Frontline Martial Arts and Wellness

The gang and I at Leroux Karate Dojo back in 2008, when I got my first black belt. My black belt grading was three nights, this picture was taken on the last night. I remember being so nervous about the outcome I nearly failed. I wasn't concentrating on the task at hand because I was worried about the ultimate goal.  Much like in recovery from mental illness, we can become so transfixed on the outcome we lose sight of the next step, which can lead to holding ourselves back. Stay happy and healthy

I remember being told by more than a few people "you should meditate, it will help". I would try it but found it ineffective. What I came to discover was that I had not learned how to meditate. I didn't understand what it meant to "focus on your breath". I had to learn what to do with the thoughts constantly bombarding my mind and distracting me from focusing on my breathing. When I think back to all those times that I sat and tried "focusing", I have to conclude that I did not understand what focus really was. At one of the scariest moments in my life a kind nurse whispered something in my ear that sparked my education in meditation. "Download Headspace, it's an app." Thankfully I took her advice. Headspace has become a major part of my meditative practice. It provided a step-by-step guide to meditation and provided a framework from which to experiment. Meditation is simply focusing on only one thing at a time. You exclude everything els...

Sensei Marcel once asked me "Do you want to be a warrior?", me being a young man with an enthusiasm for the martial arts I answered yes. He replied, "I would rather be the fool on the hill. A warrior must always be at war." For some background information 'The Fool on the Hill" is in reference to a Beatles song by that name. In this song a story is told of a man who is ridiculed by those around him for being strange or slow because he does not seem to understand or care for those things that are important to them. The chorus continues to tell the story from the man's perspective. He does not concern himself with what others say or do. In one part of the chorus we hear this quote, "And the fool on the hill sees the sun going down and the eyes in his head see the world spinning round". In this song I hear a story of a man who is at peace with himself. As front line service workers we experience difficulties and dangers on a daily basis. We ar...

There is a new video on my Youtube channel.  https://youtu.be/4uNr5O-YD4o In it I show you my karate basics workout. However, today I would like to talk about something fresh on my mind, lose. Specifically the lose of a loved one. Recently a good friend lost her father. Personally, I know the pain of this lose and how strong it can be, but, lose is a part of life. Small consolation, yes, for someone who has just experienced this particular type of pain. Although, learning to embrace this pain and moving on brings strength. Lose is a part of life whether we like it or not. My friend is in my prayers, however, asking for the strength to endure lose is as well. Stay happy and healthy.

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.