A few weeks back, I had mentioned that I started to work out at home to increase my conditioning and to improve my overall fitness level. Two weeks ago I finished the 8 week program but I still didn't feel like I had accomplished what I wanted to. For these and another couple of reasons, I decided to start the program again.
While I admit that my conditioning has improved and I feel a lot better overall, I know I can do more. Why subject myself to this? I feel like I need to so I can improve my skills as a martial artist. Another reason is its something I feel I need to do for my overall health as well.
Along with a workout, I have added cardio sessions and stretching. The biggest change however has been from being more conscious of what I eat and how much. These changes have had a dramatic effect and in the last 8 weeks I have lost 14 pounds. I feel better than I have in years and I am motivated to continue to get to where I want to be.
As an added bonus, my wife has started doing cardio sessions while I work out and she has also started to do some of the workouts. This is another great motivator for me as it is something we can do together.
Sunday, May 29, 2016
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Pandamonium
I have noticed a lot of people commenting or blogging about how they were not engaged enough with Pandamonium this year. I am curious as to how they have come to that mindset. The following are what I think may be some of the reasons.
1) They did not get any donations or they did not get enough donations in their mind.
2) They did not promote the event or any of the charities.
3) They were unable to attend the day of.
4) They don't support the event.
#4 is the one I think most likely as I think we all see the good one or more of the charities are doing and believe we should help them. Also, I don't think they would call this a lack of engagement nor would they blog about it.
We did not reach our goal this year, but it was a great day at Silent River Kung Fu. Lets try and remember the good and focus on making next years even more successful.
1) They did not get any donations or they did not get enough donations in their mind.
2) They did not promote the event or any of the charities.
3) They were unable to attend the day of.
4) They don't support the event.
#4 is the one I think most likely as I think we all see the good one or more of the charities are doing and believe we should help them. Also, I don't think they would call this a lack of engagement nor would they blog about it.
We did not reach our goal this year, but it was a great day at Silent River Kung Fu. Lets try and remember the good and focus on making next years even more successful.
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
1 to 100.
I tried to convey to the intermediate class last Wednesday what it was like to go to Alabama. It was difficult to try and put into words but I hope I was able to get the message across.
The whole point of this, was to help them see the importance of Pandamonium. We were able to make a huge difference to the people of Mobile, Alabama. The thing to realize, is that we have the same ability to do that here. I hope what I was trying to convey to the class came through and if I inspired one person to care then that would be a success. How is that a success? Hopefully they will inspire one person to care and then that person will do the same and so on. If that continues, before you now it, there will be 100 people who care and imagine the charges 100 people could make instead of 1.
The whole point of this, was to help them see the importance of Pandamonium. We were able to make a huge difference to the people of Mobile, Alabama. The thing to realize, is that we have the same ability to do that here. I hope what I was trying to convey to the class came through and if I inspired one person to care then that would be a success. How is that a success? Hopefully they will inspire one person to care and then that person will do the same and so on. If that continues, before you now it, there will be 100 people who care and imagine the charges 100 people could make instead of 1.
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Alabama to Pandamonium
Seven members of Silent River Kung Fu recently went to Alabama to take part in the Alabama Build-Vention. The Alabama Build-Vention is where like minded people from the Martial Arts community go to Greensboro Alabama and donate their labor to the community. We do what they require of us and we do it with vigor and without complaining. I was one of the lucky seven who went this year.
This project has a way of changing how you view the world. The community is very poor and a lot of the buildings are in disrepair and would be condemned around here. However in Alabama, these buildings are peoples homes , businesses and schools. The project I was working on was installing flooring in a old school that was slated to be destroyed and burned. Hero Housing bought the building for $3000 and had it moved to a new site in Greensboro. This building is going to be used to help youths aged 16-24 obtain there GED. To be able to help to complete this building even in the small amount that I did was life changing.
Every person that we met down there asked if we were part of the volunteer group. When we answered yes, they all thanked us for what we were doing and they were all very appreciative. To be able to do something like this was not only gratifying but also very moving. Our group this year saved them months of work and has allowed them to fast-track the opening of this building. My biggest regret is that I felt we did not have enough time down there and I wish we had a few more days to continue the work. I have already began planning my trip there next year as I cant wait to go back. My goal is to convince as many people to go as possible so they can benefit as much as I have.
So what does Alabama have to do with Pandamonium? Everything. We have the same opportunity to affect peoples lives here. By raising awareness for our charities, we will be able to support them long term. The goal should be informing people on what the charities we support do. Let them know what an education means to a girl from Malawi. Tell them about why it is important that a wolf is vital to the ecosystem. What about being able to feed 1,00 people? Instead of someone just donating money they may decide to look up the charity themselves and from there who knows how they may be inspired. As Tom Callos kept telling us is the donations are important but the people doing the work is where the real benefit comes in. I hope that all of you are inspired by this but even if it is only one then I would be happy. It is hard to put into words the effect that we can have on people but trust me from first hand experience it will be something that will be with you for the rest of your life and it is something that will make you feel great.
P.S. There were 2 professional fighters down there. Chris Mierzwiak and Neil Magney. In the evenings they do some rolling (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) on the mats and I got to roll with Neil. Awesome.
This project has a way of changing how you view the world. The community is very poor and a lot of the buildings are in disrepair and would be condemned around here. However in Alabama, these buildings are peoples homes , businesses and schools. The project I was working on was installing flooring in a old school that was slated to be destroyed and burned. Hero Housing bought the building for $3000 and had it moved to a new site in Greensboro. This building is going to be used to help youths aged 16-24 obtain there GED. To be able to help to complete this building even in the small amount that I did was life changing.
Every person that we met down there asked if we were part of the volunteer group. When we answered yes, they all thanked us for what we were doing and they were all very appreciative. To be able to do something like this was not only gratifying but also very moving. Our group this year saved them months of work and has allowed them to fast-track the opening of this building. My biggest regret is that I felt we did not have enough time down there and I wish we had a few more days to continue the work. I have already began planning my trip there next year as I cant wait to go back. My goal is to convince as many people to go as possible so they can benefit as much as I have.
So what does Alabama have to do with Pandamonium? Everything. We have the same opportunity to affect peoples lives here. By raising awareness for our charities, we will be able to support them long term. The goal should be informing people on what the charities we support do. Let them know what an education means to a girl from Malawi. Tell them about why it is important that a wolf is vital to the ecosystem. What about being able to feed 1,00 people? Instead of someone just donating money they may decide to look up the charity themselves and from there who knows how they may be inspired. As Tom Callos kept telling us is the donations are important but the people doing the work is where the real benefit comes in. I hope that all of you are inspired by this but even if it is only one then I would be happy. It is hard to put into words the effect that we can have on people but trust me from first hand experience it will be something that will be with you for the rest of your life and it is something that will make you feel great.
P.S. There were 2 professional fighters down there. Chris Mierzwiak and Neil Magney. In the evenings they do some rolling (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) on the mats and I got to roll with Neil. Awesome.
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