We take off our shoes before entering the mats in the dojo for a few reasons. One, we practice barefoot for safety (some kicks and brazilian jiu jitsu techniques are more difficult or dangerous with shoes). Two, it is cleaner as we don’t track dirt from the outside world onto the mats. Three, we remove our shoes as a sign of respect.  The cleanliness and respect reasons are related, as I

Sometimes a mind rut can sneak up on us. While we were stretching at the beginning of the kids Wushu class yesterday, I mentioned the test coming up. One of the kids in the front row said, “I don’t think I’m going to be very good in the test.” This seemed like a great opportunity to talk about something I discuss with the kids on a regular basis: practicing confidence.

In an Aikido class I took many years ago at Sifu Brown’s dojo, I heard a wonderful way of conceptualizing the different levels of self. If I remember correctly, the teacher’s name was Sensei Bob Nadou. He said that when he thinks of himself as Bobby, he isn’t capable of much. As Bob, he can do a bit more. As Sensei, he is capable of anything. I like to think

The Question of the Week is "What excuses am I making?". Just asking this question on a regular basis is huge. An honest approach to discovering where we can make improvements is crucial to our Martial Arts practice. As soon as we think we have mastered a technique, we stop learning and getting better. Rather we should stay curious and (without obsessing) consistently look for ways to develop better habits. Excuses

Since the Kohnens tested for their black sash two weeks ago the dojo has been buzzing with excitement. I’ve had lots of questions about what it means to be a black sash or black belt and yesterday got a familiar question about what the colors mean. I explained that the symbolism of a sash or belt getting darker in color is like getting more experience in martial arts. If you