Frontline Martial Arts and Wellness

I can fondly recall my first years of my martial arts journey. I remember being absolutely concerned with technique and appearance. I can laugh with joy at my uncoordinated movements reminiscent of an infant's. Karate was something new and challenging. All beginners move through this stage, where we are looking at our feet to make sure our stances are correct and watching our hands to ensure proper placement. As my studies continued I came across the philosophy of the beginner's mind, the empty cup, and "train like a white belt". I'll admit that in that period of my life I had no idea what those terms actually meant, in fact I am still learning about their true meaning. As I continued on my journey my movements not only became more proficient, I wasn't concerned with checking my stance or watching my hands. I broadened my knowledge by reading books on technique, anatomy and philosophy, this gave me the ability to identify the principles I learned in my trainin...

The shena board is a length of board raised off the ground by wooden feet. It has been used since ancient times by Persian warriors to assist and give greater variety with push ups and continues to be used by people who practice Pahlavani. This practice uses Persian meels (heavy clubs), wooden shields, metallic archery bows and shena boards. There is also the practice of spinning in circles, where we get the term whirling dervishes from. The exercises performed are done to drumming and chanting which provides instructions to the practitioners and a calm/meditative environment. Shena means ‘swimming’ in Persian. Which describes the tone of the exercise, fluid, wave-like and circular motions. The board provides a stable platform which allows for greater leverage, better range of motion, variety of movement and is easier on the wrists. Materials: - saw - drill - 3 drill bits (1 smaller for pilot holes, 1 larger for countersinking and 1 to screw in the screws) - 4  4 1/2” woo...

The following link is to my slip bag video. https://youtu.be/eG_zc9rXMHw The slip bag itself at head height is a versatile piece equipment on its own. I however, had lot's of fun using it at different heights, provided great kicking practice.

Early on in my service in Corrections I thought I had adopted a Stoic 'Stiff Upper Lip Attitude' philosophy. I would take those stressors, pay them no mind and push them aside. However, to be precise, I thought I was pushing those stressors aside, what I was actually doing was tossing those pieces of trash into a mental closet. Eventually the trash had overrun the closet, filled my metaphorical house and threatened to bring down the structure. Two years ago, after I started my recovery journey, I discovered what real stoicism was. It is an ancient philosophy that was born in Greece. It teaches how to focus on what we have the power to control, our thoughts, feelings and desires. Thoughts; quite often my thoughts would overwhelm me and rouse anxiety and anger. What I learned from stoicism was to take a step back from my thoughts and analyze them. I would take the thought and weigh it against the known facts to see if the thought was appropriate to the situation. When I learned ...

     I have heard many people say that journaling in one form or another is a great mental health practice. Personally, I have found this to be so.      A few times in my life I dipped my toes into the art of writing. I would scribble stories on pieces of paper when I was young, creating a myriad of short stories. After I had been a Correctional Officer for a few years I started seeing a counselor who suggested I start writing out what made me angry, then ripping up the piece of paper and throwing it away in a symbolic act of letting go. This proved to be the right suggestion at the wrong time. At that point in my life stressors seemed to be hitting from all sides, I was overwhelmed, and I saw little value in the suggestion because it was not alleviating my anger and anxiety. So, I had found a good practice that I thought was ineffective. However, the writing bug had bitten.      I started writing on blogs and composing essays in fits and sta...

 "Like thoughts in the mind, clouds can appear to be permanent. But remember the clouds are just passing by and the blue sky is always there." Headspace app

The following video is of me showing some of what can be done with a speed bag. https://youtu.be/gO4dboJvIRo The speed bag is a wonderful piece of equipment, unfortunately; I think it should be called a control bag. If you don't slow down and use it with control it will cause a very big headache. Created in consultation with Mackenzie Doucette at Mackenzie Photography, Instagram @mackenzie_photography19 Take care