On January 13th Lucas and Cooper had successfully completed their Black Belt test which included doing kata for a hour and sparring for a hour. I think I learned a lot about what I have to complete at the end of my test just from observing. Now I know that I really need to work […]
In the early days of my Isshinryu journey, it was fairly common to hear references to Yin and Yang energy. For example, “Joe is aggressive, he has a lot of Yang energy.” Or, “Susan is very calm, she has a lot of Yin energy.” There’s more to the concept of Yin and Yang than I […]
Written by Phillip Debord
One of my many hobbies that I enjoy in my free time is archery. I’ve been doing archery since I got my first bow when I was 8 or 9. I love archery because it allows me to use my bow as a tool to learn patience and balance. When I was growing up Hawkeye […]
Written by Brody Hocking
I hope everyone has had a great holiday season, and a happy new year. My winter break has mainly consisted of me sitting at my desk and playing video games, and of course doing my pushups and situps, and now sleeping a lot. Being sick right now has most definitely made getting my miles, pushups, […]
Written by Jake Ross
Happy Holidays! These past two weeks have been very busy but very fun. On my first week of Christmas break I went down to Huntington Beach California to visit family for the Holidays. My family and I do this every year and it’s always nice to see them. I had a great time in Southern […]
Written by Lucas Grant
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas this year, I know I sure did. Every year around Christmas I get to see all my family that I don’t see very often and it makes me really happy when I am able to spend time with them. That is one of the best parts of Christmas […]
Written by Brody Hocking
This week was my first week of the hardest challenge I will ever face. My Black Belt test. So far I have felt extremely excited for this upcoming year but also a bit nervous too. I know I have so many people by my side and supporting me as much as they can and that […]
Written by Brody Hocking
I began my black belt test 12 days ago. It still doesn’t feel real that I have been allowed to begin this test. Over the next 13 months I must do 50,000 pushups and sit ups, complete a 1,000 mile journey, complete 1,000 acts of kindness, read 6 books, post weekly blogs, 12 video blogs, […]
Written by Jake Ross
It was my pleasure to spar with some of the black belt candidates on Saturday. Elan, Lucas, Jake, and Matt all demonstrated the heart, skill, and willingness that black belt candidates should possess. I enjoy being pushed myself and they did that. As a coach this year, I feel some of the same concerns I […]
Written by Phillip Debord
Today marks 1 full week completed of the One Heart Challenge black belt test. I am satisfied with my initial commitment to it but still anxious about keeping it up for 13 months. I also completed my 2nd marathon on 12/3. The race for me was also a big mental hurdle as there were several […]
Written by Matt Nedresky