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

Guest Writer: What the Mat Taught Me About Great Coaching

by Karina Whamond, Martial arts software

I started training in martial arts when I was four years old. At the time, I had no idea I was also beginning a lifelong education in what it means to be coached, mentored, and genuinely led by someone who cares about your growth.

Over the years I’ve trained in Taekwondo, Wrestling, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I’ve had coaches who changed the way I see myself, and a few who made me want to quit. What I’ve learned from both is that what makes a great coach isn’t just a set of professional skills, it’s a deeply human quality. And the markers of a truly transformative coaching relationship are just as relevant in a boardroom or a one-on-one session as they are on a mat.

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Melanie Gibson Mental Health

The Power of a Teacher

Over the last month, two of my friends and mentors died suddenly. One was my classical guitar teacher and the other was a taekwondo master from my former dojang. Both men in their early/mid-sixties, they were taken from their loved ones too quickly and too soon. They were both gentle and patient. They both made a big impact on me and the things I love to spend my time doing. They will both be missed by many.

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Melanie Gibson Class Diaries, The Poomsae Series

You Know More Than You Think You Do: What I Learned From Practicing No Pae, or “That Old Japanese Form” (The Poomsae Series Part 14)

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This is my last essay examining an individual form. Unless I can talk one of the senior black belts into teaching me Sipjin or Jitae I’ve gone as far as I can go with black belt forms…for now. I plan on teaching myself Taeguk color belt forms, so that will definitely give me some insight to write about at a later date. But for now this is the end of the direction I’ve been taking with The Poomsae Series.

Anyway…
Continue reading “You Know More Than You Think You Do: What I Learned From Practicing No Pae, or “That Old Japanese Form” (The Poomsae Series Part 14)” →