Starting Seems to be the Hardest Word

Taylor Swift might like a “blank space,” but I hate it.

I hate a blank space when I have an assignment for work. I hate a blank space when I’m drafting a blog post. I hate a blank space when I’m working on a larger creative writing project, like a new book.

So I did something dramatic about it. I signed up for NanoWrimo

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Video Interview: How to Practice Your Martial Art at Home

Steve and Melanie talking technique

Are you a martial arts technique nerd like me who needs some motivation to practice at home?

Check out my video interview with Steve Grogan, creator of Geek Wing Chun, Inc., and frequent contributor to Little Black Belt. Steve and I discuss his book The Lone Warrior: a Guide to Home-Based Wing Chun Training, which is a great resource for people who can’t always make it to the mat. I found a lot of applicability to my home taekwondo practice and commonalities that any martial artist can use. 

Click here to see the full video, including me rolling my eyes HARD at the :21 mark (watch to find out why). 

Click here to learn more about Steve’s book The Lone Warrior.

Finding Balance and Looking Forward

balancing rocks

First of all…hi. It’s been a month since I published anything here so welcome back and thank you for reading. For the past two months I’ve mostly been focused on getting through each day, just like everyone else has in the COVID-19 crisis. I’ve had ups, downs, and am finally starting to feel more leveled out and balanced.

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How Has the Coronavirus Impacted Martial Arts?

face maks
Might not totally stop the coronavirus, but at least your teeth won’t get kicked in.

View at Medium.com

Please take time to read my friend Agam Shah’s article about the COVID-19 outbreak’s global impact on martial arts here. Agam Shah is a writer for the Wall Street Journal and also writes about martial arts. Share in the comments how your school or club is adapting to this new reality.

In my state local dojangs and dojos are temporarily closing or limiting access, and the Texas State tournament has been postponed (wouldn’t be surprised if it’s cancelled). My dojang will be releasing online workouts and tips for continuing training at home.

Stay tuned to my blog for posts on how to keep up your martial arts practice at home.