Mdgwrites Confidence, Work and Martial Arts

Imposter Syndrome or Just Feeling Like a Beginner Again?

Dressing for the job I want: pool hustler.

My partner gave me a billiards cue last Christmas and then a glove for my most recent birthday. Despite playing pool for the last several years, I still very much feel like a beginner. I wasn’t sure I “deserved” a good cue until I passed some sort of unwritten, undefined test–like maybe, not feeling self-conscious around all the experts when we play at the pool hall or doing a decent break where the balls don’t end up in a sad cluster or living up to unrealistic expectations of perfection that I unfortunately still put on myself.

What am I trying to prove? Do I need to prove anything at all?

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Mdgwrites Book, Confidence, Inspiration, Work and Martial Arts

Starting Seems to be the Hardest Word

Taylor Swift might like a “blank space,” but I hate it.

I hate a blank space when I have an assignment for work. I hate a blank space when I’m drafting a blog post. I hate a blank space when I’m working on a larger creative writing project, like a new book.

So I did something dramatic about it. I signed up for NanoWrimo. 

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Mdgwrites Guest Writers

Guest Writer: Why BJJ Is Great for Self-Defense

Looking for self-defense training? Check out Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. In this guest post, Johann Jansen van Vuuren describes how anyone can benefit from this sport. If you would like to be a guest writer, please review the guest writer guidelines here.


When it comes to keeping yourself safe, you need something that would work in the real world. What would that be? The answer is control. That’s the main reason Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is so good for self-defense. BJJ is practical, effective, and you don’t need to be a pro. We’ll keep it short and sweet–in this post we’ll go over some of the many reasons BJJ is great for self-defense.

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Mdgwrites Guest Writers, Inspiration, Mental Health, Self-Development, Work and Martial Arts

Guest Post: Work-Life Balance Mastery: The Ultimate Self-Care Tips for Busy Entrepreneurs

Whether we work for someone else or for ourselves (or in many cases, both), we need work-life balance to be a functioning human. As a corporate employee and authorpreneur, I carefully use and guard my time so I can get the job done while staying healthy, happy, and relatively stress free. Emma Grace Brown (see her website here) offers self-care tips for busy entrepreneurs. There’s always a rush at the end of the year between getting everything done and taking time off for holidays and family.
Please take care of yourselves and each other.

Image via Pexels

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Mdgwrites Confidence, Injury and Recovery, Mental Health, Taekwondo Training Tips

Revisiting Body Combat with a Different Body

8 Benefits of Kickboxing Fitness Classes - Elite Sports Clubs
Photo courtesy of eliteclubs.com. You can find me at the club, preferably near the back.

Earlier this year, I rejoined taekwondo classes as a “regular” (i.e., not private lesson) student. Prior to that I’d been taking private lessons for over a year and had added back in yoga classes, weight lifting, and occasionally swimming to round out my exercise routine.

More recently, I’ve gone back to Body Combat classes at the gym, a kickboxing aerobics class that derives inspiration from various martial arts. I needed more cardio and wanted something that didn’t have the pressures and nuances that taekwondo class does. As a bonus, one of the Body Combat teachers happens to be a black belt trained by my former grandmaster, so at least one person is in the know when they’re leading the class. 

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Mdgwrites Guest Writers, Mental Health, Taekwondo Training Tips

Guest Post: Essential Guide to Balancing Wellness and Self-Care as a Martial Artist

This post comes from Emma Grace Brown, a frequent contributor to Little Black Belt. If you would like to submit a martial arts-related article, please review the guest writer guidelines.

Image via Freepik

In the demanding world of martial arts, well-being serves as a foundational element for achieving excellence. Balancing wellness and self-care is pivotal for martial artists striving for optimal performance in both their sports and personal lives.

This article, courtesy of Little Black Belt, delves into seven crucial strategies designed specifically for this unique group of athletes. Each method is geared toward helping you maintain and enhance your wellness routine, so consider this your comprehensive guide for excelling in every aspect of your martial arts journey!

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Mdgwrites Guest Writers, Self-Development

Guest Post: Empowering the Next Generation–Steps Toward a Healthy Future

TAEKWONDO PARA NIÑOS CONOCE SUS BENEFICIOS

School has started in my country, as have fall sports and activities. From what I’ve seen in the dojang, the kids are ready to work hard and do what they love. Although I’m not a parent, I’m an aunt and a coach, so I’m invested in making sure our kids have the resources and support to be their best and get the most out of life. Regular contributor Emma Grace Brown offers tips for fostering the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of the kids in your lives. I’m committed to being a supportive black belt and leader to the kids I train with.
For more of Emma’s work, check out her website: https://emmagracebrown.com/
If you would like to contribute to Little Black Belt, see the guest writer guidelines. 

In our ever-evolving world, fostering healthy habits in children takes on greater significance. As parents, caregivers, and educators, we bear the responsibility of molding the future well-being of the next generation. The cornerstone of a lifetime filled with vitality and balance begins during childhood, and this article, courtesy of Little Black Belt, will delve into effective strategies and practical advice for guiding kids toward building long-term healthy habits.

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Mdgwrites Guest Writers

Guest Post: The Transformative Power of Jiu Jitsu

Black Diamond BJJ Reno: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Martial Arts Classes
Image from blackdiamondbjj.com

Looking for something new? Check out Jiu Jitsu! The team at Ground Standard shares the many benefits of training in this martial art. For more information about Ground Standard, see the end of this post. If you would like to be a guest writer for Little Black Belt, check out the guidelines here.

Martial arts have long been heralded as realms of discipline and introspection, and within this vast arena, Jiu Jitsu gleams as a beacon of self-betterment and holistic growth. Beyond the superficial perception of combat techniques and physical prowess, Jiu Jitsu unfurls a tapestry of life lessons, mental fortitude, and deep-seated community values. For those standing at the precipice, contemplating whether to delve into this world, let’s uncover the multifaceted treasures that the journey of Jiu Jitsu has to offer.

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Mdgwrites Guest Writers, Inspiration, Self-Development

Guest Post: Live Better, Live Healthier: Everyday Tactics for Well-Being

Image via Pexels

September is self-care and self-improvement month. To perform at our best, martial artists need to take care of themselves in body, mind, and spirit.
Emma Grace Brown, a frequent contributor to this site, shares small (but very important) things we can do to make sure our bodies and minds are healthy going into a busy fall and holiday season. If you would like to contribute to Little Black Belt, please review the contributor guidelines here.

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Mdgwrites Injury and Recovery

The Other Side of Knee Surgery (a Caregiver’s Tale)

Aluminium Underarm Crutches - Youth | Single Adjustable Crutches | BL Care
We now have two sets of crutches in the house.

I told you guys I was cursed.

In May 2023 I published my “comprehensive guide” to suffering an ACL tear and all the fun that ensues. My partner had torn his ACL a month prior playing basketball so I wanted to share the resources I had from a patient’s perspective. We thought it wouldn’t take long for him to get into surgery since it was a full tear.

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