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What Is Home?

Teaching forms in the dojo Last week’s question in the dojo was, “When you think of home, specifically, what do you think of?” When I think of home, I first think of the physical place I am most often when I’m not at the dojo and I think of the feeling of comfort [...]

By |2022-06-07T20:36:22-07:00June 7th, 2022|Master the Moment|4 Comments

Patience, Mindfulness and Bending Time

Yesterday afternoon, I was participating in one of humanity’s favorite pastimes: sitting on the couch and thinking about the time I have to get things done this week. When I recognize my mind going past the helpful phase of listing and planning (I need to go grocery shopping and take my car in to get [...]

By |2022-05-05T14:59:21-07:00May 5th, 2022|Master the Moment|8 Comments

10 years

This Saturday marks 10 years since our first day of classes at the School of Martial Arts. We originally opened the school at a location a few blocks away. We moved to our current location when we ran out of space about 3 years ago. Many students who joined us in the first few weeks [...]

By |2022-03-29T17:11:10-07:00March 29th, 2022|Master the Moment|2 Comments

Growing old

Some of you reading this may not have yet experienced the negative aspects of growing old. Early in life we can’t wait to grow up so that we have all the perceived freedoms in life. We see parents and older siblings driving, staying up late, eating whatever we want instead of what you are allowed. [...]

By |2022-03-01T19:12:33-08:00March 1st, 2022|Master the Moment|2 Comments

Beginner’s Mind

[Growing old post] In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s there are few. - Shunryu Suzuki, Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind Beginner’s mind is one of the most important concepts in our practice. When we come to a martial arts class as a beginner, everything is new and exciting. Instead of [...]

By |2022-03-02T21:40:42-08:00February 3rd, 2022|Master the Moment|1 Comment

SMART Goals for a Better Year

Every new year I like to talk about setting and achieving SMART goals. Many people set new years resolutions like “be healthier” or “work out more” and like clockwork, gyms around the country are packed for the next month. Sometime in February, most people slide back into old routines and gyms are empty once more. [...]

By |2022-01-06T17:50:45-08:00January 6th, 2022|Master the Moment|0 Comments

Everyday Practice

Our practices of Martial Arts and meditation are very special, not everyday experiences. We bring our best, highest selves to class. We use each technique as an opportunity to hone our body and mind. Our focus and mindfulness increase as we push ourselves to new heights. It is meant to be a holy experience, one [...]

By |2021-12-07T18:44:43-08:00December 7th, 2021|Master the Moment|0 Comments

Being Thankful vs Being Complacent

Every November I get very excited for Thanksgiving. Troubling historical context not withstanding, it’s my favorite holiday because I love spending time with family and I love eating food. I also think the reminder to be thankful and give thanks is hugely helpful in recognizing what’s great about our lives and the world. Most years [...]

By |2021-11-02T17:48:27-07:00November 2nd, 2021|Master the Moment|0 Comments

Why Practice Martial Arts?

We all have different reasons to practice martial arts and meditation. These reasons change as we grow in our practice. One of the best things I’ve heard on the subject is that people start practicing for good reasons, keep practicing for great reasons, and if they quit it’s usually for dumb reasons. We should all [...]

By |2021-10-09T17:44:34-07:00October 6th, 2021|Master the Moment|3 Comments
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