focus

Back to my Roots

When I started practicing martial arts beyond practicing as a young kid with my father, many years ago, I started by practicing Shotokan Karate in Venezuela. I was young, was happy with practicing in a sensei friend’s garage, and had all of that newfound energy to live the martial arts lifestyle; it was a passion shared with friends, we encouraged each other, and we competed together.

The last 11 years I have spent practicing Tae Kwon Do, however in looking for that feeling of newness again, and in looking to learn more and develop myself more deeply  as a martial artist -you know, seeking that feeling of getting really excited to come to my Dojo “with an empty cup” again… I have returned to my roots. I have returned to Shotokan Karate.

In my new Dojo, Kuro-obi Dojo with Sensei Engerbert Oquendo, not only I feel renewed but I have become involved in helping my Sensei with the Dojo’s development. Not officially, but sharing with him my many years practicing. There, in addition to practicing, I am also training to compete again, as well as I am teaching a Krav-style Self-Defense class.

A piece of advice for those truly immersed, or looking to be, or those truly interested in living the martial arts lifestyle… take a moment to once in a while reflect on your reasons for practicing. Take a moment and re-assess your feelings, as well as re-establish your position as “a white belt that never quits”.

Remember that introspection is a big part of the martial arts lifestyle, and looking within should be a regular thing.

… That is what our ancient masters and grandmasters, of any discipline, would have wanted : that you never forget where you came from, why you are doing this, or where it is that you are going. Keeping all of that in mind, do not fear to proceed accordingly.

Oss…

Be Black Belt!

 

A HUMBLE PATH TO REACH THE STARS

Always walk inside your dojo, with an empty mind, ready to learn no matter your rank.

When we think about the front line of martial arts, the names that pop to our minds are Bruce Lee, JCVD, Chuck Norris, Jet Li, etc.

All  movie stars, and great martial artists; also, all whom started like you… looking for a discipline with which they could learn to defend themselves against bullies.

In training, their main focus was to follow the path of training like a star, with thoughts of greatness, each becoming the best they could become.

One thing they always kept in mind, and never lost, was being humble.

They came everyday to the dojo with an empty mind, ready to learn new techniques, and trained and practiced until they could dominate every single move flawlessly. 

You stay humble…. train to be your best.

Be Black Belt

Guest Post : Mrs. Feliciano

I am a 46 year old mother of 4.  I have been battling with my weight since I was in my teens.  The most I’ve ever been is 250 pounds, wearing 4XL in clothing.  Asking the weight limit before entering some places or sitting down somewhere was normal for me.  For the longest time, I was convinced I couldn’t lose weight.  All the excuses you hear today for not losing weight, I used myself:

I don’t have the time.

I don’t have the energy.

I can’t do it.

It’s genetics.

Some body part hurts.

I don’t know how to eat healthy.

I don’t know how to exercise properly or what to do.

I really, really enjoy eating fast food.

I don’t feel like exercising. 

These excuses continued until some years ago when I lost a great deal of weight.  This made me realize I could lose the weight. Since that first big weight loss, I had gained a real knack for losing weight, then gaining it back twice as fast and twice as much.  It also made me realize that all the excuses in the world were no reason for me not to lose the weight.   It was always my own fault I was obese.  I consider myself a practical person, and the facts had been laid out. I can lose the weight.   If only I could keep it off.

Things seemed to change for me about two years ago.  I went through a spiritual transition.  This is a work in progress, another story for another day.  It is what led me to want to start yet another weight loss regimen. Honestly, though, I had no real expectations for success.

Four months into my weight loss routine I was attending my children’s Tae Kwon Do belt promotion. I was amazed by the number of adults testing.  Since I was always a spectator at the classes, I never realized this could be for me. The program director at the school invited me to start classes with my kids.  This is a very family oriented school. I figured it would be one more thing I could do to help me get closer to my weight loss goal.

Penny Beginner Testing

(Mrs. Feliciano Beginner Testing)

I started attending classes.  It was fun.  It was new.  The other adults I was taking the classes with were a real trip.  I found the instructors to be very engaging, and the curriculum to be organized and taught in a very disciplined and structured manner.

This interest turned into fascination almost overnight. This brought out my desire to add structure and discipline to my daily life.  Martial Arts has taught me that through discipline and hard work, I can maintain those long time goals.

Penny Bernard comp

(Mrs. Feliciano with her son, Bernard -Black Belt)

I have this inner energy and desire to continue learning new things and improving what I’ve learned.  I can go to class every day and come out having learned something new, whether it is a new form or an improved stance.

Penny Adv Testing

(From right -Mrs. Feliciano, Mr. Zachrisen, and Mrs. Leon)

Martial Arts is something for all ages, young and old.  For me, this is not a fad or something to pass the time with, or fill a void. It is a lifetime commitment.  One of my instructors recently said that if you are in this just for the black belt, you are in it for the wrong reasons.  I agree. 

By taking Martial Arts seriously, dedicating myself, striving to always do my best, I’ve been able to make Martial Arts a very important part of my life.  Martial Arts will give back to the person as much as the person puts into it, like most anything in life.  I could practice Martial Arts for the rest of my adult life and never reach my full potential.  There is always room for growth and improvement.  The learning experiences obtained through Martial Arts are limitless.

-Mrs. Feliciano, Blue Belt