September 28,2015
The past week was not at all typical of my training weeks. There were more days where life intruded on my training schedule and I had to forgo push ups,sit ups and running in order to meet the other obligations (aka work responsibilities). Then at the time on Sunday evening that I would normally be sitting down to write my post, I was on an airplane from LA heading to Orlando. Strange time for s vacation you might say. But this is part of finding balance between martial arts and the other aspects of my life.
Every couple of years, my sister plans trips for us. Because of thstt, I actually get to spend time with her and I've gotten to go places that I only thought I'd ever dream about going to. We have such a great time together and the memories of our trips are some of the best ones I have. This trip was planned before I was even sure I'd be testing.
So this past week I had to cut myself some slack and accept that I was doing the best I could. This next week in Orlando I'm going to practice being present in the moment, enjoying my time with my sister, stepping out just briefly from the rigid training schedule with the intention that when I get back I'll be rejuvenated and ready to hit it hard for the remaining time before our test.
Monday, September 28, 2015
Sunday, September 20, 2015
BKJN Pat: The roller coaster ride is slowing down
September 20, 2015
I celebrated my 60th birthday yesterday. That as much as anything means our test is almost here. When I thought about testing for my 5th degree, I realized with some amazement, that I would be 60 when I tested. For someone who was never even going to stick with martial arts for a 1st degree, this is nothing short of amazing. My last Black Belt test was 12 years ago; my first Black Belt test was December 4, 1993. A lot has changed since my first degree test, but some of the struggles/challenges have remained.
This Mastery Test has given me an opportunity to once again confront my demons : all the ways I keep myself from embracing who I am and all that I'm capable of doing. Despite evidence to the contrary, I continually face my own self defeating words of "I can't " or "I'm not good enough". It has been a war I've waged almost daily since our training began . The emotional highs and lows, really the lows, often left me in despair and ready to give up. The highs were much shorter only to be followed by another plummet. It's only now, this close to the finish do I feel I've begun to make some real headway.
Last Saturday I strained my shoulder helping a friend move a washer and dryer. I didn't notice any pain but by Sunday morning I was concerned that I might have done some damage. Sunday is my day off, so I was content to let my shoulder rest. I decided then that I would see how things felt Monday morning when I got ready to start my regiment of 200 push ups a day. Monday morning I tried doing my push-ups and quickly realized I'd probably do more harm than good so I decided not to do them. I added 100 more sit ups to my workout. A significant injury at this time could be a game changer, so I made the decision to not do push-ups the next day as well. When I tried on Wednesday, I only did 50. The following days I was able to do 150 without much of a problem. I didn't beat myself up over taking those days off. That in itself is a big improvement. I kept up with my training but remained mindful of the need to be cautious and do no further damage. Taking this in stride, recognizing what I needed and doing it might not seem like a big deal, but for me it is.
As a result of working with what was going on in my body rather than fighting it, I didn't find myself on the all too familiar emotional roller coaster ride. I did what I could, let go of the rest, and by the end of the week I was back training at a level that made me know "I can do this!"
These final weeks are about getting in the repetition and honing my skills so that I will perform
at the level deserving of a KJN. I can do this.
The posters for the test were put up in the school this week. Another sign that were closing in on the finish line. Seeing my name along with all the other testers on a poster that says "A Master's Journey" gave me chills. This has been an incredible journey, taking me places I didn't know I'd go and bringing me to the place where I appreciate who I am.
This week's training:
Push ups : 350
Sit ups: 1,300
Running: 3.04 miles
Cycling: 19.4 miles
Classes: 1 Black Belt, 4 private lessons, 1 stick class, 1 Special training
I celebrated my 60th birthday yesterday. That as much as anything means our test is almost here. When I thought about testing for my 5th degree, I realized with some amazement, that I would be 60 when I tested. For someone who was never even going to stick with martial arts for a 1st degree, this is nothing short of amazing. My last Black Belt test was 12 years ago; my first Black Belt test was December 4, 1993. A lot has changed since my first degree test, but some of the struggles/challenges have remained.
This Mastery Test has given me an opportunity to once again confront my demons : all the ways I keep myself from embracing who I am and all that I'm capable of doing. Despite evidence to the contrary, I continually face my own self defeating words of "I can't " or "I'm not good enough". It has been a war I've waged almost daily since our training began . The emotional highs and lows, really the lows, often left me in despair and ready to give up. The highs were much shorter only to be followed by another plummet. It's only now, this close to the finish do I feel I've begun to make some real headway.
Last Saturday I strained my shoulder helping a friend move a washer and dryer. I didn't notice any pain but by Sunday morning I was concerned that I might have done some damage. Sunday is my day off, so I was content to let my shoulder rest. I decided then that I would see how things felt Monday morning when I got ready to start my regiment of 200 push ups a day. Monday morning I tried doing my push-ups and quickly realized I'd probably do more harm than good so I decided not to do them. I added 100 more sit ups to my workout. A significant injury at this time could be a game changer, so I made the decision to not do push-ups the next day as well. When I tried on Wednesday, I only did 50. The following days I was able to do 150 without much of a problem. I didn't beat myself up over taking those days off. That in itself is a big improvement. I kept up with my training but remained mindful of the need to be cautious and do no further damage. Taking this in stride, recognizing what I needed and doing it might not seem like a big deal, but for me it is.
As a result of working with what was going on in my body rather than fighting it, I didn't find myself on the all too familiar emotional roller coaster ride. I did what I could, let go of the rest, and by the end of the week I was back training at a level that made me know "I can do this!"
These final weeks are about getting in the repetition and honing my skills so that I will perform
at the level deserving of a KJN. I can do this.
The posters for the test were put up in the school this week. Another sign that were closing in on the finish line. Seeing my name along with all the other testers on a poster that says "A Master's Journey" gave me chills. This has been an incredible journey, taking me places I didn't know I'd go and bringing me to the place where I appreciate who I am.
This week's training:
Push ups : 350
Sit ups: 1,300
Running: 3.04 miles
Cycling: 19.4 miles
Classes: 1 Black Belt, 4 private lessons, 1 stick class, 1 Special training
You are the sum of all YOUR training. - by SBN John
We ask our little dragons, "How do you get a black belt?"
In a multitude of squeaky voices, they yell, "Never Quit!"
In our art, a 1st degree black belt, is a master of the basics.
So, if a black belt never quits, "What can they achieve?"
Eventually.....Mastery level.
Let me digress for a second.
Most of us have a hand held device that can be used to quickly find most facts ever discovered by man kind. This is a powerful tool. However, we wouldn't say that we are all masters because we own a cell phone and have access to the internet and almost the entirety of human knowledge. We would consider someone a master after they have gone beyond the normal or average.
So, how do you become a Master?
By attaining levels of training that are beyond the normal. We are all the sums of our training and knowledge. We learn from our mothers, fathers, family members, instructors, friends, co-workers, fellow students, and many more. We are all amazing creatures that can learn throughout the entirety of our lives. So, if we strive to grow, learn, and train throughout our lives, we can expect to rise above ordinary levels of accomplishment around us.
So, what makes me a master?
The sum of all my training, and the sum of all those years of teaching, training, running, punching, kicking, throwing, grappling, bleeding, and sweating.
This includes but is not limited to the following:
15 years of martial arts training in various martial arts which include Tae Kwon Do, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muy Thai, Kali, and Hapkido
Training with various weapons such as the Bo Staff, Kali Sticks, Knives, Kamas, Boken, and Guns
Instruction and mentoring of hundreds of students; many that have themselves become black belts
Training of my own two children, Jordan and Saige, who have also become black belts, and Saige is soon to become a second degree black belt.
My dedication to grow, to learn, and to "Never Quit!"
Sunday, September 13, 2015
BKJN Pat: It's official; we have the testing application packet
September 13, 2015
No turning back now, though true to form I did inquire on Saturday at the end of special training about what would happen if I didn't take my packet on Saturday at the end of special training. I just couldn't help myself. I know it seems that when I agreed to the training regiment that started April 1 and have participated in all the Mastery events, it was pretty much a done deal; I would be testing. But getting the actual packet, made it real on a different level. There are essays to write, physician's clearances, passport photos, an application to complete and a signed agreement to train 6 days a week and accept whatever decision is made after testing and of course a testing fee. It's been 12 years since my last test. I'd like to say that after four tests and all that time, I can face testing without any hesitation, but that would be a lie. The thought of performing in front of people still leaves me shaken. I'm going to try not to focus on that part. I'm going to focus on drilling all my techniques so that when I'm shaking in my bare feet, I won't forget what I know.
This past week has been productive. Nothing like having a date to impress on me the need to stop putting things off and just do it. I discovered this past week that as long as I didn't do the things I needed to do: specifically work on my form and identify the stand up combos I'm going to do, I could keep alive the belief that I can't do it. Doing what I need to do to prepare defies the I can't or I'm not good enough that has chased me for almost 60 years. I think it's time to leave that behind. I suspect it will be a part of me to question and doubt, I just don't want it to be the way I think of myself any more. "She believed she could so she did" needs to be as much a part of me as breathing.
This week's training:
Push ups: 1,000
Sit ups: 1,000
Running : 3.34 miles
Cycling: 19.5 miles
Classes: 2 Black belt, 1 private, 2 sticks, sparring and Special training
My push up totals are as follows: April 1-present: 21,734 . If I include Jan 3-March 31, the total is 27,967. Sit ups: April 1- present 21,175. With Jan 2-March 31 27,408.
I hurt my shoulder on Saturday helping friends move a washer and dryer out of their basement and replace it with a newer one. I'm not sure I'll be able to do push ups tomorrow, my shoulder hurts quite a bit. I'll try, but I have no desire to make it worse. There may be more sit ups in my future than I'd ever imagined.
No turning back now, though true to form I did inquire on Saturday at the end of special training about what would happen if I didn't take my packet on Saturday at the end of special training. I just couldn't help myself. I know it seems that when I agreed to the training regiment that started April 1 and have participated in all the Mastery events, it was pretty much a done deal; I would be testing. But getting the actual packet, made it real on a different level. There are essays to write, physician's clearances, passport photos, an application to complete and a signed agreement to train 6 days a week and accept whatever decision is made after testing and of course a testing fee. It's been 12 years since my last test. I'd like to say that after four tests and all that time, I can face testing without any hesitation, but that would be a lie. The thought of performing in front of people still leaves me shaken. I'm going to try not to focus on that part. I'm going to focus on drilling all my techniques so that when I'm shaking in my bare feet, I won't forget what I know.
This past week has been productive. Nothing like having a date to impress on me the need to stop putting things off and just do it. I discovered this past week that as long as I didn't do the things I needed to do: specifically work on my form and identify the stand up combos I'm going to do, I could keep alive the belief that I can't do it. Doing what I need to do to prepare defies the I can't or I'm not good enough that has chased me for almost 60 years. I think it's time to leave that behind. I suspect it will be a part of me to question and doubt, I just don't want it to be the way I think of myself any more. "She believed she could so she did" needs to be as much a part of me as breathing.
This week's training:
Push ups: 1,000
Sit ups: 1,000
Running : 3.34 miles
Cycling: 19.5 miles
Classes: 2 Black belt, 1 private, 2 sticks, sparring and Special training
My push up totals are as follows: April 1-present: 21,734 . If I include Jan 3-March 31, the total is 27,967. Sit ups: April 1- present 21,175. With Jan 2-March 31 27,408.
I hurt my shoulder on Saturday helping friends move a washer and dryer out of their basement and replace it with a newer one. I'm not sure I'll be able to do push ups tomorrow, my shoulder hurts quite a bit. I'll try, but I have no desire to make it worse. There may be more sit ups in my future than I'd ever imagined.
Thursday, September 10, 2015
SBN TERRI - Paleo diet style has changed my eating for life!
There was a time I couldn't resist a hearty wheat bread, sour dough or muffins ... crackers and cheese.... but I have been. I have cut out my consumption of grain almost entirely as well as sugar. AND I don't miss it. I feel better. Natural sugars in foods seem much richer. I did have a piece of birthday cake recently and was shocked at how sweet it was.... I didn't like it!!
Our mastery test finale is quickly approaching. I am still doing physical therapy and have added in acupuncture to assist in my recovery.... that is assuming recovery is possible. When I step up my physical activity much, I am set back for a couple of days. BUT - I am still making progress - I still love my training and can't imagine my life without it.
Our 360 team is fabulous. I am so grateful to be associated with each of them. We are all so different but have a common interest and goal.
Our mastery test finale is quickly approaching. I am still doing physical therapy and have added in acupuncture to assist in my recovery.... that is assuming recovery is possible. When I step up my physical activity much, I am set back for a couple of days. BUT - I am still making progress - I still love my training and can't imagine my life without it.
Our 360 team is fabulous. I am so grateful to be associated with each of them. We are all so different but have a common interest and goal.
Monday, September 7, 2015
SBN John –Think of the children
I love learning new techniques and training at a high level,
and I also love training with my friends and family. However, I’m most proud of
teaching kids martial arts.
I love being a positive role model for the kids, and at
times I’ve been the only positive male role model for some kids. All kids
should be surrounded with positive role models, and they should be brought up
with values, respect, and the value of hard work. The martial arts teaches all of
these things and more. So, whenever I’m training, teaching, or just talking, I
need to be aware of the students around me. Students will remember what I say
and how I say it, and how I act and perform.
I’ve given out advice in the past, and years later a student
will say, “Remember when you told me this,” Many times, I’ve forgotten the
words, but I usually remember the sentiment. My words can push others to work
hard and to try there best, but if I’m not careful, they can hurt as well. So,
I need to think of the children. Hee hee. Watch the Simpsons clip below to
understand.
One time I was telling some little dragons that if they want
to practice martial arts at home, they need to ask their mom or dad. One little
girl asked in a sweet voice, “What if you don’t have a mom and dad?” Grandma
had custody of this little sweet girl, and mom and dad weren’t in the picture.
My heart broke a little, and I said, “Oh, you can ask grandma too.” I found out
that I was a big male role model for this little girl. So, I had to act
accordingly. Another time I heard a little dragon say, “I want to grow up and
teach karate like instructor John.” That was one of my proudest days.
This past week, I hurt my ankle, and it slowed my training
down. However, I will still work hard because I know who will be watching.
BKJN Pat: I need dates
September 7,2015
One of the unique aspects of our Mastery Test is the somewhat broad strokes of our testing curriculum. We are to demonstrate what we are good at and what we want to show within specific categories: stand up, flow roll, form of our choice, stick, knife and gun demonstration of our choice and be knowledgeable and proficient at all curriculum below our rank. ( I take it as a sign of progress that I didn't include any derogatory comments about what I'm good at :D ) This, one would think, would be freeing. After all we don't have to learn specific techniques and we can choose. But for me it isn't! How do I choose? There's so much to choose from; will I make the right choice !!!! KJN says I just have difficulty making decisions. I didn't think so, but now I think he must be right. I keep telling myself that I can't choose wrong because it's my choice. I'm not having much success with that way of thinking either.
During my run this week with Sandy, my training partner from all my other tests and friend, we discussed the problems I was having getting things together. We discovered that I require time frames. I'm disciplined about meeting specific expectations, but don't do well with more generalized expectations. So Sandy gave me one. I have until Friday to get my form put together to show her. It doesn't have to be complete, but I have to have something. As a result I'm on my way to having something that resembles a form I can feel good about. KJN gave me a similar specific instruction regarding stand up combos . Choose them this week and start drilling them. I'm still sort of dragging my feet on this one, but I'm closer and Gary has agreed to hold focus mitts for me so I can drill them at home.
This week's training:
Push ups 1,000
Sit ups. 1,000
Running: 5.7 miles
Cycling: 20 miles
Classes: 2 Black Belt, 2 stick, 2 private , Special training
One of the unique aspects of our Mastery Test is the somewhat broad strokes of our testing curriculum. We are to demonstrate what we are good at and what we want to show within specific categories: stand up, flow roll, form of our choice, stick, knife and gun demonstration of our choice and be knowledgeable and proficient at all curriculum below our rank. ( I take it as a sign of progress that I didn't include any derogatory comments about what I'm good at :D ) This, one would think, would be freeing. After all we don't have to learn specific techniques and we can choose. But for me it isn't! How do I choose? There's so much to choose from; will I make the right choice !!!! KJN says I just have difficulty making decisions. I didn't think so, but now I think he must be right. I keep telling myself that I can't choose wrong because it's my choice. I'm not having much success with that way of thinking either.
During my run this week with Sandy, my training partner from all my other tests and friend, we discussed the problems I was having getting things together. We discovered that I require time frames. I'm disciplined about meeting specific expectations, but don't do well with more generalized expectations. So Sandy gave me one. I have until Friday to get my form put together to show her. It doesn't have to be complete, but I have to have something. As a result I'm on my way to having something that resembles a form I can feel good about. KJN gave me a similar specific instruction regarding stand up combos . Choose them this week and start drilling them. I'm still sort of dragging my feet on this one, but I'm closer and Gary has agreed to hold focus mitts for me so I can drill them at home.
This week's training:
Push ups 1,000
Sit ups. 1,000
Running: 5.7 miles
Cycling: 20 miles
Classes: 2 Black Belt, 2 stick, 2 private , Special training
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