tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51072126514858941682024-03-12T23:59:07.929-04:00Dan Vigil's Academy of Taekwondo BlogContact us at: (248)349-6900
www.northvillemartialarts.comModerator: Master Vigilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296139675889960738noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107212651485894168.post-84034748129622433112011-03-30T09:54:00.002-04:002011-03-30T10:22:22.698-04:00How to Use Your Words to Get Kids to Do Stuff?<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxKXfvYaphALSFYlBKJRMgDzfvcYLhVli9i1ViIPS6E1tvcXq_jdpLwMIyyTpdrZ-vsj1O9wbZizDyxrYJoNw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer">If you are interested in learning more about classes at the Academy of Taekwondo, please contact me at (248)349-6900 or vigil@plymouthtkd.com. We have a FREE Introductory Program.</div>Moderator: Master Vigilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296139675889960738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107212651485894168.post-57003648588270899802011-02-03T07:32:00.004-05:002011-02-03T07:38:59.191-05:00Don't Know if Your Child is Harassed by Bullies? Here Are Some Revealing Questions.All the time, I ask parents if their child has to deal with bullies at school. Their answer usually goes like this:<br /><br /> “No!”<br /> “Well... I don’t think so.”<br /> Then Mom looks at Dad...<br /> Mom and Dad look back to me.<br /> “Actually, we don’t know.”<br /><br /> The truth is, as parents, we usually don’t know. It’s awkward for our kids to tell us and it’s awkward for us to ask about it. When we do ask our kids about their school day most parents tend to ask the wrong kinds of questions. Here is some help:<br /><br /> Don’t ask: How was your day today? What did you do today? Was everything okay? How was school?<br /><br /> Because all you’ll get is: “Fine.” “Okay.” “Nothing.” “Yeah.” One word answers.<br /><br /> What kind of questions are better? (From author Barbara Coloroso)<br /><ul><li>Who do you talk to on the bus?</li><li>Do you sit with the same kids every day?</li><li>Has this child ever sat with someone else?</li><li>Who did you sit with that day?</li><li>Have you ever sat alone?</li><li>What would you do if that child were out sick, or who would you sit with if you had to find another child?</li><li>Does anyone ever get picked on, called names or teased during the bus ride?</li><li>Does this ever happen to you?</li><li>Do you ever do this to someone else?</li><li>Does anyone ever get knocked out of his seat on the bus?</li><li>Has this ever happened to you?</li><li>Do kids act like there are assigned seats and has anyone ever challenged that?</li><li>Who do you eat lunch with every day?</li><li>Does it ever happen that your group isn’t there, and if so, who would you join for lunch?</li><li>Do you have someone to play with during recess?</li><li>Who did you play with at recess today?</li><li>Do you notice if anyone is being teased, picked on or left out at lunch and recess?</li><li>Does anyone ever get left out of a game at recess? Or not have the ball passed to him on purpose?</li><li>Does this ever happen to you?</li><li>Who would you tell if it did happen to you?</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">If they reveal incidents like this have happened to them:</span><br /><ul><li>Do your friends know?</li><li>Have you ever asked them to help you?</li><li>Have you spoken to anyone at school about this?</li><li>What adults do you feel safe with in school?</li><li>What kids do you feel safe with in school?</li><li>Has anyone who has seen reported this to an adult?</li><li>Does your school have any way that you can report this with out feeling like it will make things worse?</li></ul> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Have questions?</span> I’m always available to help. As a former bullied kid myself I am <span style="font-style: italic;">passionate</span> about stopping the bullying in your child’s life.<br /><br /> Just call 248-349-6900. Ask for Master Vigil.<br /><br />(Please share this with your friends. It could change everything for their children.)<div class="blogger-post-footer">If you are interested in learning more about classes at the Academy of Taekwondo, please contact me at (248)349-6900 or vigil@plymouthtkd.com. We have a FREE Introductory Program.</div>Moderator: Master Vigilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296139675889960738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107212651485894168.post-65357224876803568382011-01-21T14:52:00.006-05:002011-01-21T15:47:01.637-05:00Whatever happened to Toughness?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_w22XzjxhTxmPaKJvAwA9QsOlkCS-0YnRQT3E4ejKmMKEBmyuHUT5OakzHn9XYE81rZ6aWsh2u5edj1_bU0STlhwiVLSOoMbFOYnwt4BRJHSjA59HnUeCW1_SahWXgMK6leL-P8CTPY/s1600/true+grit"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 223px; height: 167px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_w22XzjxhTxmPaKJvAwA9QsOlkCS-0YnRQT3E4ejKmMKEBmyuHUT5OakzHn9XYE81rZ6aWsh2u5edj1_bU0STlhwiVLSOoMbFOYnwt4BRJHSjA59HnUeCW1_SahWXgMK6leL-P8CTPY/s320/true+grit" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564738787548504642" border="0" /></a><br />Last night I watched a great movie with my wife. It was the Cohen Brothers adaptation of "True Grit". It got me thinking.<br /><br />The story is about a resolute 14 year old girl who sets out with a grizzled U.S Marshal and a flashy Texas Ranger to bring her father's murderer to justice. The trio braves the elements, classic western-style marauders and the ill company of each other to see the job done.<br /><br />It was dramatized to be sure, but the rough and tumble lifestyle of the film wasn't altogether different from the one lived by our pioneering forebears. No one seems to remember it now, but there was a time (not so long ago) when "grit" was an admirable trait.<br /><br />Now it seems like a couple decades of Oprah and her descendants Doctors Phil and Oz have us valuing sensitivity and tolerance. Which is fine, because these are important traits... but they need to be tempered with discipline, firmness, resolute morality and courage.<br /><br />We have forgotten, it seems, that there is a time to stand your ground. A time to hit back. A time to forget triple A and change our own darn tire. A time to narrow our eyes dangerously and say, "I think you're trying to screw me, buddy," or maybe "You can't talk to me like that." There are situations in life where a bit of grit goes a long way.<br /><br />Also, let us not forget that it was <span style="font-style: italic;">grit </span>and <span style="font-style: italic;">toughness</span> coupled with a resolute idea of what is right and what is wrong that founded this country.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNiPIIJ4KRZbnuW3v8t1iII9i21RpK49v8UrhyIDvEbFT6D3MI33_5KVm7aJ4LRiduWbCQGilDPUJcsxTQySdCXWDNXIsdhQx0owUGNdJIXhnZWU3dnizYmFMRkdXnhOwHUv6xd1tIClQ/s1600/pioneer"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 248px; height: 193px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNiPIIJ4KRZbnuW3v8t1iII9i21RpK49v8UrhyIDvEbFT6D3MI33_5KVm7aJ4LRiduWbCQGilDPUJcsxTQySdCXWDNXIsdhQx0owUGNdJIXhnZWU3dnizYmFMRkdXnhOwHUv6xd1tIClQ/s320/pioneer" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564739396227272578" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">A very wise man once told me that life was all about finding the balance between being nice and being tough. "People are born with one and n</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">eed to learn the other," he said. "Most of the time, be nice. Occasionally, you need to know when to get tough." He was right.</span><br /><br />Our society does a great job of teaching us to be nice at all costs. We need to do our jobs and teach our children the yin to that yang. For what it's worth - I'm proud to be in an industry that offers people the rare opportunity to grow a little backbone.<div class="blogger-post-footer">If you are interested in learning more about classes at the Academy of Taekwondo, please contact me at (248)349-6900 or vigil@plymouthtkd.com. We have a FREE Introductory Program.</div>Moderator: Master Vigilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296139675889960738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107212651485894168.post-3643315052451983342011-01-11T12:37:00.008-05:002011-01-11T12:55:19.657-05:00How to stop bullying... forever.New Jersey is passing som<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKj3t3FZ22CTEhgYbW4wFvQghuKF_OVfpwabgL9rrciBqmNQyrc2yzd0fZQ8-jdToor4hhfhayBUIHU5jWQcXA6laW_bKMfwSZtwn0dkHqf6TfkKMuA5kmu3bep1xLzRUhPxl-WcElFlo/s1600/bully"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 306px; height: 228px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKj3t3FZ22CTEhgYbW4wFvQghuKF_OVfpwabgL9rrciBqmNQyrc2yzd0fZQ8-jdToor4hhfhayBUIHU5jWQcXA6laW_bKMfwSZtwn0dkHqf6TfkKMuA5kmu3bep1xLzRUhPxl-WcElFlo/s320/bully" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560987262314638114" border="0" /></a>e pretty aggressive anti-bullying laws in an attempt to make schools more accountable for bullying.<br /><br />My opinion? It's yet another attempt on the part of government to get schools to do a job that parents should be doing.<br /><br />Job #1: We need to do everything we can to bully-proof our kids. Build their self esteem and their confidence. Teach them to communicate effectively with bullies, teachers and friends.<br /><br />Job #2: We need to identify our own children as bullies. Teach them compassion, respect - and most importantly empathy.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">But what will stop bullying forever?</span><br /><br />Most kids don't fit in Job #1 or Job #2 - but this doesn't mean parents are off the hook. Job #3 seldom gets any attention at all - and yet it's probably the most important.<br /><br />Job #3: Teach kids who are not bullied or bullies not to tolerate other kids being bullied. Teach them that they can (and should) stick up for the weaker kids. Teach them to identify bullying and how to report it to teachers and parents.<br /><br />If everyone does their part we can make life much easier and more enjoyable for bullied kids... and for bullies.<div class="blogger-post-footer">If you are interested in learning more about classes at the Academy of Taekwondo, please contact me at (248)349-6900 or vigil@plymouthtkd.com. We have a FREE Introductory Program.</div>Moderator: Master Vigilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296139675889960738noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107212651485894168.post-3457021035408104232011-01-01T10:59:00.006-05:002011-01-01T13:32:35.661-05:00The Most Important Thing I've Learned About Reaching GoalsHave you ever watched a movie that just hyped you up beyond belief? The year was 1976, and all over the country people were leaving movie theaters ready to hit the gym. They were hyped! Ready to conquer their goals. What did they see? "Rocky."<br /><br />Or how many people left the m<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbFKmH8HGwgCM83zAaNdHueWLCdwC1OQeiVbWLHhrMRMCHpJfu8AKrF_FPhHPGgHN67PgIL_ZHDjgwTKO0MRCWC-JTKfE0zY1zzun0XfOplIrD9v_ZbSKPa78CjrtICbTNxCz3QClHBA0/s1600/rocky.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbFKmH8HGwgCM83zAaNdHueWLCdwC1OQeiVbWLHhrMRMCHpJfu8AKrF_FPhHPGgHN67PgIL_ZHDjgwTKO0MRCWC-JTKfE0zY1zzun0XfOplIrD9v_ZbSKPa78CjrtICbTNxCz3QClHBA0/s320/rocky.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557256290072078514" border="0" /></a>ovie "Taxi Driver" that same year risking life, limb and speeding tickets as they raced along the city streets? Stories - whether in books, movies or the theater have the ability to affect our psyche in powerful and profound ways. The right media fed to our brain has the ability to put us in a state of mind where we're ready to take on the world.<br /><br />Tony Robbins refers to this as being "in state". Which is probably short for "a state of certainty". He's referring to the times when you are 100% confident, that you are absolutely certain of your outcome. Everyone has areas of their life where they have that kind of certainty at least some of the time. Whether it's the surgeon about to operate, the baseball player stepping up to bat or the Taekwondo athlete bowing in - everyone experiences this "state" at one time or another.<br /><br />In this state, all things are possible.<br /><br />Now there are lots of ways to put yourself in this state, but I think one of the easiest is using media. I know there are certain songs, books, videos, movies, t.v shows and websites that make me <span style="font-style: italic;">want</span> to do certain things. If I don't want to work out I'll throw in Cindarella Man, Rocky or Fight Club. If I don't want to do my accounting I'll throw in Wall Street or read Rich Dad Poor Dad. If I want to get in the mood for a date I might listen to Etta James sing her wonderful song At Last.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5wrtBYX6ZQa-nI5rdWQEGH9K4k3JmuvvCB4hCTILB7kn5MOgs9b6I2K5ftz_-GPDUlAh_qh_Yw5SYspBr1LuI1eN-ygLHws1DL1y6JaTDvM2wOi8MFDkM_yQu7TDD7fAUrwpYvQudCg/s1600/tonyrobbins.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5wrtBYX6ZQa-nI5rdWQEGH9K4k3JmuvvCB4hCTILB7kn5MOgs9b6I2K5ftz_-GPDUlAh_qh_Yw5SYspBr1LuI1eN-ygLHws1DL1y6JaTDvM2wOi8MFDkM_yQu7TDD7fAUrwpYvQudCg/s320/tonyrobbins.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557256839806001858" border="0" /></a><br />What I have learned is that managing my state is the most important thing I do. I'll always get more done and do better work if I'm in state. Plus, it's fun. I enjoy what I'm doing instead of using discipline to make myself get things done. Making yourself do things is always a last resort.<br /><br />There are days I'll come into the Taekwondo school in the morning and stare at my desk with absolutely zero motivation. If I feel like my state is the dumps I will actually take the time to watch as much of a movie, or listen to as many songs as it takes to get me to want to do the things I need to do. There are some rare days where I watch both Cindarella Man and read 1/2 of Rich Dad Poor Dad before I get a thing done.<br /><br />Most people would tell you that spending the first two hours of your work day watching a movie was lazy and a total waste of time. I guess they'd be right if you were just watching any old thing. But by silencing the voice inside my head that says it's a waste of time, and listening to my belief that managing my state is the most important thing I can do - I have become insanely productive. Much more so than I otherwise would have been.<br /><br />What you'll notice too is that the more you work on your state the less you need to work on it. You build momentum. Being productive and successful in an area will always make you want to work harder in that area. You just have to get the ball rolling.<br /><br />So - take the time to manage your state. Take the time to figure out what media motivates you. Build youtube playlists. Collect DVDs that inspire you. Who always seems to motivate you in a 5 minute phone call without even trying? Figure out what the tools you need are and use them. You'll feel great getting a lot done, and you'll have a whole lot more fun doing it!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeNBpJ5Q_2FaMZHhGoz-tkNqiLPCCquKYXd8SObsS8PbjItHkwd8EKEkR_s3lmySV52YWNhok9-4bvOy4eo29ND8FWAS-Jhzj1rF3JxYdvRlXntWbYfv6sDeoWAelB-KURSWOV8U-ZMGU/s1600/sunset+bike"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 215px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeNBpJ5Q_2FaMZHhGoz-tkNqiLPCCquKYXd8SObsS8PbjItHkwd8EKEkR_s3lmySV52YWNhok9-4bvOy4eo29ND8FWAS-Jhzj1rF3JxYdvRlXntWbYfv6sDeoWAelB-KURSWOV8U-ZMGU/s320/sunset+bike" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557257732273526194" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">If you are interested in learning more about classes at the Academy of Taekwondo, please contact me at (248)349-6900 or vigil@plymouthtkd.com. We have a FREE Introductory Program.</div>Moderator: Master Vigilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296139675889960738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107212651485894168.post-62177285363506685432010-12-20T09:31:00.000-05:002010-12-20T09:32:47.084-05:00Be Careful of These Two Words - by Keith Hafner<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 12px;">When dealing with kids (or really anybody, for that<br />matter...read: spouse), be careful how you use the<br />words ALWAYS and NEVER.<br /><br />Have you ever had anybody, while upset with you, say,<br />"You know you ALWAYS (leave your sock on the floor; </span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 12px;">forget my birthday; are crabby when you get home...)<br /><br />or...<br /><br />"You NEVER (appreciate what I do; include me in your </span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 12px;">plans; help with the chores)...<br /><br />This kind of hyperbole creates a defensive reaction in the </span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 12px;">person you are talking to. They immediately think (or say), </span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 12px;">"That's not true! Don't you remember when I..."<br /><br />And -- you've got an adversarial situation on your hands. </span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 12px;">With your exaggeration, you've made it difficult for them </span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 12px;">do focus on or discuss the point you are trying to make.<br /><br />Instead, substitute words like "sometimes" and "occasionally" </span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 12px;">as in: "Michael, SOMETIMES when I ask you to do something..."</span></span></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">If you are interested in learning more about classes at the Academy of Taekwondo, please contact me at (248)349-6900 or vigil@plymouthtkd.com. We have a FREE Introductory Program.</div>Moderator: Master Vigilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296139675889960738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107212651485894168.post-63155221588079028792010-12-13T14:34:00.005-05:002010-12-13T15:06:20.964-05:009 Ways to Achieve Your Goals<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdp55Ze2iHbNA9YTI-NOKHY1m0vT-WRi1toatMP8AIAvdKz_O7ajF1W-EnieD5KPhTSlcZytLeEMewTVf5v6ehoXWctFBKdpo6FkByHfSzXiNwRZwFcRLkAVChuwj5zztmu1s_hCNZNZg/s1600/black+belt+forms+1.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdp55Ze2iHbNA9YTI-NOKHY1m0vT-WRi1toatMP8AIAvdKz_O7ajF1W-EnieD5KPhTSlcZytLeEMewTVf5v6ehoXWctFBKdpo6FkByHfSzXiNwRZwFcRLkAVChuwj5zztmu1s_hCNZNZg/s320/black+belt+forms+1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550258557200366658" border="0" /></a><br />Hello Everybody! With New Year's right around the corner I thought I'd offer a little time tested goal setting wisdom. Some of it may be self explanatory, some of it may contradict other things you've heard - but it all works for me! Feel free to take what you want and leave the rest.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1) Set goals you're going to enjoy working on.</span> Often people choose strategies to acheive their goals that aren't going to be any fun to execute. For example, your goal is to lose weight, but your strategy is to get up and run 3 miles on the treadmill every morning. If you loathe treadmills, and running hurts your knee this is the wrong strategy... and you probably won't be successful. Choose a strategy that's going to create enjoyment in the process.<br /><br />The point of life is to enjoy it! If you don't enjoy the journey the destination may not be worthwhile.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2) Be honest with your self about what you can and cannot do.</span> This is a knife that cuts both ways - don't sell yourself short, but also be careful not to set unrealistic goals.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3) Make your goals about you.</span> Don't set goals that rely on you changing another persons behaviors.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4) Know how you're going to celebrate when you reach your goal.</span> Make sure you make time for a victory dance! After you get done patting yourself on the back there will be plenty of time to set your next goal.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5) Guard your goals from anyone who will not be supportive.</span> In the beginning it's easy to let one naysayer derail your freight train of success - so don't follow the tracks that lead to negative people.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">6) Don't waste energy telling others what you're going to do.</span> Do spend energy telling people how you did it. Some people say make your goals public, I disagree. Too many people are too full of talk. Also, see #5.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">7) Figure out what behaviors support you, and what distracts you</span>. For example, right now I have certain goals in <a href="http://www.northvillemartialarts.com/">Taekwondo</a> that I'm working on. It requires a lot of time training, and so I've given up playing as much music as might like to make room for more TKD time. Guitar didn't support my goals, so I've let it go for now.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">8) Don't be average.</span> Don't do what other people are doing to reach goals like yours - DO MORE!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">9) Fantasize.</span> Spend time daydreaming, in as much detail as possible, about what it will be like when you reach your goal. Take a few minutes to live in that fantasy every day and soon it will become the reality.<br /><br />I hope these little tips are useful to you! If they are, please share them with your friends.<br /><br />I wish you all the success and happiness you can possibly handle in 2011!<div class="blogger-post-footer">If you are interested in learning more about classes at the Academy of Taekwondo, please contact me at (248)349-6900 or vigil@plymouthtkd.com. We have a FREE Introductory Program.</div>Moderator: Master Vigilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296139675889960738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107212651485894168.post-25068994225108836902010-11-28T21:27:00.003-05:002010-11-28T22:03:35.494-05:00I Deflect Negative Energy<div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div>One of the most powerful mindsets you can have is "I deflect negative energy". It is the concept of not letting negative people or situations steal your joy, and it was a lesson recently reiterated to me by one of my mentors, Dave Kovar. It's easy advice to give, isn't it? The real trick is having strategies that help you apply it.<br /><br />First off, avoid environments an<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFnHvBOiuldGoO1iQeFDg_0SxGCtqanOgtfaoFLs0AjLnIeqnsq4J6tk8PRnV14NFvLFJ6eOlX2Zx7DxWx48qMyjmpLqEfhzVDtvl-eOP9uQQcMEwUxpIyhQYnazBwwcBb6jD1ta_9WBY/s1600/OH+MAN.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFnHvBOiuldGoO1iQeFDg_0SxGCtqanOgtfaoFLs0AjLnIeqnsq4J6tk8PRnV14NFvLFJ6eOlX2Zx7DxWx48qMyjmpLqEfhzVDtvl-eOP9uQQcMEwUxpIyhQYnazBwwcBb6jD1ta_9WBY/s320/OH+MAN.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544797436375441426" border="0" /></a>d situations that are likely to present negativity to you. Dave shares a great story about this. Years ago someone came into his Karate school asking about lessons in self defense. The gentleman had a black eye and stitches. He said he'd just been in a bar fight, and was on the losing end. "So," he said, "I need some self defense lessons because every time I go into that bar I get beat up." "Well," responded Master Kovar half jokingly, "Why don't you stop going to that bar?" "Oh," said the guy, "I never thought of that!" The question is: what "bars" do you need to avoid?<br /><br />Next, just don't talk to, associate with, read facebook posts of, or take any notice whatsoever of negative people. Negative people are just that - negative. They are septic. They don't have nice things to say, and nothing you can say to them will turn them to the good. Just avoid them.<br /><br />Lastly, control your focus. When you find yourself focused on negative energies, count your blessings. Focus on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, or admirable... anything that is excellent or praiseworthy. Focus on things of "good report". That's good advice from another mentor of mine.<div class="blogger-post-footer">If you are interested in learning more about classes at the Academy of Taekwondo, please contact me at (248)349-6900 or vigil@plymouthtkd.com. We have a FREE Introductory Program.</div>Moderator: Master Vigilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296139675889960738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107212651485894168.post-40776634493428003222010-08-19T12:35:00.002-04:002010-08-19T13:02:43.296-04:00Donn DouthittI don't know if you guys know Donn Douthitt. Odds are you have probably seen him. Mr. Donn helps out with classes two nights a week here at the school, and often covers classes when Neil and I are out of town.<br /><br />Of all my students, Donn is one of whom I am most proud. Why, you ask? Well...<br /><br />Donn has been training with us for almost 5 years. He started back in the days when the school was on Five Mile Rd., and when the school had it's first employee, Brian. I remember three separate things that happened to Mr. Donn in the first few weeks of his training.<br /><br />1) Donn, at around 50, was out of shape, and in those days I hadn't figured out how to train beginners. I pushed him extremely hard - harder than I would dare to push anyone now. He was hurting. You could tell.<br /><br />2) It seemed like every class someone was bruising his shins and arms, and though he didn't complain it was obvious that he wasn't thrilled.<br /><br />3) The biggest guy in the school kicked a white belt Donn in the mouth sending him to the E.R for stitches.<br /><br />I think you'd agree, most people would have given up. In fact, I recall Brian saying, "I can't believe that Donn guy keeps coming! If anyone had a reason to leave..." But quitting just isn't Mr. Donn's way. Mr. Donn earned his black belt at our first black belt test a year ago.<br /><br />Few of my students worked as hard as Donn did as a color belt. He was 100% rock solid on his attendance, often coming in to use the mat when the school was closed, and frequently meeting Mr. Tyler for one on one classes to improve his technique. He worked exceptionally hard, at times out training and out doing his younger counterpart, Mr. Neil.<br /><br />Today I'm astounded at how good Donn has really become. His fitness, at 50+ is exceptional even for a 25 year old. His forms are very good. He has no fear (well, no paralyzing fear) of standing across from "the Master" in the ring. And, quite honestly, he might have a better grasp of Dan Holland's ground fighting than I do.<br /><br />Additionally, Donn's support of the school, me and my family has never wavered. In three years of helping and teaching class, he has missed only TWO days.<br /><br />But what I find the most remarkable about Donn Douthitt, is that he's accomplished all of this on the strength of his mental discipline. I don't think he'd mind me saying that he's not a natural athlete. Perhaps he's even the opposite. Donn, however, is goal-oriented and driven, rock-solid and consistent. He's become an excellent practitioner. He's a model martial artist, the students look up to him, and so do I.<div class="blogger-post-footer">If you are interested in learning more about classes at the Academy of Taekwondo, please contact me at (248)349-6900 or vigil@plymouthtkd.com. We have a FREE Introductory Program.</div>Moderator: Master Vigilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296139675889960738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107212651485894168.post-40697827302507494882010-01-06T14:08:00.002-05:002010-01-06T14:46:50.730-05:00These kids get older? What?Today I found myself in University Cafe on the U of M campus. It has been a long time since my last visit, but it was once a place I frequented. Happily not much has changed. You can still smell delicious home style Korean Food from a block away. The place looks the same, more or less - they've repainted with maize and blue theme, and added a Coke refrigerator, but it still has that "hole-in-the-wall" vibe I love. They still don't sell bottled water, they just have a big, bright yellow "Igloo" container with cold water in it. Get your own, don't pay for it.<br /><br />The patrons, I'm glad to say, are still mostly Koreans. It's a sure sign to foodies that the fare remains authentic. Of course, this is U of M's campus and as such there is a smattering of people from all over the world. A guy with a clearly Eastern European accent, a German accent, an overweight, white haired American "dude" eats with an Indian friend. Probably a half a dozen cultures are represented in a tiny little cafe, all happily chowing down on bibimbab, bulgogi, rice or whatever. It's one thing I love about this country.<br /><br />I didn't recognize the guy behind the counter taking orders. He's a young, handsome Korean kid, probably a student. I ask him who is cooking. He stammers, looking for the right answer. <br /><br />"Mrs. Peltier?" I ask.<br />"Yes," he responds and looks genuinely relieved when I smile.<br />"Can I say 'hi'?"<br />"Sure."<br /><br />And from out of the kitchen she walks... she recognizes me on sight. She and her husband (whose first name won't come to me) used to bring their son William to train with me at Master Kim's school. I don't recall how long he was there now, maybe a couple years. He was a good kid... 6 or 7 when he was there... and I always looked forward to seeing him and his parents. They are good people. <br /><br />I still remember when they opened University Cafe. Remember it like it was yesterday, as cliche as it sounds. I remember being the only guy in there, and slowly watching it grow. Nowadays you have to share a table with a college kid if you want to sit down. American guy marries Korean lady, has two kids, opens Korean restaurant on college campus, watches kids and restaurant grow. It's story book stuff, and it's beautiful, don't you think?<br /><br />Anyway, first question out of my mouth is, "How is William?" I'm racking my brain... is he in high school yet? Probably... or maybe not.<br /><br />"Good!" she says, her voice thick with accent.<br />"How old is he now?" I ask, still racking my brain to place his age.<br />"21," she tells me, the number dropping like a bomb in my brain.<br />"TWENTY ONE?!" Wait, if he's twenty one he's a walking, talking, voting, drinking young man who probably has opinions, a job and a girlfriend! That's not right! He was just SEVEN... I mean, maybe I could see him being 14 or 15 now, but not twenty freaking one!<br /><br />My next thought? How old am -I- now???<div class="blogger-post-footer">If you are interested in learning more about classes at the Academy of Taekwondo, please contact me at (248)349-6900 or vigil@plymouthtkd.com. We have a FREE Introductory Program.</div>Moderator: Master Vigilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296139675889960738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107212651485894168.post-60281999661416234872009-12-28T09:01:00.000-05:002009-12-28T09:04:50.906-05:00What do your techniques say about you?<style type="text/css"> <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } --> </style> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Self Actualization</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Bruce Lee understood self actualization and the martial arts very well. He spoke of it often. To him, the actualization of ones inner person was the purpose of martial arts training. It puts the “art” in martial art. As an actor, I suspect Bruce was very comfortable ignoring who he was on the inside to portray the character he needed to on the outside. Thus it makes perfect sense to me that his challenge was to use his martial art to express who he <i>actually </i><span style="font-style: normal;">was as a person... to “express himself honestly”, as he would say.</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;">For better or worse the way we perform our techniques is always an actualization of ourselves. Those with sloppy, lazy technique tend to lead sloppy, lazy lives. Those who can not relax and too rigidly perform their actions are likely spending too much time in a state of “stress” and “overwhelmed.” Those too timid and shy in life may perform their techniques with out snap or spirited yelling. </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;">Listen to what your techniques say about who you are. Begin to let them speak for the person you wish to become. Balanced, focused, driven, powerful, confident, secure.</p><div class="blogger-post-footer">If you are interested in learning more about classes at the Academy of Taekwondo, please contact me at (248)349-6900 or vigil@plymouthtkd.com. We have a FREE Introductory Program.</div>Moderator: Master Vigilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296139675889960738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107212651485894168.post-54595670238062435902009-11-19T13:53:00.005-05:002009-11-19T14:04:04.126-05:00Good parenting is simple, but difficult.Raising a child is both the most rewarding and most difficult thing you will do in your life. Read this story to find the secret that experts feel is the most important thing you can do to raise great kids!<br /><br />"A man came home from work late, tired and irritated, to find his 5-year old son waiting for him at the door.<br /><br />SON: Daddy, may I ask you a question?<br />DAD: Yeah sure, what it is? replied the man.<br />SON: Daddy, how much do you make an hour?<br />DAD: That’s none of your business. Why do you ask such a thing? the man said angrily.<br />SON: I just want to know. Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?<br />DAD: If you must know, I make $50 an hour.<br />SON: Oh, the little boy replied, with his head down.<br />SON: Daddy, may I please borrow $25?<br /><br />The father was furious, If the only reason you asked that is so you can borrow some money to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you are being so selfish. I don’t work hard everyday for such childish frivolities. The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door.<br /><br />The man sat down and started to get even angrier about the little boy’s questions. How dare he ask such questions only to get some money.<br /><br />After about an hour or so, the man had calmed down, and started to think: Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that $25, he really didn’t ask for money very often. The man went to the door of the little boy’s room and opened the door.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Are you asleep, son? he asked. No daddy, I’m awake, replied the boy. I’ve been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier, said the man. It’s been a long day and I took out my aggravation on you. Here’s the $25 you asked for. The little boy sat straight up, smiling. Oh, thank you daddy! he yelled.</span><br /><br />Then, reaching under his pillow he pulled out some crumpled up bills. The man saw that the boy already had money and started to get angry again.<br /><br />The little boy slowly counted out his money, and then looked up at his father. Why do you want more money if you already have some? the father grumbled.<br /><br />Because I didn’t have enough, but now I do, the little boy replied. Daddy, I have $50 now. Can I buy an hour of your time? Please come home early tomorrow, I would like to have dinner with you.<br /><br />The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little son, and he begged for his forgiveness. It’s just a short reminder to all of you working so hard in life. We should not let time slip through our fingers without having spent some time with those who really matter to us, those close to our hearts. Do remember to share that $50 worth of your time with someone you love?"<br /><br />Educators and child development experts all know that spending quality time with your child ranks at the top of things you can do to raise a happy and successful child. Have you spent some quality time with your child lately? If not here are two suggestions:<br /><br />1.) Have regular daily family time (remember when families used to eat dinner together),<br /><br />2.) Schedule a weekly “date” with your child.<br /><br />*Thanks to Sensei Sam Larioza from Ohana Karate in Fowlerville for reminding me of this story.<div class="blogger-post-footer">If you are interested in learning more about classes at the Academy of Taekwondo, please contact me at (248)349-6900 or vigil@plymouthtkd.com. We have a FREE Introductory Program.</div>Moderator: Master Vigilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296139675889960738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107212651485894168.post-68437812087246619512009-10-14T14:16:00.002-04:002009-10-14T14:17:58.856-04:00An Excerpt from Master Vigil's (soon to be published) Book<span style="font-weight:bold;">The Genesis of Martial Arts</span><br /><br /> Since the first fur-clad, foul smelling, thick-skulled human picked up a big stick and whacked a bear, we have been working on combat. I can see it so clearly:<br /><br />Caveman 1:“Ugh, how not die to bear?” <br />Caveman 2: “Me hit with big stick!”<br />Caveman 1: “Show Caveman 2!”<br />Caveman 2: “Yuh!”<br /><br /> As Caveman 2 swings his stick in demonstration, the first martial arts form is born. <br /><br /> Every lasting people has had to systematize the study of combat. This is where the “martial” in martial arts originates. Dictionary.com gives us the meaning of martial as “inclined or disposed to war; warlike”. If we called it “martial study” instead of “martial art” it would be much easier to trace the lineage of the first martial artists. But the addition of the word “art” after “martial” makes things complicated. Dictionary.com gives us the definition of “art” as “the quality, production, expression, or realm, according to aesthetic principles, of what is beautiful, appealing, or of more than ordinary significance”. Every culture has had to systematize combat to survive, but no culture has had to systematize art. Who were the first people to establish this link and system? Perhaps more importantly, why did they do it?<br /><br /> Historians have credited everyone from ancient Korean peninsula warriors, to Native Americans as being the first to link warriorhood with art. One such story claims that a Buddhist temple was constantly under assault from bandits. The monks of this temple began to incorporate punching, kicking, blocking and movement into their meditation in order to be able to better defend their temple. They did it not with the intention of creating martial art, but rather as a way to remain peaceful in the heart while being violent with the body. A visiting monk from China witnessed their practice, thought highly of it, and brought it back to his temple. Such, as the story goes, is the birth of Kung-Fu, which many consider to be the oldest martial art in practice. <br /><br /> What is important to understand about the birth of martial arts is not the who, what, when and where – but rather the why. Picture this: The year is 551 A.D, and you are a new recruit in the military of the Silla dynasty of what will eventually become Korea. You are one of the legendary Hwarang warriors, though you are yet untested in real combat. You stand in your armor, grip your spear, and fill the ranks of the front line, but you are not a warrior yet. <br /><br /> You were born a farmer, the loving son of a doting father and mother. In your youth you were known as a compassionate, friendly young person. Perhaps you enjoyed simple, peaceful hobbies like fishing and calligraphy. The Silla dynasty was introduced to the peaceful ways of Buddhism in the 300s, and adopted them fully in 527, so it is likely that you are a Buddhist.<br /><br /> Now you stand on a mountain side overlooking the city of Seoul. Without the benefit of hindsight, you are unaware that capturing this city is a pivotal moment in the history of your country. You are a member of it's most famous warrior culture, it's proudest dynasty, and on the eve of capturing the capital city that will endure even until the 21st century.<br /><br /> As you and your fellow Hwarang swarm the city you experience bloodshed like you have never thought possible. You are cut several times, though your life is never threatened. You see skulls crushed, limbs torn from their bodies, and hear the screams of men dying in anguish. For you this is not an isolated occurrence, it will become a regular part of your life.<br /><br /> You are faced with two choices – lose the person you were in youth, and become a cursing, aggressive, angry marauder, or find a path to inner peace despite your external circumstance. If you choose the former you become just more battlefield fodder, choose the latter and you become a martial artist.<br /><br /> If you are reading this book, I suspect you would join me in the ranks of the martial artists. The unifying trait of all martial artists is combat. Without combat there is nowhere to begin, no cause to develop the mental and spiritual strengths under discussion in this book. The challenge for the martial artist of today's world is find where his “battle” is. For instance, Japanese businesspeople of the 1980s read Sun Tzu's Art of War as though it were a religious text, and a manual for corporate management – and treated the boardroom like the battlefield. <br /><br /> The true origin of martial arts is impossible to identify, but to my mind it was the first time a warrior tried to make sense of war. He found a way to not lose himself to the blood and gore, but also to return to peace a stronger and more balanced person for having been at war. He found a way to pass on his physical combat skills, and in so doing the mental strength associated with the ability to apply them. The origin of martial arts is the first time a warrior took the things that were “inclined or disposed to war; warlike” and turned them into “the quality, production, expression, or realm, according to aesthetic principles, of what is beautiful, appealing, or of more than ordinary significance”.<div class="blogger-post-footer">If you are interested in learning more about classes at the Academy of Taekwondo, please contact me at (248)349-6900 or vigil@plymouthtkd.com. We have a FREE Introductory Program.</div>Moderator: Master Vigilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296139675889960738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107212651485894168.post-8380623830797874322009-09-19T13:34:00.004-04:002009-09-19T13:39:52.265-04:00Doers and CriticsKeith Hafner is a veteran martial arts teacher, a controversial personality, author of "Rock Solid Kids", and my good friend. He has always been a source of great wisdom. Always knowing just what to say, and how to say it, Keith has a beautiful way with plain English. <br /><br />This is one of my favorite things ever written by Mr. Hafner:<br /><br />"Criticism has its own agenda." That's what I wrote at the beginning of the week on our school chalkboard. <br /><br /> Immunity to criticism is one of the key building blocks in a successful person's life. <br /><br /> Too often, when a person tries to make positive changes in their life...they are shot down by neighbors, co-workers, or relatives. <br /><br />Here is what you need to know: there are two types of people in the world... <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Doers and Critics. </span><br /><br /> Most people are one or the other. Rarely does a person have "dual membership" in these groups. <br /><br /> Why? Because critics criticize instead of doing anything constructive in their own lives. Being critical of others serves as a substitute (a very poor one) for positive, constructive action. <br /><br /> And -- Doers are seldom critics. They are too busy focusing on their own goals!<br /><br /> If you are a Doer...NEVER, ever worry about what the Critics are saying! Their vote, their opinion of what you are doing, simply doesn't count!<br /><br /> I'm reminded of this quote by Theodore Roosevelt...<br /><br /> <span style="font-style:italic;">"It's not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or when the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worth cause; who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who at the worst if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat."</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">If you are interested in learning more about classes at the Academy of Taekwondo, please contact me at (248)349-6900 or vigil@plymouthtkd.com. We have a FREE Introductory Program.</div>Moderator: Master Vigilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296139675889960738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107212651485894168.post-74456359894305159092009-08-19T15:18:00.002-04:002009-08-19T15:32:45.300-04:00The Four Stages of LearningPracticing Martial Arts makes it easy to understand the four stages of learning that apply in any endeavor. They are as follows,<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">I. Unconscious Incompetence.</span><br /><br />You have absolutely no idea what's going. You flail around, you think it's right, but you aren't sure. At this stage of learning you are just trying to figure out which way the pants go, and think someone gave you a belt that is six sizes too big. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">II. Conscious Incompetence. </span><br /><br />This is the phase where your realize something is different between you and the teacher. You start recognizing what you need to do - but can not make your body do it. The fun part of this stage is that you set goals for improvement. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">III. Conscious Competence. </span><br /><br />Stage three is where, if you really think about each facet of a technique you can actually get it right. It's the stage where, with a lot of forethought and careful execution you can begin to mirror your teacher.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">IV. Unconscious Competence.</span><br /><br />This is what I would call the black belt phase - it's where you can perform movements, execute blocks, strikes and movements on instinct. No thought, just action and reaction. A 1st degree black belt should have their basic techniques built into an unconscious competence.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">This is why we so often say that training really begins at the black belt. The basics are not just known, but have become a part of you. It's a foundation on which you can build a martial artist of true strength and skill. </span><br /><br />Your challenge as a martial artist is to recognize which stage your individual techniques are in. Moreover, your challenge is to figure out what other areas in life the four stages of learning apply.<div class="blogger-post-footer">If you are interested in learning more about classes at the Academy of Taekwondo, please contact me at (248)349-6900 or vigil@plymouthtkd.com. We have a FREE Introductory Program.</div>Moderator: Master Vigilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296139675889960738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107212651485894168.post-49984628553892628292009-07-16T17:33:00.001-04:002009-07-16T17:35:06.584-04:00Where does a Martial Artist eat in the Northville area?I've wanted to do a blog entry about one of my favorite subjects for a long time. It's not, I'll warn you, in any way a martial arts related post... but it is Northville related. The subject?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Food.</span><br /><br />Jess and I love sampling the fare at as many restaurants as possible. I'm always on the lookout for something new, so I thought I'd share my favorite places with you all in hope that you would do the same.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Most Frequented:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sushi House</span>, 9 Mile and Farmington Rd. - Farmington, Mi. Not that far away at all, quite honestly the best sushi I have had in the Midwest. Better than 99% on the coasts too. They also have a handful of Japanese and Korean dishes on the menu for the non-sushi person in your family. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Best Place to Celebrate:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Flemings</span>, off of Haggerty Rd. behind Bravo/Cladaugh/Mitchell's fish market. If you want to celebrate an anniversary, birthday or big promotion this is the place to do it. It's mostly a steak house, so veggie-lovers be warned. Great Martinis. This is one of the best restaurants I've been to anywhere. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Best Pizza:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Benitos. </span>They have locations in both Northville and Novi. Benitos has some absolutely wonderful “gourmet” selections. I believe they make their own sauce and cheese daily, and then use all very fresh and high quality ingredients. My favorite? The Portobello - fresh mozzarella, goat cheese, portobello mushrooms, caramelized onions, roasted garlic, Italian parsley, white wine sauce.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Best Asian Specialty:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Shiro</span>, 9 mile in Novi. This place is a great all around restaurant. It's expensive, but not as expensive as Flemings. They do “Japanese with a French flair”. I know it sounds weird, but I had a teriyaki filet mignon, and it was excellent. They also have sushi that is very good, and an impressive menu. Very good service and drink from the bar. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Other Local Places of interest:</span><br /><br />Claddaugh, Livonia Michigan. Best fish and chips around.<br />Bonefish, Novi Michigan. Best fish in general.<br />Number VI chophouse, Novi Michigan. Best seafood, and second only to Flemings for steak.<br />Steve and Rocky's, Novi Michigan. Best desert.<br />J. Alexander's. Best place to bring a large group of people for a “nice” dinner. Good variety, good food, reasonably priced and excellent service.<br />Diamond Jim Brady's Bistro, Novi Michigan. Best burgers.<br />Green Cedar, Livonia Michigan. Excellent Lebanese food, and a good place to eat healthy.<br />Maisano's Italian Restaurant, Novi Michigan. Best Italian.<br />Box Bar, Plymouth Michigan. Best beer selection. (All things in moderation. :) )<br /><br />Please add to this list!<div class="blogger-post-footer">If you are interested in learning more about classes at the Academy of Taekwondo, please contact me at (248)349-6900 or vigil@plymouthtkd.com. We have a FREE Introductory Program.</div>Moderator: Master Vigilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296139675889960738noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107212651485894168.post-82557795585479189842009-06-19T09:00:00.003-04:002009-06-19T09:07:33.375-04:005 Ways to Learn FasterYou might find it surprising to know that I am not now, nor have I ever been, a naturally gifted martial artist. In fact, the opposite is probably true. Woe was the poor teacher who gave me my "introductory" lessons. A solid hour of working on a single stance and a single step can drive even the most patient of people to the brink - particularly when the student is still confused at the end.<br /><br /> To this day, in classes with my peers, I am among the most bewildered. I rarely seem to "get it" right away, and consequently spend the first class on a new subject frustrating my poor teacher. (Some things never change.) However, I can say with confidence that I am usually at the front of the pack by the end of two or three classes - and as evidenced by various medals, degrees and well performed techniques, I eventually "get it" better than most.<br /><br /> What's my secret?<br /><br /> I practice more. Or, better said, I leverage small bits of time to create big improvements in my practice. Here are some ideas:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1) Visualize.</span> I'm always thinking about my techniques. In the shower, before I go to sleep, driving in my car, spacing out at my desk... I use what I like to call "focused daydreaming." What do I visualize?<br /><br /> a. My teacher doing the technique.<br /> b. Me doing the technique piece by piece, at first incorrectly and then getting better until I'm doing it perfectly.<br /> c. Me using the technique while sparring.<br /> d. Me using the technique while defending myself.<br /> e. Someone else correctly performing the technique on me.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2) Practice in class. </span>I'm always surprised to see students standing around during a class. If you are waiting in line for your turn at the target, don't talk to the person next to you, practice the technique.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3) If the teacher is talking, I'm listening.</span> I do this two ways - one, if the teacher is explaining something I never interrupt to ask a question, or add my own understanding. I just keep my trap shut, and look for any new little gem of information that might improve me. Two, I eavesdrop when other students are asking questions and the teacher is explaining things to them. Many times I learn something about my problem, by listening to someone else solve their problem.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4) I practice my weakest techniques first. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5) Mindful practice.</span> I never perform an action without thought. I am always trying to think about every little detail of what I'm doing - to put each toe in right place, to be careful where I'm looking, where is my balance etc. I am hunting for anything that might need improvement, and once weakness is found I attack it.<div class="blogger-post-footer">If you are interested in learning more about classes at the Academy of Taekwondo, please contact me at (248)349-6900 or vigil@plymouthtkd.com. We have a FREE Introductory Program.</div>Moderator: Master Vigilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296139675889960738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107212651485894168.post-50493729399205954412009-05-28T14:35:00.001-04:002009-05-28T14:37:16.365-04:00You'll See It When You Believe ItThe human mind processes thousands of bits of information in it's conscious in an instant. The sub-conscious mind processes millions at the same time. What does this mean? It means that over the long haul, your sub-conscious mind has infinitely more power over your state of being than does your conscious mind. The conscious mind has to be deliberately controlled, purposely focused, willfully directed – whereas the subconscious will function and have its effect automatically.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">This is why people say, “Positive thinking doesn't work.”</span><br /><br />Now, I think it probably goes without saying that I’m an optimist – a positive thinker. But in some way, I have to agree with these pessimists. They are actually right, in a manner of speaking. Why am I siding with these naysayer? Because what is a thought? A thought, whether positive or negative, is a product of the conscious mind. That means that it requires willful, deliberate, controlled effort to think positively – but if that positive thought is contrary to what is negative in your subconscious mind, you will have no long term success. What I’m saying is that, eventually, your conscious mind will become tired of fighting against your subconscious, and you will lose the ability to affect your state of mind for the positive. The subconscious, because of its greater capacity for processing, will always win out over the conscious.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Let me give you an example:</span><br /><br />I heard a speaker once, Jason Bidwell, share his experience in this area. He said, “My dad left before I can remember, and my mother really didn’t want a kid around. She bounced us from house to house, place to place, boyfriend to boyfriend. I was constantly in an environment where I was being told, ‘Your worthless, stupid, and your never going to do anything with your life.’”<br /><br />“Well, when I got to be about 17 I said, ‘Enough of this!’ and I left home to make my way in the world. I told myself I could be anything I wanted, do anything I wanted to do, and I set out to prove my mother and her boyfriends wrong.” And so he did…… for a while.<br /><br />“I began to build a company, and we were doing great. It was a landscaping business, and in a couple years we were really on top. We had several trucks, all painted proudly with my name, dozens of employees and a nice office. But as we grew, and the closer I got to real success, I began to feel unhappy. Pretty soon I found myself blowing off important meetings, not taking urgent phone calls, and before you know it my business was bankrupt, and I had nothing.”<br /><br />“Not only did I follow this cycle once, but I managed to do it three times. The next two times I built a million dollar company, and a multi-million dollar company. I had everything – the Ferrari, the huge house, a beautiful girlfriend. Eventually though, I always sabotaged myself, and ultimately I wound up living on the streets.”<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />From a Ferrari, to being homeless. </span><br /><br />“After living homeless for a while (and he talked a lot about the horrors of shelter food) I realized I had to get my life back together. This time I wasn’t shooting for the moon, I just wanted some stability. So I began to look everywhere for answers. I looked at Church, seminars, books – anything, trying to piece together the bits of my broken life. Finally back on my feet, I shared my story with a man who became my mentor. He told me, ‘Jason, self sabotage is nothing more than you continuing to be who you believe you are.’ You see, despite all my efforts trying to prove everyone wrong about me, deep down I believed what my mother and her boyfriends said. I truly believed I was never going to be anything. Once I changed that, I never had a problem staying on top again.”<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />This is why I say, “You’ll See It When You Believe It.”</span><br /><br />Your beliefs are what make up your subconscious mind, or better said your self image. I once asked Master Jung what made him a two time world champion… what did it really take? What he told me was basically, “I deserved it.” Perhaps Master Hafner put it better. In a group of school owners someone asked him, “Sir, what was the big thing that happened when you went from having 200 students in your school to have 1200?” His answer? “I began to see myself as a person who had a school of 1200 people.”<br /><br />But beliefs do not have to be grand. In fact, I think no grand belief can exist without hundreds of supporting smaller beliefs. Let me give some examples of beliefs I’ve changed in my own life that I would consider to be “supporting beliefs.”<br /><br />From: I can’t wake up before 9am and function.<br />To: I am a morning person!<br /><br />From: This mess has a system to it, I can find anything I need. (load of crap)<br />To: I am HYPER organized.<br /><br />From: If I’m not the best, I don’t want to do it.<br />To: I will rise to the top of any group I’m in, if I stick it out like the tortoise.<br /><br />So the key to positive change isn’t really positive thinking. It’s understanding and affecting your beliefs, so that positivity takes over your subconscious and “bubbles up” into action. I would encourage you to take stock of the beliefs you have that may be limiting you, and replace them with new beliefs that are empowering. <br /><br />The next time you feel sad, frustrated, angry or over whelmed, ask yourself, “What would I have to believe to feel this way?” You might have to believe that the situation was outside of your control, that there was nothing you could do to affect things for the positive, you might have to believe you were helpless. Then you might say to yourself – “well I don’t believe I’m helpless, I believe that I can affect a change here!” Then you’d be on a road to a happier, healthier Black Belt kind of world.<div class="blogger-post-footer">If you are interested in learning more about classes at the Academy of Taekwondo, please contact me at (248)349-6900 or vigil@plymouthtkd.com. We have a FREE Introductory Program.</div>Moderator: Master Vigilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296139675889960738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107212651485894168.post-83826093552929245112009-03-27T10:49:00.004-04:002009-03-29T09:47:34.153-04:00Thoughts on Striking vs. Grappling, and MMA<span style="font-weight:bold;">My preface:</span> I study both striking and grappling martial arts. Though I primarily teach Taekwondo (a striking martial art) I also actively train in Judo, and have trained in Jujitsu in the past. I have no bias to either.<br /><br />The UFC has skyrocketed the interest in wrestling, sambo and other grappling oriented martial arts. As guys like BJ Penn, Royce Gracie, Tito Ortiz and other grapplers of renown dominate their divisions there is even talk of the superiority of grappling arts over striking arts. Phrases like, "95% of fights end up on the ground" have become popular. At the end of the day most experts will tell you that you need a mix of both. <br /><br />But, since I so often hear people listing reasons to train in grappling I thought I'd list some ones to train in striking to balance them out. :) I'm not trying to knock grappling, it's important! This is just meant to be food for thought.<br /><br />- 95% of fights end up on the ground, but 100% start on the feet.<br /><br />- It is possible to end fights with the FIRST punch in less than 5 seconds.<br /><br />- Grappling with someone immobilizes you, and even if you are choking one guy out it's impossible to avoid his buddy kicking you in the back of the head. <br /><br />- You can't bite or break fingers in the UFC like you can in a real fight. Biting overcomes a lot of grappling.<br /><br />- Even the best grapplers lose some technique possibilities because of size disparity between the two fighters. For example, if I'm 5' and 120lbs. I probably can't throw a 6'4" 260lbs. guy over my head. However, I can kick him, and just about anyone else in the groin.<br /><br />- If you are on your feet and at a distance when someone pulls a gun or a knife it's easier to run away than if you are holding on to them or on your back.<br /><br />- <a href="http://www.northvillemartialarts.com">Taekwondo</a> and Boxing arguably represent the best of the kicking and the best of the punching world. Both have their own established amateur and professional organizations, and both can take you to the pinnacle of athletic competition - the Olympics. These were established long before the UFC and other MMA leagues came about, so we probably have not seen nearly the highest caliber of striker enter the UFC. Picture Roy Jones Jr. or Mike Tyson in their prime, hitting a guy with 6 oz. gloves on. Not many people (even boxers) can withstand that devastating of a blow.<div class="blogger-post-footer">If you are interested in learning more about classes at the Academy of Taekwondo, please contact me at (248)349-6900 or vigil@plymouthtkd.com. We have a FREE Introductory Program.</div>Moderator: Master Vigilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296139675889960738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107212651485894168.post-73116588518224840962008-12-18T12:22:00.004-05:002008-12-18T12:37:42.640-05:00New Years Resolutions are BS (Bologne Syrup)Hello all!<br /><br />I'm sitting here in my office, and the school is as quiet as it ever gets. Wendy, as you know, is on vacation. I am here by myself. The phone is unusually, almost eerily, quiet - a sign that the holiday season is about to descend upon us like a warm, fuzzy blanket.<br /><br />And what always follows the warm fuzziness of the Thanksgiving - Christmas stretch?<br /><br />New Year Resolutions!<br /><br />I project that approximately 92% of us here in the Northville area will be making a resolution this year. I guess we can all look forward to a thinner and more attractive population, who doesn't smoke, who "takes time for the little things", who reads more, who travels more, who saves more. Yes, I imagine that round about March the city of Northville will be COMPLETELY transformed as the New Years plans of our 200,000 neighbors come to fruition. <br /><br />Or... maybe not?<br /><br />A quick google search told me that about 8% of people who make new years resolutions actually say they keep them. Why do I point this out? Because I wanted you to consider two ideas for your January resolving:<br /><br />1) That a five year plan is the best and easiest way to create and keep goals, and<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">2) That if you are not a five year plan kind of person, you might try this instead (and instead of making another fragile New Year's resolution) --</span><br /><br />If you know that you are going to only see your new goal through to February or March, I feel you NEED to think this way:<br /><br />"What can I do in the first month of 2009 that will "set me up" for success in the rest of the Year?"<div class="blogger-post-footer">If you are interested in learning more about classes at the Academy of Taekwondo, please contact me at (248)349-6900 or vigil@plymouthtkd.com. We have a FREE Introductory Program.</div>Moderator: Master Vigilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296139675889960738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107212651485894168.post-22203251130492547302008-11-11T17:49:00.001-05:002008-11-11T17:52:27.749-05:00What makes a successful martial artist?<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CMR9EF5%7E1.VIG%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">Martial arts has many roads, my friends. Consider how many different styles of martial arts there are - and how even the varying styles have variations! Within each variation of the variations there is a multitude of paths one can take to “success.” Because of this, we must have a broad view of what it means to be a successful martial artist.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">If you were to ask a group of martial artists from different disciplines what they thought the “purpose” of martial arts is, you are likely to get a number of different answers. “Self defense,” “Fitness,” “Spiritual growth,” “Life skills,” “Self expression,” may be things you’d hear. Really, all of these are true to an extent - but what do I think the ultimate goal is? What do I think the PURPOSE really is in all of these things? Happiness!</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Whether you are looking for self defense, life skills, internal or external fitness, what you are ultimately after is a <span style="font-weight: bold;">happier</span>, more fulfilled and empowered life. So in this way we could say that a “successful martial artist” is one who finds happiness in the way they practice martial art.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>I think there are 6 key factors in being a successful martial artist.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">1) Experience/longevity </p> <p class="MsoNormal">2) Appropriate physical skill.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">3) Understanding of technical concepts.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">4) Understanding of the philosophical concepts.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">5) Inner strength/character.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">6) The ability to apply all of the above to ones every day life, in order to create a happier, more fulfilled lifestyle.</p> <div class="blogger-post-footer">If you are interested in learning more about classes at the Academy of Taekwondo, please contact me at (248)349-6900 or vigil@plymouthtkd.com. We have a FREE Introductory Program.</div>Moderator: Master Vigilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296139675889960738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107212651485894168.post-60501539144133339452008-08-12T14:46:00.001-04:002008-08-12T14:48:21.641-04:00How do the martial arts work? Part IV<p class="MsoNormal">A good friend and mentor of mine, Nicklaus Suino, says that the martial arts school is a “laboratory for life.” We talked about the martial arts school as being a place to stretch your comfort zone. This is a similar idea, let me explain.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Martial arts has a fantastic way of exposing your weaknesses. The physical ones are easy to see. One day the teacher says, kick up here, and holds the target near your face. If you are inflexible, that weakness is quickly exposed.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Your mental and character flaws are also exposed, though perhaps not as obviously. For instance, if you are easily frustrated and brought to anger, this is going to rear it’s ugly head in the School sooner or later, isn’t it? Probably about the time your instructor is asking you to kick that high target - and you can’t. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>This “laboratory for life” concept means that we are working on our exposed weaknesses all the time. This is a powerful life strategy. A successful martial artist seeks to expose, confront, and overcome his weaknesses. Indeed, he is hungry for it!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>If you are angry by nature, or if you are fearful, or if you lack self confidence, these personal weaknesses will become exposed while training. The successful martial artist will overcome them first while on the mat, and then over a period of years learn to master them in the outside world as well. </p><div class="blogger-post-footer">If you are interested in learning more about classes at the Academy of Taekwondo, please contact me at (248)349-6900 or vigil@plymouthtkd.com. We have a FREE Introductory Program.</div>Moderator: Master Vigilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296139675889960738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107212651485894168.post-79717349074231667052008-06-22T09:12:00.001-04:002008-06-22T09:17:35.622-04:00How do the martial arts work? Part III<p class="MsoNormal"> Why are martial arts so good at teaching life skills? We know that have been for centuries, don’t we? Martial artists have always been prime examples of good living, patriotism, and ethics. Values are an intrinsic part of martial arts study. It seems to teach it better than nearly any other method.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>If you were a student in my school, you’d often hear me talk about self image. Self image is a powerful tool. Like any tool, it can be used for sabotage or for construction. A successful martial artist understands this, and utilizes their self image to live a happier, more fulfilled life. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>My favorite example of the power of self image is the Marine Corps. These men are incredible! They are the picture of discipline, organization, inspiration, respect, courage, perseverance and adaptability. Long after they leave the Corps these traits stick with them.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Why? Because Marines believe that “the change is for life.” Those values are an intrinsic part of being a Marine. Being a Marine is like a mantle that, once donned, carries with it certain qualities.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>So because the soldier has donned this “mantle” of being a Marine, he automatically takes on the inherent qualities thereof. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>I admit, it isn’t a perfect science, but the essence of what I’m saying is true. So it is with us as martial artists. There are certain things that we know successful martial arts will and will not do. Because we have donned the mantle of “Martial Artist” so have we also donned the qualities that our lifestyle espouses. </p><div class="blogger-post-footer">If you are interested in learning more about classes at the Academy of Taekwondo, please contact me at (248)349-6900 or vigil@plymouthtkd.com. We have a FREE Introductory Program.</div>Moderator: Master Vigilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296139675889960738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107212651485894168.post-10031455562283492962008-06-08T09:45:00.002-04:002008-06-08T09:50:20.234-04:00How do the martial arts work? Part II<p class="MsoNormal"> Why are martial arts so good at teaching life skills? We know that have been for centuries, don’t we? Martial artists have always been prime examples of good living, patriotism, and ethics. Values are an intrinsic part of martial arts study. It seems to teach it better than nearly any other method.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><span style=""> </span>The classroom provides you an opportunity to stretch your comfort zone - but with a safety net. This is what I mean…</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><span style=""> </span>Let’s talk about the life skill of self-confidence. It’s an important one to develop, isn’t it? It is vital for us when we want to get better jobs, to meet our spouses, to begin new endeavors. Your capacity for success in any of these things hinges on self confidence.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p><span style=""> </span> In life, when we stretch our self-confidence outside of our comfort zone we are often in a position of risk. If I want to go for the big promotion at work it requires that I march in to my boss’ office and ask for it! Is there a risk there? Sure! I’m risking ridicule, rejection, maybe even my job.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><span style=""> </span>In the martial arts school it is different. I am in an environment of friends and support. My teachers will require and encourage me to do things that push me outside of my comfort zone - things that stretch my self-confidence.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><span style=""> </span>The beauty though, is that there is a safety net. If I stretch my self-confidence and I fall flat on my face, what have I lost? Nothing. Ultimately I am at no risk whatsoever. So I am able to exercise my confidence, my discipline, my focus, my athleticism, my courage… without real life's painful consequences.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><span style=""> </span>As I go along I am constantly pushed outside of my comfort zone, and this enables me to grow as a person. Not only do I grow, but I do so in a safe and supportive environment. This gives me a competitive advantage in life.</p><div class="blogger-post-footer">If you are interested in learning more about classes at the Academy of Taekwondo, please contact me at (248)349-6900 or vigil@plymouthtkd.com. We have a FREE Introductory Program.</div>Moderator: Master Vigilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296139675889960738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107212651485894168.post-43339059939255030642008-05-29T09:07:00.002-04:002008-05-29T09:09:48.498-04:00How do the martial arts work? Part I<p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Why are martial arts so good at teaching life skills? </span>We know that have been for centuries, don’t we? Martial artists have always been prime examples of good living, patriotism, and ethics. Values are an intrinsic part of martial arts study. It seems to teach it better than nearly any other method.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>When you were young, perhaps before you can remember, you touched something hot. After the first (or maybe second!) time you were scalded you learned a valuable life lesson. Don’t touch hot things!<o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>In fact, you learned it so well that to this day you never deliberately touch anything hot. These physical lessons have a way of sticking with us forever.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>So it is with the martial arts. We learn lessons about flexibility in our physical bodies, that relate to adaptability in our thinking. We learn about strength in the body that relates to strength in our hearts and minds. Leveraging our core to create more powerful kicks, punches and throws, teaches us about leveraging our skills in life to create greater “power.” Each physical lesson has its spiritual and mental equivalent.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>A good martial artist should always be on the look out for these parallels between the dojiang/dojo and our outside lives. A successful martial artist will become skilled in their application.</p>- Master Vigil<br /><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">If you are interested in learning more about classes at the Academy of Taekwondo, please contact me at (248)349-6900 or vigil@plymouthtkd.com. We have a FREE Introductory Program.</div>Moderator: Master Vigilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296139675889960738noreply@blogger.com0