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Tag: Personal Stories

Too Cool For School

Published on June 16, 2022

Today, I had the privilege of presenting a martial arts driven character development class to nine groups of Kindergarden through 8th graders.

It was highly rewarding and the message I was able to share felt well received.

When the 8th graders (13-15 years old) arrived for their session, however, the apprehension and self-consciousness was thick in the air.

Just about all of the kids were more concerned with what each of the other kids thought and wouldn’t so much as stand up without a strong enough prompt.

They had other things on their mind—boys, girls, being funny, being liked, being noticed, looking cool, looking rebellious, looking like a part of the group, etc.

And so I offered them a simple invitation: I’m here to show you how martial arts can add value to your lives. If you want to learn how, step forward. If you’d rather not, step back.

And I wish I could say they all stepped forward—but, they didn’t.

Only a group of about 6 (out of 30ish) did.

And so I focused all of my attention on those six. I even huddled them tight after the session and gave them more than I planned on giving—as a thank you.

It’s so easy to feel like we’re up against the majority in our lives—and often we are. And it can be tempting to just slide back and blend into mix of the group—certainly nobody would blame you.

But, to step forward in confidence? In spite of the group decision? At risk of social consequence?

This… my friends… is where leadership is born and how any noteworthy change—is made.

Stand The Heat

Published on May 29, 2022

I woke up this morning with regret.

I wanted to run the Buffalo Half Marathon, but decided to skip it at the last minute.

When I saw the newsreels of 5,000+ people running (and finishing before I even woke up), I felt it in my gut that I made the wrong choice.

My comfort zone won the battle.

But, the war wasn’t over.

I decided I’d run my own half marathon. Right in my neighborhood. And that’s what I did.

The first half of the run was relatively smooth and uneventful. The second half was sheer pain.

My knees, ankles, hip flexors, and achilles tendons would shoot pain up my leg after every—single—freaking—step. And I wanted to stop after every—single—one—of—those—freaking—steps. But, I didn’t.

My mantras were:

  • Mind calm—body calm.
  • Pace, posture, breathing.
  • Pain now—no regrets later.
  • You’ve done this before—you can do it again.
  • I know my finish line (13.1) and this ain’t it (until it was).

Which I would repeat throughout the run to remind me that the mind will always give up before the body.

Why do we sometimes put ourselves through hell?

So we can learn how to stand (and keep moving forward through) the heat.

Also so when things are heavenly, we can truly appreciate them.

I tell you: water never tastes as good; calories never satisfy as well; and relaxing never feels as rewarding—as when you finish putting yourself through an intense challenge.

I wouldn’t do this everyday—but, it’s good to do something like this on occasion.

Keep your mind sharp. Cultivate gratitude. Expand your limits.

And live with no regrets.

No Words.

Published on May 14, 2022

Today, there was a mass shooting at a grocery store that’s 5 minutes from my house.

10 were killed. 3 were injured. And for what reason? Skin color?!

These were people who were getting their groceries on a Saturday morning. A task I’ve engaged in innocently countless times. And to think there’s an evil out there who could attack such an innocent act completely ruins me.

There are no words.

I’m heartbroken. I’m infuriated. I’m scared.

I’m sharing this with you today to remind you to hug your loved ones a little tighter tonight. To live your life in a way that minimizes regret. And to spread more love in every way you can.

We damn well need it.

Sending all of my love to those affected by this tragedy. Tonight, I have my city in my heart. ❤️

Guest Appearance On ‘Budo: The Martial Way’

Published on May 12, 2022

Lewis E. Briggs is a clear-minded and thoughtful individual who has been hosting Budo: The Martial Way since January of 2020.

Throughout that time he has shared 45+ episodes where he explores topics like: Zen, Conflict, Meditation, Self-Discipline, Martial Arts and more. His podcast comes highly recommended.

In this particular episode, I had the privilege of being his first guest on the show. I think you’ll enjoy the flow of the conversation as we discussed what it takes to become an experienced martial artist, an eminent coach, and host of a successful twitter account.

You can listen to the episode using the embedded player below or (if you don’t see it) you can find it on Spotify here. Thanks and enjoy!

Keep Refining

Published on April 18, 2022

New rule I’m toying with: no work past 10pm (not even side-hustle work).

Here’s why: nothing past that time (for me) seems to give a higher ROI than sleep.

By that point my focus, energy, and creativity has been generally depleted to the point where the time I invest produces diminished returns—at best.

I’m better off going to sleep and doing the work in the morning when I’m replenished.

This might only save me 5 – 20 minutes.

…But, multiply that by the number of days I have left in my life?

THAT is the power of refinement.

Don’t Skip Leg Day

Published on April 15, 2022

Today was heavy squat day at the gym.

Family travel, however, interrupted the normal routine.

So, after driving 6 hours and settling in to my destination location—I got creative.

I ran an elevated pace mile, did 100 jump squats, and 50 lunges.

This is a good example of what “firm in resolve; flexible in approach” looks like.

Life will happen.

Find other ways to make your top priority tasks happen when it does.

Pace, Posture, Breathing…

Published on March 5, 2022

This was my mantra during my second marathon.

It was a constant call of my attention to revisit the fundamentals of what was going to get me across that far and away finish line.

And they’re fundamentals that can help you cross the far and away finish lines in your life, too.

  • Pace: Resist the urge to run your marathon at your 1-mile pace. When you’re fresh, of course you can run faster. Those who can resist this temptation and can force themselves to run their marathons at their 26.2 mile pace are the ones who will be able to keep running even when they’re no longer fresh. This is the pace you must plan for.
  • Posture: When you have to repeat around 39,733 consecutive strides, even a slight break in posture or form can cause repetitive use pains/injuries—as is the case in daily life. And not just breaks in physical posture (i.e. hunching your back), but breaks in mental posture, too. On average we have around 12,000 – 60,000 thoughts per day—marathons in their own right. Is your mind chronically “hunched over” or “postured upright?”
  • Breathing: Erratic, shallow breathing drowns the body in carbon dioxide and forces fatigue. Having a consistent, adequate supply of oxygen is the fuel that allows the muscles to keep working optimally. Set a pace in your life that allows you to stay fresh; that allows you to breathe deeply. Listen to your body.

Reflect: Which area of your long-term goal achievement game could use the biggest improvement? What’s a small, but impactful action you can take that will help you improve in that category? Can you start today?