The Hero’s Journey: Discovering Your Theme
“Given everything you’ve been through in your martial arts journey, all of your starts and stops and your neck injury, all the work you’ve done to get you here today, if you pass this test, and there’... ...more
Martial Arts ,My Black Belt Journey Personal Stories Motivation &Resilience
January 23, 2025•2 min read
Moving Forward: Lessons in Resilience
Saturday marked the 3rd anniversary of my neck injury, which occurred just months before my black belt test—two events are inextricably linked. Rehabbing a neck injury (not martial arts related) while... ...more
Martial Arts ,My Black Belt Journey Personal Stories &Resilience
January 21, 2025•2 min read
Triumph and Transformation: Celebrating the Journey
Today is the third anniversary of my neck injury which happened right after my husband and I closed the doors on our beloved restaurant, and months before I tested for my black belt (1st degree, Shoda... ...more
Martial Arts ,My Black Belt Journey Personal Stories Motivation Resilience &Health And Wellness
January 18, 2025•3 min read
Embracing Resilience: Finding Peace within the Process
Rehabbing a neck injury while training for a black belt test is not an experience I’d recommend, but I did it. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, and one of my greatest joys. ...more
Martial Arts ,My Black Belt Journey Personal Stories Motivation Resilience Joy And Fun &Health And Wellness
January 16, 2025•2 min read
Finding Strength: Aligning Passion and Recovery
In the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu says, “He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened. He who conquers others is strong; he who conquers himself is mighty.” I began to understand this w... ...more
Martial Arts ,My Black Belt Journey Personal Stories Motivation Resilience &Health And Wellness
January 14, 2025•2 min read
Second Anniversary of my Shodan Test part 2
Yesterday, I shared my black belt journey. Today, I’ll share about my Shodan (1st degree) test. Just before I opened the dojo door, I saw through the glass that there were TWELVE JUDGES for my test! ... ...more
Martial Arts ,My Black Belt Journey Personal Stories Motivation &Resilience
October 16, 2024•3 min read
Second Anniversary of My Shodan Test part 1
Tomorrow is the 2nd anniversary of my Shodan (1st degree black belt) test! It was the culmination of a long and fraught journey, so long that I’m dividing it into two posts, beginning today. Everyone’... ...more
Martial Arts ,My Black Belt Journey Personal Stories Motivation &Resilience
October 15, 2024•2 min read
Test of Tenacity
Before I left for the test, I posted a quote from my former Kajukenbo Sifu: "When you make a mistake, make it the best damn mistake they ever saw because it’s your mistake, and you made it!" That adv... ...more
Self-Determination ,Martial Arts Personal Stories Resilience &Failure
September 20, 2024•2 min read
Shodan to Nidan
“You’re at the point in your training where most people quit,” my Sensei said to me, “between Shodan [1st degree black belt] and Nidan [2nd degree black belt], but you’re still training. What advice w... ...more
Martial Arts ,Personal Stories &Motivation
September 10, 2024•2 min read
From Black Belt to White Belt
Last night I did a thing! I know y'all are waiting for the announcement that I earned my Nidan (2nd degree black belt) in Okinawan Kenpo, but first, I decided to earn a white belt in Brazilian Jiu Jit... ...more
Martial Arts ,Personal Stories Intentionality &Joy And Fun
August 06, 2024•1 min read
Categories