This week marks the end of the second month of my test. The physical parts of the test have been easier, and the sparring rounds I am doing with Sensei Chris Hadlock have been very fun but also challenging. His style of fighting is very different from what I am used to and it is […]
This week has been very exciting! I started my first job on Sunday at the Unitarian church here in Auburn. Also, I was finally able to get my Driving Permit! Now, I need to take a driving lesson so I can drive on surface streets. Along with the 3-day weekend has come time to start […]
Written by Cooper Riegel
This week was packed full of new (and old) karate experiences. There was a tournament up here in Auburn at Master Bennati’s dojo. This was the first time I had been back there since I came to Zen in 2020. I was very nervous at first coming back to the place I trained originally from […]
Written by Cooper Riegel
Wow. To say I am impressed with Dirk and David is an understatement. I am very grateful to have been involved in their test and it was amazing seeing what lies ahead for me and Lucas. When they began their tests, I wasn’t able to imagine the dedication and willpower this test requires. Now that […]
Written by Cooper Riegel
One of my favorite parts of this test has been the 1000 Mile Journey. It has been getting me out into nature and I am very happy about that. There is so much to see and I have definitely gotten more motivation to go outside. I took this photo on top of Mt. Lincoln while […]
Written by Cooper Riegel
Being a Black Belt – What does that mean to me? It is difficult to explain to someone who has not practiced a martial art. Some of my family and friends will be with me at the dojo to support me during my test and I appreciate that a lot. They all know what the […]
Written by Dirk Herfurth
What it means to be a black belt (…should I pass!) Setting a goal and sticking to it! No quitting, no excuses! In my very early days at the beginning of my training sensei made a comment about putting a picture of a black belt on the refrigerator as a reminder of the goal. It […]
Written by David Brezinski
As the New Year begins, I find myself reflecting on the past year and all that it has brought me. It’s been a long journey filled with hard work, dedication, and perseverance, but it has all been worth it. The past year has been filled with countless hours of training, sweat, sore muscles, and aching […]
Written by Dirk Herfurth
“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” – Martin Luther King Timely and poignant, isn’t it? Next week we celebrate and honor an amazing man whose legacy, his memory, is a critical part of our collective history. The struggle he confronted head-on, the perseverance he demonstrated and actioned in his […]
Written by David Brezinski
Depleted energy levels? Eat, sleep and drink! There are times in the day when I just feel “meh.” Normally early afternoon, my energy level seem to drop a bit. Doing some pushups will often help, but sometimes increases the feeling of fatigue & low-energy. I have often resorted to coffee (caffeine) as a quick pick […]
Written by David Brezinski