opportunities. If someone is looking to become a better version of themselves, the martial arts provides PLENTY of chance. Let me explain.

A friend of mine runs a really great school. There is nothing but positive vibes there. On top of that, she produces really great competitors. One time one of her competitors was facing another person and her competitor said “I don’t know if I can beat this person. I think they’re better than me.” My friend responded with what is now this week’s message of the week…