Here are some of my favorite shots that he has taken of students of mine:
Friday, May 4, 2012
Kickpics
A great resource for the martial arts community, Kickpics.net is one of a kind. Owner Stace Sanchez is no different, treating every practitioner he comes into contact with, no matter how acclaimed or talented, with the most sincere of respect. Stace travels the globe in order to capture amazing and awe-inspiring snapshots of kicks and flying acrobatics. Showcasing his work on his website, facebook, and youtube, martial artists get a chance to see different aspects of the community as well as ideas that can improve their overall technique. Stace also creates calendars and other memorabilia that highlights the best of the best, allowing his clients to be the stars.
Here are some of my favorite shots that he has taken of students of mine:
Here are some of my favorite shots that he has taken of students of mine:
Sports Related Injury Helps Me Grow as a Teacher
November 7th, 2011, I suffered a sports-related injury. My ACL, MCL, and meniscus in my left knee were torn at the same time... with doctors stating that I would have a recovery time of at least a year until I would return to 100%.
As a martial arts school owner, this was obviously a devastating blow not only to how I would teach class, but also how I would need to overcome this as a mental hurdle. Teaching around 40+ hours, as well as enjoying trips to the gym and going for runs each week, put me in an athletic mindset. I was also elated prior to the injury, as I was given a huge compliment. Two members of the United States National Taekwondo team told me that I should try out for the team... as they felt I would be a good representative of the country.
For over a month, I was sidelined from operating my business, both in the office and on the mat. As the head instructor at my martial arts school, this was a scary process to experience. I am eternally glad, however, for the assistance that my mother and advanced students gave me during this time.
Seven months down the road, my knee is stable, for the most part. I still participate in rehab exercises on a daily basis, but I can see the slow improvement. Since most of my teaching now consists of very light demonstrations and more speaking instead of showing, I have grown exponentially in teaching Taekwondo, Hap Ki Do, and Tang Soo Do. It has also helped me grow as a leader.
I am able to sit back and examine each and every one of my students, young and old, much better than before the injury. More on the sidelines at the moment, it is easier not only to pinpoint weaknesses and strengths, but to correct or appreciate them moreso with a commanding voice and presence.
My slowed-down physicality has also assisted with my lesson plans. The class ideas that I have come up with, be it sparring technique, traditional forms practice, self defense, boot-camp conditioning exercises, or even referee leadership skills, are much more regimented and solid than prior to my injury.
As far as handling office duties, I am also more prompt and focused. I have a set schedule that I adhere to, making sure that each and every responsibility is taken care of. It is interesting to note that my school has more white belts currently than in recent memory. I find it intriguing, because even though I may be sidelined due to an injury, new students keep signing up. I am very happy with New Edge Martial Arts at the moment.
My point in the matter is this- even though I have been weakened physically, I called upon my other skills to assist, as opposed to giving up. It is too easy to just decide to quit when the going gets rough. It takes character to overcome obstacles and triumph. I believe that everyone has that ability to fight and succeed, no matter what hardships come before them. I hope that anyone who suffers from an injury, illness, or anything else for that matter realizes that they are stronger than what harms them. Everyone has worth.
God Bless!
As a martial arts school owner, this was obviously a devastating blow not only to how I would teach class, but also how I would need to overcome this as a mental hurdle. Teaching around 40+ hours, as well as enjoying trips to the gym and going for runs each week, put me in an athletic mindset. I was also elated prior to the injury, as I was given a huge compliment. Two members of the United States National Taekwondo team told me that I should try out for the team... as they felt I would be a good representative of the country.
For over a month, I was sidelined from operating my business, both in the office and on the mat. As the head instructor at my martial arts school, this was a scary process to experience. I am eternally glad, however, for the assistance that my mother and advanced students gave me during this time.
Seven months down the road, my knee is stable, for the most part. I still participate in rehab exercises on a daily basis, but I can see the slow improvement. Since most of my teaching now consists of very light demonstrations and more speaking instead of showing, I have grown exponentially in teaching Taekwondo, Hap Ki Do, and Tang Soo Do. It has also helped me grow as a leader.
I am able to sit back and examine each and every one of my students, young and old, much better than before the injury. More on the sidelines at the moment, it is easier not only to pinpoint weaknesses and strengths, but to correct or appreciate them moreso with a commanding voice and presence.
My slowed-down physicality has also assisted with my lesson plans. The class ideas that I have come up with, be it sparring technique, traditional forms practice, self defense, boot-camp conditioning exercises, or even referee leadership skills, are much more regimented and solid than prior to my injury.
As far as handling office duties, I am also more prompt and focused. I have a set schedule that I adhere to, making sure that each and every responsibility is taken care of. It is interesting to note that my school has more white belts currently than in recent memory. I find it intriguing, because even though I may be sidelined due to an injury, new students keep signing up. I am very happy with New Edge Martial Arts at the moment.
My point in the matter is this- even though I have been weakened physically, I called upon my other skills to assist, as opposed to giving up. It is too easy to just decide to quit when the going gets rough. It takes character to overcome obstacles and triumph. I believe that everyone has that ability to fight and succeed, no matter what hardships come before them. I hope that anyone who suffers from an injury, illness, or anything else for that matter realizes that they are stronger than what harms them. Everyone has worth.
God Bless!
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Taekwondo
Courtesy: Politeness, consideration of others, respectfulness.
Integrity: Personal pride, honor, morality, wholeness.
Perseverence: Continuing to try to achieve a goal in spite of obstacles, persistence.
Self-Control: Being responsible for one's own actions and behavior.
Indomitable Spirit: Strength of mind and soul.
The above listed are the Tenets of Taekwondo, as taken from 'Dong Yang Moo Sool Do Textbook' by Sun Hwan Chung.
It is my desire and lifelong practice to live as close to these principles as possible. Taekwondo, as an art, strengthens my spirit. Meshing well with my faith in God, practicing the art of Taekwondo allows me to not only see my flaws, but to continually work on them.
Integrity: Personal pride, honor, morality, wholeness.
Perseverence: Continuing to try to achieve a goal in spite of obstacles, persistence.
Self-Control: Being responsible for one's own actions and behavior.
Indomitable Spirit: Strength of mind and soul.
The above listed are the Tenets of Taekwondo, as taken from 'Dong Yang Moo Sool Do Textbook' by Sun Hwan Chung.
It is my desire and lifelong practice to live as close to these principles as possible. Taekwondo, as an art, strengthens my spirit. Meshing well with my faith in God, practicing the art of Taekwondo allows me to not only see my flaws, but to continually work on them.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)