Written by For a while now there have been litters of kittens that have been hanging around both my mom’s front patio arena and also my dad’s front patio. My mom loves cats and every time she sees a stray cat that hangs around our house she tries to capture it and take it to a cat … Continue reading “Fostering Kittens”
Written by Jake Ross
Today is day 181 of the test, or a little over 6 months. It feels crazy that these 6 months have gone by so quickly. I want to take this blog post to reflect a little bit on these last 6 months. This challenge is the most difficult thing I have ever done, and it … Continue reading “Six Months”
Written by Matt Nedresky
For all you math people out there, feel free to correct my attempt at being clever with the title. I just wanted to reflect on the push-ups and sit ups requirement for the blackbelt test. I am getting what I thought was over the daily allotment done nearly every day and I only feel I’m … Continue reading “Ups(Push + Sit)”
Written by Elizabeth Clark
Starting to get some consistency going again. I am still behind on my numbers but I am happy to be getting some sort of consistency back in. Spring/Summer months are busy for me. We are getting busier at the Wildlife Center. I try to take things one day at a time. And do what I … Continue reading “Consistency”
Written by Matt Nedresky
During our black belt class, we go over passages from The Book of Five Rings each week. This past week, we discussed “annoying” your opponent such in a way to keep them off guard during battle. “By striking unexpectedly and decisively at locations where the enemy is unprepared can unsettle their thoughts”. In other words, … Continue reading “Trying New Things”
Written by Elan Wilbur
I am facing a large challenge and postponement in my training. I went to the doctor about my hurt rib. Fortunately x-rays showed no fracture or brake. I have trouble taking deep breaths, sneezing, coughing, and laying down. It is painful. At least it is only a bruise. I have to take a little break … Continue reading “Challenges”
Written by Elan Wilbur
I received my black stripe on my belt this week. I am officially a black belt candidate. I have been training for it for over five months now. I am keeping up on all the training. The most challenging part for me is sparring. I sparred twice this week to make up time from last … Continue reading “Black Stripe”
Written by Jake Ross
About a week ago the school district released the start date for the upcoming school year, which will be my senior year of high school. School is scheduled to start a whole 8 days earlier than normal on monday august, 19th. School isn’t ending 8 days earlier either. Instead of the normal 180 days of … Continue reading “next year’s school schedule”
Written by Jake Ross
Next week, us juniors have to take SBAC/CAASPP testing. Of course this lines up perfectly to be right after AP testing which is kind of annoying. Next week is also AP makeup testing, which I don’t have to do, but I know people who do. It really is such unfortunate timing. There are four days … Continue reading “State Testing”
Written by Matt Nedresky
Yesterday, Sensei Oliver endowed a black stripe to my brown belt, indicating that I am officially in testing for my black belt. Even though I have been on the journey for a few months now, it felt more “real” seeing the black stripe on my belt. I (and 3 of my peers) are officially doing … Continue reading “Blackbelt Check-in”
