On the flight back from Orlando, there were several interesting things that happened. Well, maybe interesting is too strong a word to use. There were several unique things that happened on the trip back. And I was so proud of myself for writing them down with the goal of putting them in this blog. I felt …
Tag: Karate
U.S. Open Adventures: Disappointments and Realizations
The US Open is Big. Like, really big. They seemed to have rented out the entire Coranado Plaza Hotel at Disney. Everywhere I walked, there were martial artists huddled in corners sleeping on bags, and meandering around with preocupied expressions on their faces. But, no one is running through form in the middle of the …
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3 Things No-One Tells You About Being on A Karate Team
For the last several years I've been on Team Revolution. It's been a great ride so far, and I just got done with the U.S. Open (more on that later!) And during the inevitable hurry up and wait for a really long time that seems to characterize all major events. I had some realizations about …
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1 Week: Pre-event Jitters
I have one week until the US Open. And it's pretty terrifying. I've been working, training, and generally trying to push myself into something resembling comeptition ready. But, there are still times where I'm absolutely convinced that what I'm doing is a bad idea, and that I'll have no idea what to do. But, past …
To the Unrecognized
Just last night I was at the dojo wrapping up an adult class. One of the members came up to me and jokingly accused me of only talking about the karate kids. Every one was getting shoes on and wrangling the last few children who always seemed to be wandering around. "We aren't all kids!" …
Back to Basics: One Step at a Time
I have discovered a new wonder formula of incredible awesome-ness and joy. Basically, it's a liquid anti-inflammatory which works a lot like Ibuprofen. Except you smear it onto the area you want the most goodness to happen in. It's completely awesome (Obviously, use this responsibly and not like a complete idiot. Read the directions, and …
Step 2: Realize Goals and Dreams Don’t Always Match
Once I answered that phone call, things started happening really fast. That weekend I went down for an interview. While I was there I met the woman who would eventually become the girlfriend. Two weeks after that, I had dug my last hole, packed everything up and moved. It was a hot, irritating, and slammed …
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How to Own a Dojo: Step 1 – Burning Need for Change
Two years ago I moved from Ashland, WI to Milwaukee. Over that summer I had been doing some contract work for the DNR. I was removing invasive species and planting native trees along the shoreline of Lake Superior. It was good work. I was outside all the time, and usually got to see some pretty …
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U.S. Open: Disney Adventures!
On the 8th and 9th of July I will be in Orlando, Florida for the 2016 U.S. Open. The super cool thing is it's on Disney Property. So, I will be doing all sorts of yelling and screaming to the tune of "It's a Small World" and maybe I'll even get to see Snow White! …
Twinkie Behemoth
The day after I got back from my drive to Gary, Indiana I managed to throw my back out while putting my shoes on. After pulling myself into the standing position using the assistance of a table and a fair amount of swearing. I hobbled to work and got to tell my story of …
Kata Nerd 