Melanie Gibson Class Diaries, General Martial Arts

Turning Fear Into Fun

Martial Arts Similar to Judo - HowTheyPlay

About once a week, I get thrown on the floor. And I pay good money for that to happen. Have been for years. 

Most martial arts students I’ve encountered are afraid of being thrown on the floor, even if it’s the gentlest and most controlled of simple one-step takedowns. It’s scary and weird and unnatural. After over a decade of practicing taekwondo, I’m fairly comfortable with it, even though every once in a while when I’m mid-air I have that existential moment seen on those “so you’re probably wondering how I ended up here” memes before my body crashes into the mat. 

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Melanie Gibson General Martial Arts, Guest Writers, Mental Health

Guest Writer: How Martial Arts Can Boost Family Fitness and Bonding

Something I started in 2024 and am carrying into 2025 is lessening the time I spend staring at and doomscrolling on my can’t-live-with-it/can’t-live-without-it phone. Real life is happening all around us, and it’s sadly easy to miss with the access we have to screens in our daily lives. Sometimes it’s necessary for things like work and school, but there are things we can do to turn screen time into quality time with our loved ones. In this guest post, Hamza Abbasi from Carlson Gracie RafaSantos Lakeland, offers tips for swapping screen time with quality family time through martial arts.

If you would like to submit a guest article for Little Black Belt, please review the guidelines here.

In today’s world, many families spend their time on the screen without physical exercise. Adults and kids mostly use their gadgets, which can lead to poor physical activity that can negatively impact health as well as the bonding of families. Martial arts allows families to stay active, build relationships, and promote healthy lifestyles while having fun or enjoyment. Here’s how martial arts can improve your family fitness, including impacts and other tips for staying active with family.

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Melanie Gibson General Martial Arts, Guest Writers, Training Tips

Guest Writer: Beginner’s Guide to BJJ Rash Guards – Everything You Need to Know Before Buying

How Should a BJJ Rash Guard Fit? - Granite Bay Jiu Jitsu
Image via Amazon

It’s a new year and a new season to get back into your favorite martial art. But what if you don’t know where to start with things like gear or clothing? Josh Henry has created a beginner’s guide to selecting the BJJ rash guard that’s right for you. Happy rolling!

If you would like to contribute a martial-arts or wellness-related article for Little Black Belt, please refer to the guest writer guidelines here.

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Melanie Gibson General Martial Arts, Guest Writers, Training Tips

Guest Writer: The Benefits of Brass Knuckles

While this blog has been home to articles about many different forms of martial arts, this is the first weapons-related post! The team at Cakra EDC Gadgets, a seller of self-defense weapons, has provided an informative post on how to responsibly buy and use brass knuckles. Please adhere to your local laws regarding the carrying and use of self defense weapons and related items. For more information on the company, please see the end of the post.

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Melanie Gibson General Martial Arts, Mental Health, Self-Development and Leadership

Little Black Belt is TEN!

Blogging, Near Philadelphia

My blog is TEN years old! Can you believe it? I began this project as a quiet way to document the life-changing insights I was having about a year into my taekwondo journey. I didn’t tell anyone about it for a few months. Since then it has grown to be a documentation of my journey to black belt and beyond, the inspiration for my 2021 book Kicking and Screaming: a Memoir of Madness and Martial Arts, and home to many guest articles from the larger martial arts world. The blog and the book have pushed me into talking openly about mental illness in the public space, which I’ve done on podcasts, in articles, and even in my workplace.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to read my thoughts and to the other writers and martial artists who have contributed richness and diversity to the blog.

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Melanie Gibson General Martial Arts, Guest Writers, Self-Development and Leadership, Training Tips

Guest Writer: 5 Things Jiu Jitsu Has Taught Me About Learning

Guest writer Ashely Mann and her husband Josiah demonstrate a Jiu Jitsu technique.

I have been in the business of adult learning for nearly 15 years. I’m always interested to see how our experiences, whether they are related to martial arts, our professional life, or our relationships, help us learn. In this guest post Ashley Mann shares five things practicing Jiu Jitsu has taught her about the nature of learning. My personal favorite from her list: “Comparison is the thief of joy.”

If you would like to contribute a post to Little Black Belt, please review the guest writer guidelines here.

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Melanie Gibson General Martial Arts, Guest Writers

Guest Writer: The Power of BJJ Training for Kids; a Journey with Griphouse Academy, Glasgow

My amazing guest writers have shared the importance of martial arts training for kids and the benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training in general. This article, courtesy of Griphouse Academy Glasgow head coach Nathaniel, brings together the best of both worlds. Learn more about the great things Coach Nathaniel and team are doing for young students at www.griphouseacademy.co.uk

If you would like to submit a martial arts-related article to this blog, please review the guidelines here.

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Melanie Gibson General Martial Arts, Guest Writers, Mental Health, Self-Development and Leadership, Training Tips, Work and Martial Arts

Guest Writer: Seven Important Truths Learned From Martial Arts

I’m blessed to have a number of guest writers offer their unique perspectives and expertise on this blog just about every month. When Cindy Villanueva contacted me about sharing her writing, I jumped at the chance. Besides our obvious connection of being female martial artists and black belts, Cindy and I have a lot in common. We both have ties to Texas, we’re authors, and, like me, Cindy has benefited greatly from the emotional and mental aspects of martial arts.

This blog post explores universal truths Cindy has gleaned from her decades of martial arts practice.

Enjoy Cindy’s insights below, and be sure to check out her website and her book, Don’t Fight Mad.

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Melanie Gibson General Martial Arts, Guest Writers, Training Tips

Guest Writer: How to Fight vs Opponents with Longer Reach

How To Close The Distance Against A Taller Opponent In Muay Thai ...
Image credit: evolve-university.com

We aren’t all built the same, which means we can’t all employ the same strategies when we spar. I’m shorter than most of the people I fight, so I have to use different tactics than someone taller. My former master was especially good at encouraging me to fight to my body’s strengths, close the distance, and take advantage of using punches and certain kicks. Velin Draogev offers tips and tricks for fighting opponents with longer reach. Read more about Velin’s background and how to access his writing at the end of the article.

If you would like to write a martial arts-related guest post for Little Black Belt, please see the guest writer guidelines here.

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Melanie Gibson General Martial Arts, Guest Writers, Training Tips

The Role of Taekwondo in Self-Defense and Personal Safety

Self-défense | Service des sports Université Paris Cité
Image credit: https://u-paris.fr/sport/self-defense/

While modern, competitive taekwondo has become quite popular, at its core, the martial art is meant to prepare the practitioner to defend themself. How effective is taekwondo?
Guest writer Michael, whose work has been featured on several martial arts and sports sites, explores how taekwondo technique is effective for self-defense.

I’ve personally never had to use taekwondo to defend myself against another person, but one time on a walk I was ready to throw down with an aggressive dog. I was in a fighting stance and everything. Good thing that dog was behind a fence.  🙂

If you would like to be a guest writer for Little Black Belt, please review the guest writer guidelines here.

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