Challenges & Opportunities I honestly do not feel like writing a blog entry today. I do not feel like I have a lot to say or share. But, as to…

Zen in the Martial Arts – By Joe Hyams Reading ‘Zen In The Martial Arts’ there are many things that wholly resonate with me and my experiences thus far as…

Broken Hand…but resolute spirit! Sparring! A hook punch to Dirk-san’s right hip bone and one broken metacarpal. It happened so quickly just three weeks ago. “The time to strike is…

Mind without mind – Mushin Over the years of my training and the special code of karate class I attended last Friday, Sensei Oliver has shared the meaning and its…

“Pain and pleasure like light and darkness, succeed each other.” – Lawrence Stone Sunday sparring and accepting the pain. It is what it is! As Ike-san, Dirk-san and myself took…

“A true friend doesn’t have guts; they beat you up and later plead with you to beat them back.”― Michael Bassey Johnson Today I am going to write about friendship…

War, conflict and the anxiety it causes. As I sit here and write this post, terrible things are happening in Ukraine as Russian forces continue to battle their way into…

1000 mile journey..some on the slopes Some may wonder what alpine (downhill) skiing may have to do with my black belt training. I think there are many relatable aspects to…

If you get tired, learn to rest, not quit – Anonymous After 5 rounds of sparring this morning with Dirk-san I feel sore & tired, but also a deep sense…

Spring into Action! “Nothing Happens Until You Move!” Hard to believe we are only in mid-February, and yet Spring is very much upon us! I am a bit conflicted as…