Balance

Martial Artists as Role Models

Martial Artists truly are Role Models.

Regardless of the discipline you practice, you will naturally -and if not you should intentionally- become a role model for others.

How does it happen naturally?

It happens because of the way you walk, or the way you talk, and because of the way you present yourself to others that are younger and newer at the same practice or studio; is always important to remember all of this as those younger and newer will begin emulating your behavior.

When I grow up I want to be like… (You name him or her!)

How do you make it happen intentionally?

Stay mindful of your behavior, but also stay informative and helpful. It does not cost you anything to provide a few minutes of advise to a younger practitioner when you see space for improvement in their form or technique.

As you begin to be that person, willing to help and staying caring, others will begin to naturally and continuously gravitate toward you, at times for your help and advise, and at other times for a simple positive nudge. 

We, as adults and as experienced martial artists, have a responsibility and a duty to those who will look up to us. Mostly because we may find that such small moment may create a very positive and very long-lasting impact in someone’s life.

Find your inspiration, and become yourself the inspiration for another. Make your dreams come true, and be sure to help others reach their dreams as well.

That is the most fulfilling part of your life -when you can give back.

MrB+Carlitos

(With my nephew at Nationals, Carlitos -the Force.)

Sure, you want to be fit, flexible, and capable of defending yourself, and you want to be an expert in your discipline and get that belt.

You can do that, but also you can…

Do more. 

Be more.

Truly Be Black Belt !

Yoga v3 – Tuladandasana

People, Happy Friday!

Today, I present the proper foundation and practice for a very challenging (more so than it seems) “balancing stick” pose, or Tuladandasana as is referred to in the Bikram series. As an asana it is recognized as the “Warrior III” pose, or Virabhadrasana III.

For martial artists this is a challenging pose which optimizes the work for improvement of core strength, and overall limb extension. The pose creates a full body tension, while it also works to adjust and improve posture, and perfect balance.

[vimeo https://vimeo.com/136324079]

For its practice what is most difficult is to reach the full body’s extension, which means that your limbs reach full height; full height is considered your feet and hands to be at or above your hip’s level.

Do not let this seemingly easy pose fool you… It is one of the most challenging poses reason why it is the shortest pose of the Bikram series.

Once you have pivoted, and your body is in a full extension, your body goes into a rushed mode for blood pumping into your heart, so as you begin its practice you will learn it is one of the most cardiovascular poses; getting out of it, your heart is significantly accelerated… give it a try!

Additional benefits of its practice include :

  • Strengthening of ankles and legs
  • Strengthening the shoulders and back muscles
  • Abdominal toning

Remember : it is a full tension pose, where as in a steel cable, you are pulling in both directions -toward the front with your hands and toward the back with your feet. If you are not challenged, then you are not pulling. And always remember to exit the pose in the opposite way you entered.

Tabitha

-Tabitha. White Belt, Bikram Yoga practitioner + Usui Ryoho Reiki Master

Martial Arts for Families

The practice of Martial Arts undoubtedly creates a strong family bond.

Martial Arts, unlike other sports, can be practiced as a family activity.

Practicing helps create as well as maintain a direct line of communications between parents and their children, or between partners. Additionally, it creates discipline, respect, and trust among the family members in practice.

family

(With my two sons.)

The U.S. Census (www.census.gov) states that :

  • Households and families have gotten smaller over time; and
  • Living alone has become more widespread.

A Family that Trains Together, Stays Together!