7/26/05

Tuesday night

We started a new concept in stripe testing tonight. I love the concept of continued and never ending improvement. We are working hard on some of the second degree Black Belts that are readying to grade for 3rd Dan (3rd degree Black Belt). This journey seems tough (but rewarding). I know how hard it is to learn new material. I try to learn something new every week although I am not always successful.

Some days it seems like I have'nt ever trained. Backfists slow, footwork like I'm mired in mud and my muscles burning. But, all in all I'm still in the game and I always feel better whan I'm done. I always realize that this is just as much a mental conditioner as a physical one.

I really need to set up the web log for the other instructors to journal their experiences. I really believe it will help all the students to see the internal workings of Black Belts.

June 20, 2005

Here is our newest addition to our web site, our instructors very own blog. Even with the worldwide popularity of the blog I never thought we might have one.

One of the worlds leading innovator/instructors, a man called Tom Callos, recommended that Black Belts keep a training log to make themselves accountable to themselves and our students. Journaling is an opportunity to share gains, losses, feelings, frustrations, passions, and victories. We want everyone to look at Black Belt as a journey and not a destination and to live like Black Belts every day.

This is the beginning of a new journey for Black Belts. Live every day with passion and committment, be a role model and a product of the product. We can become the modern day knights with our words, thoughts and actions.

Here's to the journey!

July 11, 2005
Well here it is - the truth and nothing but the truth. Sore, tired, achy and I feel great about it. After a weekend in the sun and waterskiing and tubing I admit I am a little stiff. At age 52 I plan to continue doing the things I did when I was 22. I just refuse to change. My achy breaky body disagrees some. Mrs Duethorn and I trained for about an hour today, doing bag work and some forms. I really felt the stiffness disappear there for a while. Like Grandmaster Jhoon Rhee says "If you don't use it, God takes it away". We also developed a little more of our Kali curriculum for the Black Belt classes.

This week is board breaking week at the school. I love to see our students challenge themselves to do something that they have never done before. It's all about the growth process. Many students received some uncomfortable feedback when their boards didn't break. They didn't quit and I couldn't be prouder.