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, 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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Melanie Gibson General Martial Arts, Guest Writers, Injury and Recovery, Training Tips

Guest Writer: Post Fight Recovery for Muay Thai

Adam Green from muaythaiinsider.co.uk is back with tips on post fight recovery. While this article focuses on Muay Thai fighters, these are great tips for any martial arts practitioner. As we get into training and competition season, make sure you are healthy, well, and having fun!

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

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Melanie Gibson General Martial Arts, Guest Writers, Training Tips

Guest Writer: Taekwondo Techniques: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

Basic Taekwondo Kicks You Need to Know About - Healthy Mens
Image credit: https://www.healthy-mens.com

Hello, 2024! Are you wanting to try a new martial art this year? Try taekwondo! Tired of hearing me rave about taekwondo without knowing the details of how it actually works? Guest writer Michael, whose work has been featured on several martial arts and sports sites, breaks down taekwondo techniques for beginners in this comprehensive post. 

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

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Melanie Gibson Injury and Recovery, Mental Health, 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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Melanie Gibson General Martial Arts, Guest Writers, Mental Health, 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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Melanie Gibson General Martial Arts, Guest Writers, Training Tips

Guest Post: How Relaxation Improves Self-Defense

It’s summer! It’s time to chill and relaaaaaax. Relaxation is not only good for our minds, it’s good for our bodies as martial artists. Sifu Kyle Ritter and Sifu Ted Ritter (the Wing Chun Twins) share six reasons why relaxation is vital to practicing self-defense.

There are several reasons why relaxation plays a crucial role in self-defense:

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Melanie Gibson General Martial Arts, Guest Writers, Training Tips

Guest Writer: The benefits of training in a traditional martial arts style versus a modern hybrid style

Article by Darie Raclau | karatemartialart.net Founder

Martial arts training can offer a wide range of benefits, including improved physical fitness, mental discipline, and self-defense skills. When choosing a martial arts style to practice, many people are faced with the decision of whether to train in a traditional style or a modern hybrid style. While both types of training can provide benefits, there are some key differences that may influence a person’s decision.

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