Working Out-Working Inward.

http://news.yahoo.com/pregnant-flight-93-victim-honored-by-husband-s-lasting-tribute.html

On the above link you will find a heart warming story of a man who lost his wife and unborn child on 9/11.  Though its been over ten years, the wounds are fresh and the healing continues. Our brave U.S. Forces continue to battle in Afghanistan and Iraq as well as parts unknown working on our behalf and the world’s; to defeat the menace of extremist terrorism.

It was “ordinary” American’s on United 93 that took down the terrorists with their now famous “lets roll” battle cry.  There is nothing “ordinary”? about rising up and fighting back. One of the passengers who led the charge happened to be a Judo competitor in his college days. Martial arts magazine’s exploded with his story shortly after the events of that day. When I think of this story, 9/11 and violence in general, it reminds me of why I train. Certainly the health benefits, the fitness, mental clarity and stress relief are pillars of why I teach and train. However, I train knowing that there are people out there bent on destruction, violence and evil. I have made an active choice to hone my skills daily to be as effective as possible should the need ever arise.  We train not for trophies, glory or fancy dance like movements. We train to survive and win. We train to protect those we hold most dear and precious. We train to serve our families and communities as  motivators toward a life of proactive  choices and intelligent skills.

When you work out, when you sweat and ache and find your breathing coming in labored gasps. Remember it’s your body that you are working out but your mind that you are working “in” as you delve deep down and ask/tell yourself to do one more rep, one more push, one more pull. That drive, that fire could save your life. 

Please watch the brief video. It is moving, inspiring and relevant toward what we do, how we should live and what we can accomplish in the face of the most painful moments life can bring.

Train hard,

Sensei

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Perceptions

 

“You teach Kurahhteeeee for a living?” I get that question now and then. No, I don’t teach Karate at all. There are thousands of martial arts styles practiced globally. Each one unique, useful and functional according to their design and intent. The same is true of my art, Kemm Aiki Bujutsu. A blending of traditon, modern approaches and timeless wisdom that enriches the fertile minds of those who choose to train.

This week has been an eye opener for me as most weeks often are. My children’s classes are spending this month working on a bully education program that will prepare them for going back to school. At the end of a class we had a mat chat (kids on the mat chatting with Sensei and Miss Jamie) about stress and how we vent or express our feelings. I spoke about how if we squeezed an apple, apple juice will always come out. What if I squeeze an orange? Orange juice will come out. I then asked the kids about pressure in life, pressure from friends and school. I asked them what comes out when THEY get squeezed? Without blinking, a little hand went up and said  “Blood Sensei…….”  Children are profound teachers when you pay attention!!!!!

How do you see yourself? Do you really see yourself or do you see the points you dislike? Do you see where you want to be or how  you want to feel? Are you really engaged now or living ten minutes, ten days, ten years into the future? I adore all my students and miss the ones who are not always able to make their classes. I harden sometimes and get grouchy about commitment. I then wish to see compassion come from me rather than hurt feelings or disappointment. Then I realize that this is what I do and remember how hectic life can quickly become. So, I soften and make  peace with knowing that we are always here.

How do you see yourself? What is your perception?  What comes out of you when you get squeezed?

Train hard,

Sensei

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