Any time is a good time to talk about mental health. Let’s talk about men and mental health in my latest (and for now, last) Martial Journal article: Spotlight on Men’s Mental Health.
My Guest Post: Building Resilience When You’re Feeling Stressed
April is Stress Awareness Month. Something we heard a lot during the pandemic was “jUsT bE reSIliENt” as if we could magically change how we felt overnight. Sometimes the sentiment came with support. Other times it came as threat from those who refused to budge. Either way, building resilience in a healthy way is possible.
Check out my latest post on Martial Journal to read more: https://www.martialjournal.com/building-resilience-when-youre-feeling-stressed/
My Guest Post: Seeking Authenticity? Look to Martial Arts
Out of the vast hellscape of the pandemic came a cry for authenticity–in our workplaces, in our homes, and in our hearts. If you’re a practicing martial artist (or have any kind of hobby, passion, sport, etc.), the power might already be within you. In this month’s article for Martial Journal, I describe how practicing martial arts can help you find your authentic voice.
Click here to read the article.
My Guest Post: Feeling Jealous as a Martial Artist? Feel Inspired Instead!
I write an article every two months for “Martial Journal” and focus on topics such as mental health, injury recovery, and the emotional aspects of practicing martial arts.
This month’s article is about dealing with the very natural emotion of jealousy. Instead of suffering with it, take it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Enjoy the article.
My Guest Post: Are You in a Martial Arts Cult?
Be careful, folks, it’s culty out there! Martial arts breeds loyalty, respect, and a sense of community. These are all great things, but when taken to the extreme people can be taken advantage of. In this month’s Martial Journal I share my martial arts cult experience and share some warning signs of when martial arts can go from good to bad.
Planning Your Post-Injury Return to Martial Arts
Enjoy this month’s article from Martial Journal! After taking a year and a half off to recover from two knee surgeries, I’m back in taekwondo and feeling great. Returning to your sport and avoiding re-injury takes some thought and planning that is well worth the time and effort. Click the link to read my tips on returning to your sport, and of course, consult with your healthcare providers.
My Guest Post: Too Many Taekwondo Techniques? Integrate Them
Taekwondo has been accused of being disjointed–poomsae here, breaking there, gyrogi over there. Taekwondo is meant to be studied as a comprehensive whole. It’s up to instructors to make the connections, and it’s something you can do as a student as well. Check out my article in Martial Journal on how to fill your comprehensive training toolbox.
Reducing Martial Arts-Related Stress
Stress in martial arts? No way! Relieving stress is why we started training!
…and yes, sometimes even the thing we love can bring some unexpected and unwanted stress. It happens to the best of us, and the best of the best of us, ha ha.
Check out my article in this month’s Martial Journal for ways to reduce martial arts-related stress: https://www.martialjournal.com/reducing-martial-arts-related-stress/
My Guest Post: The Weirdness and Joy of Returning to Training After an Injury
I may have mentioned a time or two that I’ve had a devastating knee injury and two surgeries (and am still not counting out a third). 🙂
An injury like that changed not only my physical focus, but my mental one as well. I realized how much I had both lost and gained when I started taekwondo training again in January of this year. A dormant part of my brain re-awakened, and it was both strange and wonderful. Whether you’re a martial artist or not, the takeaway is that if you’re in a rut, you may benefit from going back to something you enjoyed earlier in your life or learning something new that stimulates and challenges you.
My story of the weirdness and joy of re-awakening my black belt brain is in this month’s Martial Journal. Click here to read.
My Guest Post: Being a Good Partner in Life and in Martial Arts
Being a martial artist can often feel like a solo endeavor, but for many of us, working with partners is crucial to our development. There are some parallels between being a good martial arts partner and being a good partner in life. In honor of Valentine’s Day (no matter your relationship status), let’s show some appreciation to the other martial arts students who make our learning productive and fun.
Check out my article at Martial Journal: Being a Good Partner in Life and in Martial Arts.