Teaching Helps … a lot

I usually don’t go to class on Wednesday, but as my wife had a big test on Wednesday morning, I begged off my Tuesday schedule so that she could prepare on Tuesday night.  So I went the next day, Wednesday.  I read or heard somewhere that you retain 10% of what you hear, 20% of [...]

Cross Training to Something to Love

When I started back into martial arts this year, American Kenpo specifically.  I did so because I needed some cross training that would keep my interest.  I had started running in March at the depressing weight of 293 pounds.  It was a slow and painful journey from 293 to my current weight of 255.  What [...]

Finding my Flow - Where did it go?

 Lately I have been looking for my flow.  I feel a bit like Bruce Lee Roy from Berry Gordy’s the Last Dragon.  The hero in the story is looking for the golden glow that only a true master can find.   I am no where near that sort of level.  But I am still searching for [...]

Kenpo Freestyle

Getting used to contact takes some doing.  The thing about Kenpo (American or otherwise) is that you have to get used to taking some shots.  Well I can’t really speak to all Kenpo as I don’t know much about Shorinji Kenpo; however, the Kenpo that comes from the James Mitose/ William Chow variety has contact [...]

Making Adjustments

When I began martial arts at the age of 16, it was easy to pick things up.  When I was younger I could easily transfer what I was looking at into action.  Not perfectly but I had the idea of what I was supposed to be doing.  Today, at 39 things are different.  I have [...]

Remembering it is supposed to be fun

I am a serious guy.  I know this about myself and sometimes I have to remind myself to relax.  I have noticed recently in my training that I was getting to the point of training and pushing myself for its own sake rather than the enjoyment of the art.  As I was making it through [...]

Change of Plans

I had originally planned on racing in the half marathon in Baltimore on October 13, 2007.  However, after the Philadelphia Distance Run on September 16, it is clear that I have some injuries that need to heal.  Specifically, my right heel and ankle and a bit of a mess from over use.  I need some [...]

A struggle through class

Usually I am gung ho for class.  However, last night I was still fighting 13.1 miles of fatigue from Sunday.  It really took out my right ankle and heel; I am still feeling the effects.  As usual, once you start you are glad you came.  I got into the class which was rapid fire techniques [...]

Psychological benefits of martial arts practice

Personally, I have always felt better when I have been training.  It seems there are reasons for this, please follow the link to a literature review article on the subject.
Psychosocial Benefits of the Martial Arts: Myth or Reality? by Brad Binder Ph.D.
http://userpages.chorus.net/wrassoc/articles/psychsoc.htm
As one might expect, continued long term participation reduces hostility and has a calming [...]

A few kenpo thoughts

I am a little tired tonight as I ran in the Philadelphia Distance Run today, the 13.1 mile fall classic here in Philadelphia.  This 39 year old lawyer is paying the price of his determination today.  I don’t mind, I would rather pay for the scars of achievement than not compete.  I won’t bore anyone [...]