Melanie Gibson Guest Writers, Mental Health

Guest Writer: Cultivating Calm: Effective Ways to Tackle Daily Stress

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The holidays are over, and we’re back in full swing! Busy schedules, yaaaaayy! Part of being a well-rounded martial artist is caring for one’s mental health and well-being. Emma Grace Brown has contributed several articles on wellness and self-care to this blog. In this article she shares several tips for balancing a busy life with effective stress-reducing actions.

If you would like to write a guest article for Little Black Belt, see guest writer guidelines here. ~Melanie

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Melanie Gibson Guest Writers, Mental Health

Guest Writer: Take These Steps to Build a Healthier Home Life

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While this blog is primarily focused on martial arts, I also devote quite a bit of time to something that is inextricably intertwined with martial arts practice: mental health and well-being. Emma Grace Brown has contributed several articles on wellness and self-care in the past, and she has written another great article about how to care for yourself and your family. It’s tempting to get caught up in the bustle of Q4 work deliverables and holiday planning, but it’s most important for you to make sure you and the people you love are healthy and happy. 

If you would like to write a guest article for Little Black Belt, see guest writer guidelines here. ~Melanie

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Melanie Gibson Guest Writers, Mental Health

Guest Writer: The Essential Guide to Building an Introvert-Friendly Self-Care Routine

Remember that time I wrote a blog post about wondering why I spent my days doing corporate training and nights yelling at people in the dojang? Yeah, I still wonder about that, and I still TREASURE my quiet time by myself. That’s why I was delighted when Emma Grace Brown, writer and frequent contributor to Little Black Belt, pitched a self-care guides for introverts. Just in time for hibernation season! If you would like to write a guest post for Little Black Belt, please see guest post guidelines here. 

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Melanie Gibson Guest Writers, Training Tips

Guest Writer: Taking Your Boxing Performance to the Next Level With Smart Training

5 Boxing Workout Routines to Get in Lean Fighting Shape - Men's Journal
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We have another great guest post in the books! I’m pleased to share my first ever boxing-focused article on Little Black Belt, courtesy of Josh Henry. Josh is a Muay Thai enthusiast with five years of experience in combat sports and has written several articles about combat sports and fitness. 

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

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Melanie Gibson Guest Writers, Mental Health

Guest Writer: Leaving My Martial Arts Cult

In 2022 I wrote an article for the online web magazine Martial Journal about being in a martial arts cult. It was something I was reluctant to talk about but felt it was important to say. Since then I’ve had a steady stream of messages from people who could relate. Obviously this is something that needs to be talked about openly.

Martial arts can be wonderful and beneficial influences in our lives, but anything taken to an extreme can have a dark side, especially if the person or people in power take advantage of those who just wanted to do something they enjoyed. 

S [identity protected for privacy], a fellow martial artist, bravely shares her story of the pain of realizing she was in a bad situation and the joy of freedom. 

If you would like to contribute a martial arts-related article to Little Black Belt, please follow the guest post guidelines here.

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Melanie Gibson Guest Writers, Training Tips

Guest Writer: Understanding the Jiu-Jitsu Belt System and How to Progress

The Little Black Belt blog is home to many guest posts about the benefits and nuances of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Have you ever wondered how progression is measured or what you would learn if you were to start practicing BJJ? In this post, Lucas Hudson shares the details of the BJJ belt system and what a practitioner is expected to learn and be assessed on at each level.

If you would like to contribute a martial-arts related article to Little Black Belt, please read and follow 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, 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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