1st Anniversary of my Nidan Test
However, I had one beautiful moment on the test. A moment that was almost failure but I turned into a huge triumph. Here’s the story: ...more
Self-Defense ,Martial Arts My Black Belt Journey Personal Stories &Failure
September 19, 2025•2 min read
From Gutter Balls to Strikes
I went bowling for the first time in 40+ years, with my husband and friends who are actually pretty good. My score? • Gutter balls. • A foul (momentum carried me over the line). • I actually hit so... ...more
Martial Arts ,Personal Stories Failure Play &Flow State
August 15, 2025•2 min read
Healthy Humility
I’m in an (almost) monthly Zoom chat with a group of friends who are all self-defense/martial arts people and who are all leaders or teachers in some way. In our most recent meeting, author Rory Mille... ...more
Leadership ,Martial Arts &Big Ideas
June 25, 2025•2 min read
The Hero’s Journey: Discovering Your Theme
“Given everything you’ve been through in your martial arts journey, all of your starts and stops and your neck injury, all the work you’ve done to get you here today, if you pass this test, and there’... ...more
Martial Arts ,My Black Belt Journey Personal Stories Motivation &Resilience
January 23, 2025•2 min read
Moving Forward: Lessons in Resilience
Saturday marked the 3rd anniversary of my neck injury, which occurred just months before my black belt test—two events are inextricably linked. Rehabbing a neck injury (not martial arts related) while... ...more
Martial Arts ,My Black Belt Journey Personal Stories &Resilience
January 21, 2025•2 min read
Triumph and Transformation: Celebrating the Journey
Today is the third anniversary of my neck injury which happened right after my husband and I closed the doors on our beloved restaurant, and months before I tested for my black belt (1st degree, Shoda... ...more
Martial Arts ,My Black Belt Journey Personal Stories Motivation Resilience &Health And Wellness
January 18, 2025•3 min read
Explore My Most Popular Themes
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