Leaders Let Others Soar

Balance Bikes Overtake Training Wheels for Teaching Young Riders - NBC News
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Like most children first learning how to ride a bike, I used training wheels. The more confident I became, the more I enjoyed riding my bike, within the parameters of the training wheels of course.

One day my dad was helping me ride my bike without training wheels. At first I was afraid I might fall. But in a seamless moment, my dad let go. The moment of joyously soaring down the driveway is etched into my memory. I felt like I could do anything. After that, I loved riding for miles with my brother and friends (it was the 1980s in rural West Texas, so riding bikes all over town was no big deal).

Sometimes all it takes for someone to soar is for their leader to let go.

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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
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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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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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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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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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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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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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Guest Writer: How to Fight vs Opponents with Longer Reach

How To Close The Distance Against A Taller Opponent In Muay Thai ...
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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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The Role of Taekwondo in Self-Defense and Personal Safety

Self-défense | Service des sports Université Paris Cité
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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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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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