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When I was in my 20s, I remember a time when I thought about how my training had become stagnant. It felt like I was not improving anymore. I didn’t see what I didn’t see and I was not challenging myself in different ways. I kept working with the same training partners, mastering the same… Continue reading Is It Plateau? Or Are The Metrics Wrong?

In the United States, we are culturally conditioned to avoid conflict and uphold peace at almost any cost. This tendency to adopt a “sweep it under the rug” approach is something I’ve observed in many individuals around me. This observation inspired this article, as it underscores a vital point: avoiding a conflict does not necessarily… Continue reading The Paradox of Self-Defense Choices

Do You Consider a Two Pound Weight Heavy? In the world of physical fitness, a 2-pound weight doesn’t command much respect. It’s seen as too light to offer any real challenge or benefit. However, this inconsequential weight can transform into a significant challenge when held continuously over time, especially if held with an outstretched hand.… Continue reading The Weight Of Neglect  

Last week’s article seems to have sparked many questions and responses about fear as a barrier to starting training. So, I’ve decided to share my approach to training, offering readers a glimpse into my methodology. Fear, an integral part of the human condition, manifests in various forms. It can arise as a rational response to… Continue reading Transforming Fear Into Power: The training mat as a form of exposure therapy

When people step into a martial arts class, they often choose to do so to improve their physical self defense skills and not to seek a complete “make-over” or major life change. But, often enough, they are embarking on a journey far beyond their initial expectations. Seeking to acquire a new skill, they unknowingly set… Continue reading The Science Behind the Transformation

During the challenging times of the pandemic, my son and I decided one day to embark on what seemed like a pretty trivial endeavor – sprouting an apple seed. This small project unexpectedly unraveled a journey filled with profound insights on growth, teaching, and learning. I found that the lessons I learned from the metaphorical… Continue reading a Life Lesson From an Apple Seed

Happy New Year! Let us hope that 2024 will bring peace and sanity to the world. Throughout my years as a self-defense teacher, I’ve seen the same “New Year’s Resolution Rush” to the studio. “My resolution is to learn self-defense.” I think it’s a fantastic resolution, yet, statistically, over 50% quit by February. Why did… Continue reading Why Do New Year’s Resolutions Fail?

A spontaneous conversation inspired this article. A stranger asked me for some advice about de-escalation. As he asked his questions, I began to realize how far his approach was from mine. Intrigued to understand his point of view, I researched on Google what the public’s take could be and what our education system officially preaches… Continue reading The Key For De-Escalation