A bridge to far

We use martial arts and fitness as a tool to become better human beings, and we do it In an enviorment that cultivates strong relationships with ourselves, and a community of empowered people around us.

    One of the best Christmas messages I got this year was from one of my black belts Dustin. I was 'going through it' over the holidays and he reminded me what loyalty and dedication is.

He said, "I'd jump off a bridge for you sensei."

Of course I never asked him to do that. I, like Joe Lewis asked of me, ......asked him only for 11 minutes, to fight with all his heart not quit. My promise to him in return was that I would teach him for life.

Loyalty and dedication are rare commodities Dustin has both. So many nowadays fall short,there is no love, joy or passion without pain. The path to wisdom is paved by mentors and pain, we provide both.

Cornelius Ryans' book A Bridge Too Far gives an account of Operation Market Garden, a failed Allied attempt to break through German lines at Arnhem in the occupied Netherlands during World War II. The title of the book comes from a comment made by British Lieutenant General Frederick Browning, deputy commander of the First Allied Airborne Army, who told Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery before the operation, "I think we may be going a bridge too far".

In today's world so many attributes we claim to aspire to come with an expiration date, how far is to far when it comes to Honor, Commitment, Love and Respect of a relationship or a goal?

Whether it's dieting, fitness or love, life constantly puts temptations in front of us to test our resolve, loyalty or respect. Discipline and honor to commitment are the basics of self respect. Stick to basics and enjoy life with dignity.

  Set your goals, listen to your coach, portion your meals ,train regularly .....join our journey learn the difference https://fearlessfamilymartialarts.com/classes/primal-fitness-kickboxing/

Hung like a Hampster, big around as a beer can.

We are so accustomed to hiding our true selves from others

 that we end up hiding from ourselves.

In some cultures it is a sign of status to have your earlobes stretched. 

I've seen this more and more recently.

 B.B.C. news says it is more prevalent over the last 5-6 years

 and that it's not just the 'tattoo and peircing' crowd that's doing this. 

Growing up I 'retooled' myself by going to the gym daily,
 running and cross training in various Martial Arts.
I suffered from low self esteem, these activities gave me confidence
and helped to repair my self esteem.

Fortunately for my kids, confidence is nurtured not genetic.

They excel in sports and social situations.

  For me it was a full time job of personal reprogramming

 that drove me to my various successes.

Raising the bar too high ?

How high is high enough ?

I remember Billy Major calling me from the Pittsfield Boxing Club.

My daughter Alli, had on her own, decided to train and spar at his gym.

 She was knocking out 18 year old boys at age 13 and won the Black Belt Division Grand Championship in fighting and forms at

 the Boston Nationals AS A BROWN BELT !!   

For my son Drew 'the struggle' was a little different.

Following the death of his step father Drew decided he wanted to be a lineman.

He applied, secured tuition and off he went.

For a guy with FEARLESS as an email he was no stranger to danger !

Apple   - Tree

Drew trains in kickboxing and regularly drags his butt to the gym.

He has fought as a teen in both the U.S. and Canada.

Joe Lewis would be proud...I know I am.

Now just come to Maine son....we need good linemen. 

Suellen had it tougher than the rest.

Her biological father has been 'run out of town' every where he ever worked.

 Suz loves her dad but has eclipsed his 'dark influence'.

It is so cool to see her 'work a table at a restaurant / bar,

consistently outselling her co-workers !!

Rock on Suz !!

Someone I used to know told me, that when she did catering work for extra money

she felt people looked down on her because she was serving them.

Ghandi said,

There is no shame in losing yourself in the service to others.

I think doing good things for, and helping others is the greatest measure of  personal excellence.

Living your life doing good things and leaving your 'mark' is your gateway to immortality.

Doing good for others heals us on the inside and the resulting 'ripple effect' 
causes us to speak, think and live in the affirmative.

The Disentigration of Conscience

Conscience is an aptitude, faculty, intuition or judgment of the intellect.
It distinguishes right from wrong.
 In psych terms, 
conscience causes feelings of remorse when one commits actions that go against 
 moral values, rectitude or integrity.

Commonly used metaphors for conscience include:
 the "voice within" and the "inner light"^.

Often small events in life that turn out to be the catalyst for transformation.
Some times your struggle and search will lead to your passion.
When finding and living your life passion, you need a logical plan of action.

I love those who can smile in trouble,
 who can gather strength from distress,
and grow brave by reflection.
 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink,
 but they whose heart is firm,
and whose conscience approves their conduct,
 will pursue their principles unto death.

-Leonardo Davinci-

To begin creating your own better self, you must learn to balance

 your head and your heart. 

 Relying on your heart to inform your thoughts will force you to evolve.

Baby steps..... Small acts can do the job.

Grand gestures and acts of heroism are not necessary to achieve this.

Give yourself permission to express emotions.

 Alot of times I'm accused of being passive aggressive because I do this. 

When you express emotions such as anger, sadness, guilt,

 or shame you're are perceived to be negative..... or weak.

In communicating your emotions, it’s not only about the words you say.

Your intention is also extremely important.

 Be careful that you are not expecting the other person to make you feel better.

This often leads to anger, frustration, and disappointment.

Martial Arts vs Bullying

Violence in any form implies a loss of self-control. 

Joe Lewis taught us,
martial arts instructors reinforce behavior codes that are about acquiring an attitude of self-control. 
 The last stronghold of maintaining a non-violent society lies with the
martial arts industry.

Wisdom is knowing what to do next;

Skill is knowing how to do it,

 and Courage is doing it.

-Joe Lewis-