Melanie Gibson Guest Writers, Mental Health

Guest Writer: Grief and Aikido: Relaxing Under Pressure

I’ve discussed the connection of martial arts to mental and emotional health for over a decade; in fact, that’s the reason why I started this blog. I have never, however, approached the topic of using martial arts to manage grief until grief counselor and Aikido student Gyani Richards suggested the topic. The suggestion was timely. I lost my two remaining grandparents within a day of each other earlier this year, which was already a very stressful time for a number of reasons. At first I wasn’t quite sure how to handle my grief. Practicing taekwondo and being among my martial arts friends was one of the best things I did to regain a sense of normalcy and positivity. Please enjoy this beautifully written and thoughtful post and information about Gyani at the end.

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

Grief and Aikido: Relaxing Under Pressure

“Heaven is right where you are standing, and that is the place to train.”
— Morihei Ueshiba, founder of Aikido

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Melanie Gibson Guest Writers, Mental Health, Self-Development and Leadership

Guest Writer: Train the Mind, Dominate the Moment

Someone asked me recently about the mental/emotional/spiritual aspect of martial arts. I’ve discussed it many times on this blog. But don’t just take my word for it. Today’s inspiring guest post is from Coach Matt Marcinek on how winning happens in the mind before you even set foot on the mat. If you would like to write a guest post for Little Black Belt, please review the guest writer guidelines here.

Everyone talks about toughness.
 “Push through.”
 “Don’t quit.”
 “Be mentally strong.”

But what if we’ve misunderstood what real toughness actually is?
 What if it’s not about clenching your jaw and pretending you don’t feel the pressure… but about being calm, aware, and honest when the pressure hits?

That’s the real inner game.
 And it’s the one I try to train every day—on the mat and in life.

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Melanie Gibson Injury and Recovery, Mental Health, Self-Development and Leadership, Work and Martial Arts

Lingering Injury versus an Acute Injury: Life Lessons from (Sometimes Self-Inflicted) Pain

The Achilles Heel of Advice | Blackbird
Me trying to hack life and failing miserably.

Thanks to conversations with my boss and a counselor about my severe burnout, several days off here and there for rest and rejuvenation, hormones starting to regulate so my suspected peri-menopausal symptoms aren’t as bad, and more days of actual honest to God decent sleep…I’m feeling better than I was when I wrote my last post. 

But I’m not out of the woods yet.

Continue reading “Lingering Injury versus an Acute Injury: Life Lessons from (Sometimes Self-Inflicted) Pain” →

Melanie Gibson Injury and Recovery, Mental Health, Uncategorized, Work and Martial Arts

If You’re Happy but You’re Burned Out, Clap Your Hands

Burnout isn't budging in the U.S. workforce | CIO

I’ve been wanting to write an article for a while about burnout. The irony isn’t lost on me that it’s taken me over a month to get thoughts to screen because I’ve been “too busy.” 

The first time the thought for the article crossed my mind I was at home, having taken Good Friday, April 18, off after a very busy week of work and two full days of being in a training program. I’d also been dealing with severe insomnia, which I attributed to peri-menopausal weirdness but realize in hindsight was exacerbated by stress and burnout. I’d hoped to spend that Friday doing something fun or spending time on one or more of my hobbies, but because I was so exhausted, I spent the day napping on the couch while I waited for the HVAC guy to show up to install a part and do the biannual check-up since that was the only free time I’d had all month. 

I was too burned out to write an article about burnout.

Continue reading “If You’re Happy but You’re Burned Out, Clap Your Hands” →

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 Guest Writers, Mental Health

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

Image via Pexels

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 Mental Health, Self-Development and Leadership, Work and Martial Arts

When the Flames of Imposter Syndrome Loom Large

Fire Images On Black Backgrounds - Wallpaper Cave

I’ve explored imposter syndrome a few times on this blog, once during a period of depression and loneliness and more recently when I was offered the opportunity to do something new at work.

I’m happy to report that (1) I’m no longer depressed and lonely and (2) I’ve gotten a pretty good handle on that new thing at work.

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Melanie Gibson Guest Writers, Mental Health

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

Photo via Pexels

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. 

Image via Pexels

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Melanie Gibson Class Diaries, Mental Health

Thinking Too Much vs. Being Mindful

15 Basic Taekwondo Kicks for Beginners and Advanced Students
Chambering is easy as pie until you hit 45.

Even though I’ve been writing this blog for a decade and published a memoir about how practicing martial arts changed my life for the better, I’m still surprised sometimes at the moments of clarity I have when I’m on the mat. 

The most recent moment was this past week when I was working with my master on side kicks. 

Continue reading “Thinking Too Much vs. Being Mindful” →