So over my time practicing Marttial Arts I've known a few people to get really stressed about belt tests.  Myself included.  Understandably so, it's stressful.  Of course you want to make progress and be rewarded for it, but then there's always the doubting voice in the back of your head. 

    There are numerous ways to cope with stressors, too many to talk about here.  Some people shout, some cry, some bottle it all up, some run, some fall, some people stand up and take it head on.  No matter where you fall on the spectrum, I have to commend those folks who are able to vocalize what's going on for them.  Not many people are that in tune with themselves, or have the vocabulary to explain to someone else what the problem is.  If someone is able to tell me what it is that is making them insecure, I'm potentially able to help.  I think that I'm envious of these people because I'm generally not able to vocalize my issues.  It's extremely difficult for me.  Some times it's because I'm not able to explain my problem accurately, some times it's because I'm embarressed.   

     I'm super impressed with one students ability to let me know these things.  Can't tell you is name, but I'm hopeful that this person knows who they are.  I've learned a lot from this particular student, even though I'm certain they aren't trying to be a teacher. 

     So lately there have been a few projects for the younger students that focus on their future goals...such as making Black Belt.  Also, talking to people that are getting close to that goal has been kinda ramping me up for my next step.  Sometimes it's still surreal for to look down and see that black belt tied on my waist.  Its been almost 2years, but the novelty of this particular achievement hasn't worn off! 

     As some of you may or may not know, TaeKwonDo isn't the martial art that I initially earned my black in.  It's another Korean art called Tuek Gong Moo Sul.  I had a lot of fun learning it, and I still try to remember some of the skills learned through it, but ultimately, time is winning the battle and I'm slowly forgetting things.  However, I comfort myself in knowing that I'm learning new information to replace the old.  I'm fortunate that I get to practice a little everyday to help cement the new skills in my mind and body, but I realize there is quite a bit of ground I need to cover before I can entertain the thought of testing for 2nd dan.  Sparring, board breaking, memorizing all of the middle and high belt chun kals, plus the black belt ones....there's a good bit of stuff to cram in.

     So how do I, or you, reach a goal that is so far off and with so much information to learn?  Small chunks.  Taking the info as it comes, trying my best to commit it to memory, picking little tips up as I go.  Not getting frustrated with the details or nit picking, but rather keeping my eye on the larger scheme of things, keeping the larger picture in mind. 

     I can do it....I will do it

   There aren't many things that I enjoy more than a good heart pounding workout.  I try to mix things up so that I don't get bored, which happens easily.  Running, hiking, trail running, biking, lifting weights, annoying my fiancee...just to name a few that I cycle through most often.  Then there's the one that I do daily at the Dojang and the one that I would like to invite you to. 

   Currently we are doing a noon class on Thursday's.  So far we have a handful of people coming regularly but it's more fun the more people you have involved.  THE MORE THE MERRIER!  So instead of going to McDonalds or Subway-as delicious as they may be-come do something for your body and health.

   I know what you're thinking;  'If I go and workout in the middle of the day, I'll be exhausted by the time I get back to work.'  Truth is, you'll most likely go back feeling more energized than when you left, seriously!  When you exercise, your body releases chemicals called endorphines that make you happy.  Besides that, you'll feel pretty hardcore when you go and talk to the people that went and ate some fatty, greasy food and you tell them that you went to practice Martial Arts.    

   This week my fiancee, Rita, started going to Physical Therapy for a few minor aches and pains that have been bothering her for a while.  I've been interested in body mechanics and muscular movement for a while and have been giving serious thought about going back to school to become a physical therapist; so I went with her.  I wanted to see what she was prescribed to do, see what other people were doing, and I wanted to be able to support her. 

   I've have had fairly decent support throughout my life.  There were a few things that I wish I had had more support in, but there have also been things that I've had overwhelming amounts of support in doing.  Giving someone a little support, whether it's needed or not, is a great way to let them know you care.  Even if you don't approve of the decision being made, having a solid, logical explanation of where you are coming from will go a long way and still achieve the same goal...letting them know you care. 

   Having a cheering section-even if it's only one person-can make a huge difference in how a person feels...physically, mentally and emotionally. 

IT's belt testing time!!!  One of the things that I look most forward to is the Belt Test.  Not sure why...i guess there are a few reasons.  Watching all of the students demonstrate what they have learned in past months is fun to see.  Thinking about them learning the steps to the poomses  and gradually learning the Chung Kals; and recounting the times we all have repeated those steps is near impossible.  However, watching everyone on testing day provides a sense of satisfaction.  All of the work pays off in the end. 

After that is all said and done...the testing complete, new belts are tied on, old belts remain...another of my favorite times rolls around.  The learning of NEW material!  The cycle begins again.

Last week I was watching a lot of 'Grey's Anatomy' at home.  If you have some how missed out on this show, it's a hospital drama that is arguably the most depressing show in television.  But it's an awesome show! 

Much of what I watched involved people dying (as it usually does) but one particular case involved a man losing half of his leg.  Now adays with the development of prothetics, it's probable that this man will be able to continue life as normal...save for the few months of physical therapy and adjustment time for getting accustomed to his new "leg". 

I'm talking about this because I took the time while watching this be very thankful.

  Thankful that I, nor any one close me-that I'm aware of, is going to die soon or has to come to terms with the loss of a limb.  I'm thankful for my body, and the things that it allows me to do....the things it has allowed me to do...the things it will allow me to do.  And I have done A LOT! 

With no intention of stopping any time soon.  As per the demands of my fiancee I've tried to repay my body by eating 'properly'.  It's difficult to change the way you have eaten for 26 years; but over the course of the last 3, I've managed to make some huge changes that I really notice when I stray.

  So my point is to take some time to celebrate what your body has done for YOU, what it can do for you and what it will do for you.  I don't mean to sound yogic or like a hippy, but you're body is your temple.  treat it with respect and it will pay off for you.   

In the Black Belt classes, we have been working on new material...a Black Belt Poomse, and some Hapkeido wrist lock moves.  It's all super fun!  I've always looked forward to those classes in particular, but especially now.  Last week's classes were a little much.  Meaning I took A LOT of falls, which my low back and hips absolutely did not approve of.  It'll get better though.  My body just needs time to adapt.