Tonight I got alone and pushed. Pushed mentally, physically, spiritually. I know I will need to push more in the days ahead, but I went further than normal tonight. It’s step one in raising the intensity of my training. And yes, this is much more than a physical pursuit of excellence. It is very much…as [...]

Went a couple of rounds tonight with Michael doing some 3/4 speed/power sparring and self-defense along with some jump-roping and a walk-through of a kata I haven’t done in a long time. Just had to get some extra energy burned off before bed. I wanted to go to bed earlier tonight, but knew I would [...]

The distractions that can bombard you each day are staggering. I just want to screeeeaaaaam sometimes. It’s worth the climb up the proverbial mountain though…definitely worth it! I am sure the Samurai of ancient had distractions too. Unfortunately I cannot draw my sword and scare them away or hop on my trusty steed and gallop [...]

As I told you in my last post…I have some very exciting news. When I began this Quest for the U.S. Open, it was me and my immediate family looking at a very big and daunting challenge in front of us. It still is! The reality is this: you cannot do something like this by [...]

Worked a bit tonight on some kata as a family (even Nathaniel jumped in and really surprised us with a horse stance and a Kiai – a shout). I had the opportunity to speak with someone who is willing to coach me through this experience. I am on my way out to UFC [...]

Missed my 6a.m. wake up call…and as such, the workout. Though my body is saying, “Thank you!” I know I can’t miss too many of those. Not a lot of time here, and I have a long way to go. Thanks for the emails, comments, and phone calls by the way…they are [...]

There is a burning in my leeeeeggggggsssss! It’s all good, though. Good workout tonight. Michael assisted me and we worked a lot of legs tonight…strength training, kata, stances, kicks, and biking. Did some upper body too (picture of pushups by the pool), but more of that tomorrow. Of course, worked on my breathing…especially after shadow [...]

Watching the U.S. Open Martial Arts Championships video that was given to me as a gift. Wow! These competitors are intense. Very inspiring! Needed some inspiration like this after a long day…
Detox days are over and now on to the next phase…stay tuned!

Just a quick thought of thankfulness…I’m not alone on this quest!
As with any worthwhile endeavor, my quest for excellence in competition at the U.S. Open – the Most Prestigious Martial Arts event in the world – is not a one-man operation.
I have a great team surrounding me, and that team is growing. From trainers, coaches, [...]

It is bright and warm today…unlike yesterday which was overcast, and even very stormy at some points (hail, rain, high winds, tornadoes…i think that constitutes very stormy). What I find inspiring is that I am able to get really energized by the weather, no matter what it is outside…
When the winds were kicking yesterday, it [...]