Reader Question: What if the fear of injury...isn't your own?

Hello blog readers!

I received a kind email from Carolyn and she asked the following question:

"What if the fear of injury...isn't your own?"

I ask because... I've seen students leave martial arts because their parents don't want them to start sparring, or get hurt in some other way. More tragically, these students are usually girls. 

Watching someone be forced away from something they enjoy because of someone else's concerns breaks my heart.

Thanks again for your email and question! 

Quiet

This blog is too quiet.

I miss writing.
I miss my blog friends.
I miss the exchange of ideas. 
I miss reading and learning.

I will be in touch soon. 

Michele

Out of Balance

It has been about 8 weeks since I was in the dojo. This was the first time I decided to take a break. In the past, my breaks from training were due to my work schedule or an injury (ACL). Since the dojo is attached to my house, taking a break is significant.

However, I am feeling miserable because my life is out of balance.

These weeks have been extremely busy. I coordinated a raffle, worked a full-time and two part-time jobs. A large portion of time was spent transporting my daughter to camp, play practice, a science institute and soccer practice. I am also dealing with some life stressors which include a family member’s medical issues and extended unemployment.

It has been a difficult two months.

Last night, I decided to stop feeling miserable. My first order of business is to resume karate practice.

Immediately.

Tonight.

I hope I will be feeling a little less miserable tomorrow.

Question - Total Knee Replacement / Karate

Hello Readers,

A karate friend asked me to post a question on the blog. 

Do you know anyone who had a TKR (total knee replacement) and was able to continue karate training?

Thoughts?  Insights?

Catching Up

I am trying to catch up on everything from paperwork to my Google Reader.    

A blog "To Do" list:

Update the recommended links column.  If you have a martial arts, karate or ACL blog and would like to be included as a recommended link, please leave a comment on this post. 

Write an "About Me" post.  The page has been marked Coming Soon for about a year.

Post on a weekly basis.

Respond to email requests.

Thank You

It has been a busy few months.


In March, I was notified by my instructor that I would be testing on June 29, 2012 at the IKKF Annual Training in Reading, Pennsylvania. I spent a lot of time training over the last few months. There has been little time to write a cohesive blog post. As I reflect over the preparation, seminars and formal testing, the phrase which immediately comes to mind is “Thank You”.

Thank You to my instructors, Hanshi and Kyoshi Heilman for your encouragement, support and confidence in my ability.

Thank You to my training partners for your time and patience.

Thank You to my family for your understanding and assistance.

Thank You to the Dojo and Federation community for your words of support.

Thank You and Congratulations to all fellow testing candidates!


The results: I passed the test and was promoted to 6th Dan Karate, 6th Dan Kobudo.

More and Less

Over the last few months, I have been training more and writing less. 

A few thoughts...

1.  Pay close attention.  Some of the best tips / connections are the brief comments made by instructors.  You need to be ready to listen and apply the concepts.

2.  Open your mind and receive information.

3.  Be grateful for correction.

4.  Accept the help and support of others.

5.  Take a deep breath when you are feeling overwhelmed.

6.  Identify and highlight your strengths.

7.  Identify and minimize your weaknesses.

8.  Persist.

9.  Enjoy!