Okay, so I've been trying this new format on for size and honestly, it's just not working for me. As I commit myself to "Black Belt Excellence," part of my journey requires that I journal my workouts, my food intake and my thoughts on the process. Chronicling my workouts and nutrition is tedious. I've decided to try a new format. Plus, one or two of my friends are actually reading this, so I'm compelled to make it just a touch more interesting, especially if I continue to roll with it and provide a link from Damaged Diva.
Friday, they had Lori's, Mary's & Carol's official black belt ceremony. I produced a video presentation of my friends' journeys and presented it to the people at our school. There was an overwhelmingly positive response. Super fun. As I watch the video over (and over), I am inspired. I am next. However, six months just does not seem like enough time given my current preparation and the preparation required for the results I wish to achieve. I tried two-a-days this week and promptly learned that two-a-days at 46 years old only results in me falling face first into my dinner, asleep at around 7pm. I'm going to have to get more creative than I was in my 20's but this produces a touch of panic. I used to be able to ready myself for an event in six weeks. Now, given my response to metabolic demands and potential for injury, I need more recovery time. How do I squeeze in my workouts, my MMA curriculum, and the rest of my busy life into 7 days a week? Such is the challenge. My 29 year-old, KJN, Jonathan Calizar is not worried. He is confident he can get me ready by November. Of course, he believes this because he is 29. He could get ready in six weeks. I worry that he does not understand my battered-body dilemma. I need to start NOW. I need to get going today to compensate for the extra days of recovery and rest that all of my extra training will require. As a bonus, my kids are out of school in June for two months, meaning I will then have to figure out how to work the kids into the process. More energy expended. More recovery needed. Ugh.
My friends Lori and Mary went down this path while their mothers were at the end of their lives. Both of their mothers passed away in the six months prior to their black belt tests and the experiences took a toll on both of them. Having had Cancer on my journey, I am well aware that tragedy can strike and any given moment and the time to focus on training is now.
I am recovered today from last week's two-a-days. Ready to start a new plan that will hopefully be a little more successful. I've realized that I need way more protein than I am eating and water intake is also below par. It's not even hot yet. However, I turned the corner with running. It doesn't seem as awful. I realize I need two days in between my 2 mile runs to rest and recover my joints. I need to focus on my core a little more anyway and ease into the push-ups. I've been doing pull-up negatives (lowering) to prepare myself for doing Pull-ups. This week, I was able to do 2 full pull-ups! This is exciting because since my mastectomy, I have been unable to do any pull ups largely due to the effect the surgery had on my latissimus muscles. Too much too soon contributed to a torn tendon in my shoulder and a realization that baby steps would be required. I am now up to 15, well-executed, pain-free push ups per set and feeling stronger. When I think of where I was last year at this time (one month post-radiation and healing a broken rib), I am a little more gentle with my expectations.
Herein lies the difficulty. How do I continue to be gentle with expectations when I feel six months is barely enough time to ready myself for my test. I have to count on my external resources who are my MMA instructors and friends who have already been down this path, but as an athlete, I am driven to drive the process. I am also prone to overtraining, and my recent sugar cravings indicate I'm probably on that path. Time to switch strategies.
It is Memorial Day weekend. It is an obvious starting point. Six weeks until Tough Mudder in Tahoe and six months until my black belt test. Hoping to get in a groove that allows all aspects of my life to roll along in harmony. Learning much as I make adjustments to all aspects.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Headed Home
Yesterday, Marek and I walked a literal marathon. We visited the Capitol, the National Archives, The Smithsonian Natural History Museum and Museum of Air and Space, ending our day with Arlington National Cemetery, Kennedy's grave and the changing of the guard of the unknown soldier. We walked around Washington D.C. for six hours. My legs feel like they are going to fall off. I did a little stretching to see if I could help things along. Today, we are on a plane for six hours so working out is not going to happen. It's a good day to take off anyway. I am excited to get back to my kickboxing class and my KB peeps. Preparing for my black belt although not crazy about it since it is still six months away. Formulating my plan, including privates with KJN, and a workout schedule I can survive on a daily basis. Tough Mudder comes right in the middle so that will be a nice measure of progress. Big summer ahead with the girls and soccer. I should have no trouble staying motivated.
Friday, May 17, 2013
DC Trip Day 3
Workout total 55:00
Walking Intervals 27:00 4%-15%
Wall Kicks 1 x 100
Mt. Climbers 2 x 100
Bicep Curls 1 x 15 15 lbs.
Hip Abductors 1 x 15 w/ wt
Tricep rows 1 x 15 w/20lbs
Step-Ups 2 x 15
Bench Situps 1 x 30
Pull-Ups 2
Pull-Up Negatives 2 x 7, 5.
Day 3 is always tough. I feel my body slowing down. While I'm not as tired, I'm restless instead. These business things revolve around eating. Fortunately, there have been a lot of fish and vegetable options. Every meal, I am ravenously hungry and eat everything on my plate. With lots of exercise, I'm not as worried. I won't lose any weight but I probably won't gain any. Having a nice time here in Washington D.C. It's nice to get some uninterrupted Marek time. He's preoccupied with his work duties so I'm still sort of a third wheel but it's fun just hanging out. I am actually reading a book. That is a rare luxury. Missing my kickboxing class. Not sure if it's the hitting stuff part or just the cool people I am in class with. Either way, missing it has an effect. Kickboxing is good for my soul.
Walking Intervals 27:00 4%-15%
Wall Kicks 1 x 100
Mt. Climbers 2 x 100
Bicep Curls 1 x 15 15 lbs.
Hip Abductors 1 x 15 w/ wt
Tricep rows 1 x 15 w/20lbs
Step-Ups 2 x 15
Bench Situps 1 x 30
Pull-Ups 2
Pull-Up Negatives 2 x 7, 5.
Day 3 is always tough. I feel my body slowing down. While I'm not as tired, I'm restless instead. These business things revolve around eating. Fortunately, there have been a lot of fish and vegetable options. Every meal, I am ravenously hungry and eat everything on my plate. With lots of exercise, I'm not as worried. I won't lose any weight but I probably won't gain any. Having a nice time here in Washington D.C. It's nice to get some uninterrupted Marek time. He's preoccupied with his work duties so I'm still sort of a third wheel but it's fun just hanging out. I am actually reading a book. That is a rare luxury. Missing my kickboxing class. Not sure if it's the hitting stuff part or just the cool people I am in class with. Either way, missing it has an effect. Kickboxing is good for my soul.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
DC Trip day 2
Workout Total 47:00
Treadmill:
Walk @ Incline 8%-15% 22:00
Sprint 400m at 8:30 pace.
Lunges 2 X 15 20lbs each side
Glute Extensions 2 X 30 10lbs
Situps 2 X 40
Wall Kicks 2 X 100
Push-ups 15 (oops, forgot my other 2 sets??)
Jump Rope 500
Still in Washington D.C. Jet lag is digging in its claws but workout out seems to get my day started a little better. Marek and I took a nap and walked around D.C. a bit. We checked out the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Wall and the White House. I'm tired but it seems that if I keep moving, I do alright. After walking around though, we came back to the room whereupon I quickly fell asleep. Sleep is good for my body. It's completely restorative. I don't know why I don't sleep more. Certainly, this will be a focus for upcoming months, not just rest, but sleep. Lots going in with the Honeywell Adventure tour. Meeting new people, playing the role of Corporate wife. It's a trip. I sit across the table from women with perfectly manicured nails, excellently coordinated silk separates, and not a hair out of place. I can't be bothered. I try but it's way too much work to put make-up on and then take it off, change outfits....Why can't we be accepted for our true selves in sweats and T-shirts. I'm still the same person. Normally, I wouldn't care but this is Marek's world and embarrassing him is not high on my list. He's been an absolute wonder at the husband/father job and I pale in comparison. The least I can do is TRY to be presentable. In the back of my mind is my journey to black belt. How can I get my kicks to look better? My right hip is locked up tight. Aaaaarrrrgh. More stretching. Seems like it doesn't do much.....
Treadmill:
Walk @ Incline 8%-15% 22:00
Sprint 400m at 8:30 pace.
Lunges 2 X 15 20lbs each side
Glute Extensions 2 X 30 10lbs
Situps 2 X 40
Wall Kicks 2 X 100
Push-ups 15 (oops, forgot my other 2 sets??)
Jump Rope 500
Still in Washington D.C. Jet lag is digging in its claws but workout out seems to get my day started a little better. Marek and I took a nap and walked around D.C. a bit. We checked out the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Wall and the White House. I'm tired but it seems that if I keep moving, I do alright. After walking around though, we came back to the room whereupon I quickly fell asleep. Sleep is good for my body. It's completely restorative. I don't know why I don't sleep more. Certainly, this will be a focus for upcoming months, not just rest, but sleep. Lots going in with the Honeywell Adventure tour. Meeting new people, playing the role of Corporate wife. It's a trip. I sit across the table from women with perfectly manicured nails, excellently coordinated silk separates, and not a hair out of place. I can't be bothered. I try but it's way too much work to put make-up on and then take it off, change outfits....Why can't we be accepted for our true selves in sweats and T-shirts. I'm still the same person. Normally, I wouldn't care but this is Marek's world and embarrassing him is not high on my list. He's been an absolute wonder at the husband/father job and I pale in comparison. The least I can do is TRY to be presentable. In the back of my mind is my journey to black belt. How can I get my kicks to look better? My right hip is locked up tight. Aaaaarrrrgh. More stretching. Seems like it doesn't do much.....
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Corporate Wifery
Workout:
55 minutes Total
warm-up: KB pattern X 3
Treadmill intervals: 4 running laps Range 8.5-10 min/mile at 4% grade, 8 walking laps at 8% incline. 35 minutes total
Jump rope 1 X 200
Pull-ups: 2
Pull-up Negatives: 8
Arm Curls: 1X15 each side w/20lb
Glute lifts: 1X30 w/10lb
Full Sit-ups: 1X30
Air Squats: 1X50
Today I got to play the smashing role of corporate wife. Basically, I'm hanging out with the wives of people that own businesses that utilize products from the company my husband works for. They are all loaded to the teeth. One couple makes so much money, you'd think they were printing it at home. I will try to paint this picture so that you can get a good laugh. Imagine 12-15 women, all somewhere between 40 and 60 (mostly 50's), and all staunchly conservative. They all have HUGE diamonds on their fingers and wear designer clothes and high heel shoes. Now imagine me in my California-esque jeggings and boots with a $10 top from target while I endure listening to the prosposterousness of Obamacare and how these attacks on high-income families are only destroying the country. Oy. Imagine Marek quaking in his seat wondering when his wife is going to stand up and start defending President Obama's social policies or say something grossly out of line with the theme of the conversation. Lucky for him, I avoid confrontation unless attacked personally, and lucky for me, nobody knew me well enough to attack me. While I was quietly tolerating a bash on my personal politics, I had a deep respect for the fact that all of these people were going to invest money into a company my husband worked for so that I could put gas in our new Subaru. I felt cheap and shallow not standing up for my beliefs, but I also knew that I was not educated enough to be able to defend Obamacare valiantly. While I do not think Obamacare is the answer and far from it, I can't help but be proud of a President who grabbed his cajones and did SOMETHING. If nothing else, it starts the conversation about the mess of healthcare and how it needs to be better. Everybody has to start somewhere. Nonetheless, I bit my tongue. My self-righteous tirades will have to wait until I can bury my opponents. Live to fight another day.
Today, the "wives" got to go on a tour of Georgetown. I'm thinking we'll be walking, it's going to be 80 degrees out, and we won't have access to our hotel for hours. Usually, I tend to be the less cultured one of the group and end up being the only one dressed like a survivalist ready to endure some urban catastrophe. Today was no different. When we got to the lobby, many of these women were dressed in silk blouses, skirts and heels with the latest fashion in sunglasses, perfect manicures and pedicures and...wait for it.....lipstick. Suddenly my tank top, capris and tennis shoes seemed more like I was going to play tennis rather than on a walking tour. I also had a back pack. There I was, in a sea of Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Burberry bags, and my little red backpack seemed a touch, well, less than civilized. I was once again, the survivalist of the group. I felt a little self-conscious but only for a moment. Let's face it. If hurricane Sandy hits today, I'm ready, and every one of these women is going to look to me for waterproof matches. Everyone in the group seemed so ....fragile. Heels? On a walking tour? As if fate were giving me a leg up, we walked on uneven ground, around neighborhoods, and it even rained a little. I was glad I was not wearing heels or a see-through blouse, and I was quickly hailed to be more prepared than the rest of the group... until I pulled out my hoody sweatshirt, instead of my long, black, Banana Republic, leather overcoat. So uncouth.
It's painfully obvious that I do some sort of athletic endeavor. I have guns and a butt you can't deny. It's big, it's strong and if I had to break out into a run, my butt and my legs would carry me wherever I needed to go. Not just that, but I think I could defend myself physically if the need arose. I was glad to be wearing sensible shoes and a shirt that did not restrict my movement. I am pretty sure "fragile" is not the first thing that comes to mind evaluating my capabilities. "Fragile" is never the look I'm going for and for good reason. However, it's hard not to get sucked in to the skinny, fashion-conscious trends of being a woman. Traditionally, the "weaker' sex was tied up in corsets thus making "pretty" and "vulnerable" almost synonymous. Today's younger generations have found ways to be pretty, sporty, and badass all in one. I like this paradigm and I am choosing to embrace my larger features as a representation of strength and confidence. That, and none of these skinny bitches dare to tell me I got too much junk in my trunk. Clearly, I don't fit in with this group, but that's okay. I fit in to my own group and if anyone wants to join, I'm all about welcoming you to the club.
The great news is I got a killer workout in before breakfast. Intervals and some strength stuff. The hotel has a reasonable gym so I can get going on my program before next week hits and KJN Jonathan starts beating me into submission. Good times ahead. And more cool stuff is we are staying at a hotel called the Hay Adams. It is directly across the street from the White House. I can see snipers on the roof. Both the White House AND the Washington Monument are in our viewscape. I am suddenly overtaken by an irresistible urge to watch West Wing reruns. Until tomorrow......
Before bed:Wall Kicks: 2x100
Sit-ups 2x40
Push-ups: 2x15
55 minutes Total
warm-up: KB pattern X 3
Treadmill intervals: 4 running laps Range 8.5-10 min/mile at 4% grade, 8 walking laps at 8% incline. 35 minutes total
Jump rope 1 X 200
Pull-ups: 2
Pull-up Negatives: 8
Arm Curls: 1X15 each side w/20lb
Glute lifts: 1X30 w/10lb
Full Sit-ups: 1X30
Air Squats: 1X50
Today I got to play the smashing role of corporate wife. Basically, I'm hanging out with the wives of people that own businesses that utilize products from the company my husband works for. They are all loaded to the teeth. One couple makes so much money, you'd think they were printing it at home. I will try to paint this picture so that you can get a good laugh. Imagine 12-15 women, all somewhere between 40 and 60 (mostly 50's), and all staunchly conservative. They all have HUGE diamonds on their fingers and wear designer clothes and high heel shoes. Now imagine me in my California-esque jeggings and boots with a $10 top from target while I endure listening to the prosposterousness of Obamacare and how these attacks on high-income families are only destroying the country. Oy. Imagine Marek quaking in his seat wondering when his wife is going to stand up and start defending President Obama's social policies or say something grossly out of line with the theme of the conversation. Lucky for him, I avoid confrontation unless attacked personally, and lucky for me, nobody knew me well enough to attack me. While I was quietly tolerating a bash on my personal politics, I had a deep respect for the fact that all of these people were going to invest money into a company my husband worked for so that I could put gas in our new Subaru. I felt cheap and shallow not standing up for my beliefs, but I also knew that I was not educated enough to be able to defend Obamacare valiantly. While I do not think Obamacare is the answer and far from it, I can't help but be proud of a President who grabbed his cajones and did SOMETHING. If nothing else, it starts the conversation about the mess of healthcare and how it needs to be better. Everybody has to start somewhere. Nonetheless, I bit my tongue. My self-righteous tirades will have to wait until I can bury my opponents. Live to fight another day.
Today, the "wives" got to go on a tour of Georgetown. I'm thinking we'll be walking, it's going to be 80 degrees out, and we won't have access to our hotel for hours. Usually, I tend to be the less cultured one of the group and end up being the only one dressed like a survivalist ready to endure some urban catastrophe. Today was no different. When we got to the lobby, many of these women were dressed in silk blouses, skirts and heels with the latest fashion in sunglasses, perfect manicures and pedicures and...wait for it.....lipstick. Suddenly my tank top, capris and tennis shoes seemed more like I was going to play tennis rather than on a walking tour. I also had a back pack. There I was, in a sea of Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Burberry bags, and my little red backpack seemed a touch, well, less than civilized. I was once again, the survivalist of the group. I felt a little self-conscious but only for a moment. Let's face it. If hurricane Sandy hits today, I'm ready, and every one of these women is going to look to me for waterproof matches. Everyone in the group seemed so ....fragile. Heels? On a walking tour? As if fate were giving me a leg up, we walked on uneven ground, around neighborhoods, and it even rained a little. I was glad I was not wearing heels or a see-through blouse, and I was quickly hailed to be more prepared than the rest of the group... until I pulled out my hoody sweatshirt, instead of my long, black, Banana Republic, leather overcoat. So uncouth.
It's painfully obvious that I do some sort of athletic endeavor. I have guns and a butt you can't deny. It's big, it's strong and if I had to break out into a run, my butt and my legs would carry me wherever I needed to go. Not just that, but I think I could defend myself physically if the need arose. I was glad to be wearing sensible shoes and a shirt that did not restrict my movement. I am pretty sure "fragile" is not the first thing that comes to mind evaluating my capabilities. "Fragile" is never the look I'm going for and for good reason. However, it's hard not to get sucked in to the skinny, fashion-conscious trends of being a woman. Traditionally, the "weaker' sex was tied up in corsets thus making "pretty" and "vulnerable" almost synonymous. Today's younger generations have found ways to be pretty, sporty, and badass all in one. I like this paradigm and I am choosing to embrace my larger features as a representation of strength and confidence. That, and none of these skinny bitches dare to tell me I got too much junk in my trunk. Clearly, I don't fit in with this group, but that's okay. I fit in to my own group and if anyone wants to join, I'm all about welcoming you to the club.
The great news is I got a killer workout in before breakfast. Intervals and some strength stuff. The hotel has a reasonable gym so I can get going on my program before next week hits and KJN Jonathan starts beating me into submission. Good times ahead. And more cool stuff is we are staying at a hotel called the Hay Adams. It is directly across the street from the White House. I can see snipers on the roof. Both the White House AND the Washington Monument are in our viewscape. I am suddenly overtaken by an irresistible urge to watch West Wing reruns. Until tomorrow......
Before bed:Wall Kicks: 2x100
Sit-ups 2x40
Push-ups: 2x15
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Travel
Last night's MMA class was fun. We worked guillotine, arm bar, triangle leg choke and rear naked choke. We did them over and over and over. I like this. Often we get to do it once and then move on to the next thing, but not last night. I finally got to work out some details and compensations. With a prosthetic hip, my flexibility still remains poor. I don't want to work the flexibility too hard because I do not want to destabilize my hip so I am slowly working on increased range of motion. It's a lesson in patience. Yes, another one. Patience seems to be my biggest issue. I want it all and I want it now. What am I? Four? I am much more confident with parts of my curriculum. As I move toward my black belt, I feel like I have most of the curriculum down and now, it's all about perfecting the movement, increasing strength and flexibility and getting ready to do all of it at a higher velocity. I am feeling strong and healthy and grateful that I feel better with each day. I am heavy by 10-15 lbs which is a lot on my small frame. However, I'm resolved to being healthy and strong for now. While I would like to lose those pounds, right now, those pounds are making me stronger. My plan is to lean down a little later in the process.
Today, I am off to Washington D.C to be with Marek. He is hosting a business conference for some of his dealers and clients and apparently, wives are invited. This is a little unusual and I won't lie that I'm a little nervous about representing the Robinson family as matriarch. Corporate stuff is not my particular cup of tea. I have no idea what to wear and when to wear it. Packing was a nightmare and I ended up throwing in everything plus the kitchen sink so that I would have something for every organized event. This is nothing new. On the World Cup, I always brought everything I owned as well. Hey, if you're gonna drag a bag all over Europe, fill it. Good thing bags have wheels these days. I'm fairly certain someone like me invented that concept.
I left home at 3:45am this morning. I don't care who you are, it's impossible to get a workout in at 2am. I will land in D.C. at 4:45 and the evening's festivities start at 6 so I'm pretty sure today's workout will get tabled. Once again, I must practice patience. I am still a wife, mother of two very busy martial artists/soccer players, and athletic enthusiast. Time is often in short supply and I have to manage it best I can. Squeezing in a workout here and there has been challenging and I haven't even started yet. Time management will be one of my biggest challenges as I go toward my black belt.
I emailed KJN Jonathan about doing some extra work and setting best tester as a goal. I don't want to just get my black belt. I want to shred the test and get the Best Tester T-shirt. After watching the last test, I believe more than ever that it is possible, but I will need help. It will require CONSTANT scrutiny and repetition of the same skill over and over and over. If I had a 20 or even 30 year old body, I wouldn't be worried. Instead, I have a harshly used and abused 46 year-old body with a prosthetic hip, a torn meniscus and a damaged, post-chemo nervous system. Digging myself out of that hole also goes slowly and 5 months just doesn't seem like enough time. I am hoping that from my current state, things will go a little more smoothly. No more broken ribs or torn rotator cuff tendons. I will have to also be careful about overtraining, a tendency I have had for 30 years. I am sure both KJN Jon and KJN Gary will get me ready but I don't want to be simply "ready." I want to shine. I want everyone in the room to go "Whoa, that woman is killin' it in the over-40 section." I want there to be no doubt that I am the best MMA artist in the room.
I am sitting on an airplane as I write this wondering how I am going to get anything toward that goal done today. All I can come up with is You Tube. Hey, if you can't do the work, watch and be inspired until you can.
Today, I am off to Washington D.C to be with Marek. He is hosting a business conference for some of his dealers and clients and apparently, wives are invited. This is a little unusual and I won't lie that I'm a little nervous about representing the Robinson family as matriarch. Corporate stuff is not my particular cup of tea. I have no idea what to wear and when to wear it. Packing was a nightmare and I ended up throwing in everything plus the kitchen sink so that I would have something for every organized event. This is nothing new. On the World Cup, I always brought everything I owned as well. Hey, if you're gonna drag a bag all over Europe, fill it. Good thing bags have wheels these days. I'm fairly certain someone like me invented that concept.
I left home at 3:45am this morning. I don't care who you are, it's impossible to get a workout in at 2am. I will land in D.C. at 4:45 and the evening's festivities start at 6 so I'm pretty sure today's workout will get tabled. Once again, I must practice patience. I am still a wife, mother of two very busy martial artists/soccer players, and athletic enthusiast. Time is often in short supply and I have to manage it best I can. Squeezing in a workout here and there has been challenging and I haven't even started yet. Time management will be one of my biggest challenges as I go toward my black belt.
I emailed KJN Jonathan about doing some extra work and setting best tester as a goal. I don't want to just get my black belt. I want to shred the test and get the Best Tester T-shirt. After watching the last test, I believe more than ever that it is possible, but I will need help. It will require CONSTANT scrutiny and repetition of the same skill over and over and over. If I had a 20 or even 30 year old body, I wouldn't be worried. Instead, I have a harshly used and abused 46 year-old body with a prosthetic hip, a torn meniscus and a damaged, post-chemo nervous system. Digging myself out of that hole also goes slowly and 5 months just doesn't seem like enough time. I am hoping that from my current state, things will go a little more smoothly. No more broken ribs or torn rotator cuff tendons. I will have to also be careful about overtraining, a tendency I have had for 30 years. I am sure both KJN Jon and KJN Gary will get me ready but I don't want to be simply "ready." I want to shine. I want everyone in the room to go "Whoa, that woman is killin' it in the over-40 section." I want there to be no doubt that I am the best MMA artist in the room.
I am sitting on an airplane as I write this wondering how I am going to get anything toward that goal done today. All I can come up with is You Tube. Hey, if you can't do the work, watch and be inspired until you can.
Monday, May 13, 2013
Cho Ga Diva
Happy Mother's Day. This last weekend, I watched my MMA partners from West Coast El Dorado Hills test for their Black Belts in San Jose, at the very auspicious house of Ernie Reyes, Santa Clara University. While I respect Master Reyes for his innovation and teachings, there is a part of me that feels that this whole system is contrived in cultish fashion to serve Master Reyes and showcase the talents of his family. I've been to two black belt tests now and each time, he spotlights his daughters, his sons or himself, usually by removing his shirt in front of hundreds of black belt candidates and their families. Oy. I rolled my eyes in High School at this feather-ruffling behavior and find it difficult to refrain from doing the same in the presence of the founding fathers of my chosen martial art. After so many years, I would think Master Reyes would branch out a little and shine the spotlight on some of the people in the system who have achieved amazing greatness or have overcome insurmountable stories of pain and struggle to test for their black belt. Or spotlight the dozens of Kwan Jang Nims that keep the system running, turning out hoards of martial arts students who buy lots of West Coast T-Shirts and inducting them into the cult of the Master by deifying the company line of commitment to constant and never-ending improvement with black belt excellence. Do not misunderstand that most of the black belts I have met are exceptional individuals, who set goals and devise plans to achieve them which often involve insane acrobatics and world-class levels of fitness. I wish to be associated with these confident, stand-up people and to perform the perfect wheel kick, but my sassy, 46 years of sport have made me just a touch cynical about the money-making portion of the MMA business underbelly.
I chose this system because it is diverse. Tae Kwan Do kicking, Muay Thai boxing, Arnis Escrima stick fighting, Hapkido wrist locks, and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and grappling. It's perfect for a diva like me who specifically avoids choosing one thing and chooses to do it all. 2 years ago, my daughters were being pushed around the soccer field by a bunch of oversized brutes raised on fast food and hormones, and both my husband and I wanted them to learn how to effectively and respectfully, stand their ground, or in rare instances, push back as needed. Jiu-Jitsu brought me to the El Dorado Hills school 6 months after my hip replacement, which was about the time I realized that I had a whole lotta work to do in the realm of range of motion. MMA seemed like a better starting point. It's is where I met other Mom's-turned-students, Lori Lara, Mary Rupp, Carol Craig and Rachael Cain. I especially (and almost immediately) bonded with Lori Lara. Our story will be told in another blog post, but last weekend, I had the great privilege of riding out the end of her black belt journey, having trained with her since she was a gold belt. It was inspiring and exciting to see the affect it had on her. The transformation in her has been interesting. As I embark on my own "vision quest," I can't help but wonder how much Kool-Aid Im going to have to drink to get there. One thing is for sure: West Coast El Dorado Hills has two of the greatest Kwan Jang Nims in the system, each bringing different strengths to teaching their students. Master Reyes aside, KJN Gary and KJN Jonathan are exceptional martial artists who share their craft openly and fully and are genuinely interested in the advancement of their students despite the umpteen years they have been doing this. Every day I train, I am empowered by their very humble attitudes and their generosity for bringing out the best in me. The next six months are going to get hard. I have a torn meniscus in my left knee, limited range of motion of a right hip, a sissy shoulder that screams everytime I push it, and ten extra pounds to contend with. I have no doubt that I can blow through this, but it's going to take some finesse. Hopefully, 40+ years of athletic experience, an exercise Physiology degree and years of coaching will provide enough wisdom to do this right. There is no question that both indomitability and durability are prerequisites to this game. I do not doubt that I will get my black belt. However, I want to flash it. I want Best Tester and I want it in a way where it turns heads. I want people to say, "Check out the 40-something Mom from West Coast EDH killin' it over there.....She's a beast!"
And so my journey begins, starting with......fitness and ROM.
I chose this system because it is diverse. Tae Kwan Do kicking, Muay Thai boxing, Arnis Escrima stick fighting, Hapkido wrist locks, and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and grappling. It's perfect for a diva like me who specifically avoids choosing one thing and chooses to do it all. 2 years ago, my daughters were being pushed around the soccer field by a bunch of oversized brutes raised on fast food and hormones, and both my husband and I wanted them to learn how to effectively and respectfully, stand their ground, or in rare instances, push back as needed. Jiu-Jitsu brought me to the El Dorado Hills school 6 months after my hip replacement, which was about the time I realized that I had a whole lotta work to do in the realm of range of motion. MMA seemed like a better starting point. It's is where I met other Mom's-turned-students, Lori Lara, Mary Rupp, Carol Craig and Rachael Cain. I especially (and almost immediately) bonded with Lori Lara. Our story will be told in another blog post, but last weekend, I had the great privilege of riding out the end of her black belt journey, having trained with her since she was a gold belt. It was inspiring and exciting to see the affect it had on her. The transformation in her has been interesting. As I embark on my own "vision quest," I can't help but wonder how much Kool-Aid Im going to have to drink to get there. One thing is for sure: West Coast El Dorado Hills has two of the greatest Kwan Jang Nims in the system, each bringing different strengths to teaching their students. Master Reyes aside, KJN Gary and KJN Jonathan are exceptional martial artists who share their craft openly and fully and are genuinely interested in the advancement of their students despite the umpteen years they have been doing this. Every day I train, I am empowered by their very humble attitudes and their generosity for bringing out the best in me. The next six months are going to get hard. I have a torn meniscus in my left knee, limited range of motion of a right hip, a sissy shoulder that screams everytime I push it, and ten extra pounds to contend with. I have no doubt that I can blow through this, but it's going to take some finesse. Hopefully, 40+ years of athletic experience, an exercise Physiology degree and years of coaching will provide enough wisdom to do this right. There is no question that both indomitability and durability are prerequisites to this game. I do not doubt that I will get my black belt. However, I want to flash it. I want Best Tester and I want it in a way where it turns heads. I want people to say, "Check out the 40-something Mom from West Coast EDH killin' it over there.....She's a beast!"
And so my journey begins, starting with......fitness and ROM.
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