The world these days is made for distraction. Even with the best of intentions its easy to find yourself opening up your email program to write a reply to someone and next thing you know you’ve read a Facebook notification, browsed 10 LOL cats, and found yourself researching the Swedish Lynx on Wikipedia before you realize how long you’ve been Read More …
If you’re failing in a performance, perform differently, don’t try to perform better. Doing the same thing again and again while expecting different results is the definition of insanity. Don’t allow yourself in a fencing tournament to get caught trying to apply the same strategy over and over again against the same opponent if it’s not working. This may seem Read More …
I had an experience recently in a class where a friend who teaches dance (at a much higher level than I do) gave me a correction in form. It got my back up and I snipped back at him. The class wasn’t a form class, it was a class on teaching dance, and at that moment I was not in Read More …
“So and so never fights; it’s because they suck.” “I totally beat that teacher, he has nothing to offer me.” “I can kick their butt so I think I have as much to offer as they do.” “Don’t listen to them, they’ve never won a tournament.” This is why I won’t fight with you. This is why many instructors and Read More …
I frequently have people tell me that I have a talent for communication and emotional connection. I appreciate hearing this, however I don’t think people realize that these aren’t talents, they’re skills, and I’ve developed them. Talent or a natural inclination to connect with others can certainly give you a good head start. Having a stable upbringing or parents that Read More …
I recently engaged in a Facebook discussion regarding Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) specifically about whether training with sharp swords is responsible or not. This has been a discussion born primarily out of the work of Roland Warzecha of a school called Dimicator in Hamburg Germany who has recently incorporated use of sharps into his regular advanced student training exercises. Read More …
A weekend ago I attended the HEMA gathering in Dijon, France. This is one of the oldest events in Europe and has grown from a small gathering of friends to a very large gathering of friends. This was my first time being at the event and it was a pleasure being there as an instructor and participant. The event is Read More …
Thank you for being at my back and whispering encouragement in my ear. Thank you for cheering me on and celebrating my wins. Thank you for helping me up and dusting me off. Thank you for being true, not placating me with half truths to bolster me but instead believing that I am truly enough. Sometimes I need you by Read More …
“I did a really good job today, I deserve to buy those shoes.” “This has been so rough, that TV will make me feel better.” “Things feel so tight, there’s no way we can afford that cookbook.” “I got paid today! Time to buy those skis I always wanted.” Your feelings are not the best director of how you should Read More …
When I ask myself to let go of worry I feel scared. Without worry will I be complacent? Without worry will I fail to know what’s important? What does it mean to live without worry? To sleep peacefully through the night; To feel one’s heart at ease; To be truly present to receive? If I choose to live without worry, Read More …