“Where’s the Fire?” asked Christopher Sommer in the last moments of a podcast I was listening to last week. Sommer is the Head Coach of the USA JR National Gymnastics Team and runs an online strength training program called Gymnastic Bodies (which is absolutely worth checking out). When I started listening, I anticipated hearing from him what you hear from many accomplished motivators. I expected Read More …
A few weeks ago I delivered a talk at TEDx EastVan. The talk focused on something I am passionate about: inspiring others to pursue and master movement. In the talk I delve into why I believe it’s vital to pursue the path of mastery — that it is both vulnerable and empowering. In fact, it is the journey through our Read More …
I have gone from being able to do 100 push-ups in a set to not being able to do one and back again. I spent years developing myself as a fencer only to have to tear down what I’d built and start from scratch. Years ago I could touch my toes without bending my legs, sometime in the future I will again. Read More …
When you’re standing in front of your students you have an opportunity to not only convey martial arts technique but also to positively shape thinking. The psychology with which we approach learning and practice is incredibly influential over our success at that practice and our energy to keep at it long term. Here are some things you should be saying to Read More …
Anyone can get caught in a dark place regarding how they view themselves and their progress in a skill. Making demands of ourselves to be our best can be a powerful motivating force; it can also be supremely destructive. In my own growth as both a swordsman and a dancer I have frequently reached a place where I felt I was far from Read More …
Define Your Own Criteria for Swordplay Success A true swordplay bout might be as binary as survivor and vanquished. However, in our modern times no bout is final and all provide an opportunity for practice and growth. Though winning can be thrilling, I recommend setting your sites on different targets for the best long-term success in becoming a master of Read More …
I have noted a phenomenon in sparring, especially when fencing someone who feels themselves to be less experienced or less skilled than me, of someone giving up before the hit is made. Perhaps my point is winding its way toward home, and two inches before it touches I feel their whole body relax and their defence drop away. Sometimes I Read More …
Not every training day is a brilliant one. Not every tournament is your best. Not every performance shows all that you’re capable of. Sometimes things are just plain crappy. You can’t get in the zone, you’re in your head, you feel sloppy, flat footed, slow, out of shape, etc, etc. Top performers are not devoid of bad days, they just Read More …
You don’t have to free-solo the north face of the Eiger to reap the challenge and reward of climbing the mountain. I love to climb mountains (I really do) but I’ll happily do it with harness. Sometimes overcoming the fear is the reward. You decide “I don’t want to be afraid of this anymore”. The payoff is freeing yourself from Read More …
Take 5 minutes each day to practice doing something you love. Take one small step toward your goal each morning. Even if that step takes less than a minute. Put on a timer for 15 minutes. Work on the first step of your plan in that time. Repeat everyday, till it’s done. Read an inspiring book one page at a Read More …