All Journal Entries (393)

Self-discipline is definitely a crucial skill of becoming a respectable martial artist and it should be practiced like any other aspect of the martial arts. Each day I have a list of stuff I must overcome and each day is similar to the last. First when I wake up (and even after sleeping in) I read and do all my chores. It’s a struggle not to pick my phone up and watch YouTube and forget about my chores. 

After I finish my acts of self-discipline I head to the gym. I start with 100…

Week 32 - Staying Consistent

Week 31 - Another Week Down

My reading of Master Funakoshi’s “Karate-Do: My Way of Life,” provided me with a much greater appreciation and understanding of the philosophical underpinnings of Karate than I had previously. Through a varied and entertaining recitation of anecdotes from his long life, Master Funakoshi illustrated many important lessons for all aspiring students. All these were of great value to me, but one resonated particularly deeply.

Throughout his book, Master Funakoshi makes reference to the…

         For my required reading the first book I chose to read is The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi. It was written in 1643 about the science of martial arts. Miyamoto Musashi broke down the book into five scrolls: Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Emptiness. Each scroll represents different pieces of martial arts.

         When I read the Earth Scrolls…

This is what the last few minutes of a sparring day can look like sometimes. :)

         July 1^st will mark my 5^th year anniversary as a student at Zen Martial Arts. I can vaguely travel back to my first class in the Little Dragons. I can remember graduating the Little Dragon’s class and how Sensei had Luca and I break a board without any practice beforehand (I still have the board I broke). I remember learning Seuchin Kata and winning my first tournament with it. I remember Saturday classes when I was the only junior there and Ms. Scott’s…

Week 30 - This Test Thing is Work(ing)

Week 29 - Training the Brain

Week 28 - Are We There Yet?

Published in the June edition of the neighborhood paper…

Week 27 - 50% Plus a Little

Week 26 - Hello You Beautiful Half Way Mark!

Week 25 - OOOOOOH! I Can Taste the Half-way Mark!

FINAL COUNT

·         Javier received 4 last minute donations.  That brought his final…

Week 24 - There's No Such Thing as "I Don't Have Time"

Week 23 - Sourcing Determination

Simon talked about his black belt project to his friends at his Pre-K school, and demonstrated his 9-10 Kata's. He got his teacher to send out a note to the parents to tell them about his project too and set up a collection box in case anyone was interested in making donations. He is exited to see if anyone does.…