The devil is in the details

Since I started taking classes at MAMA I noticed the key is to pay attention to the intricacies of the technique each art provides. It is easy to get the general idea, but to become proficient requires more than just a time commitment. It requires you to really pay attention and break each technique down and build it from the base up.  Dedication and discipline are crucial to this process. Also I have learned humility is necessary to learning at a deep level. Letting go of your self image and really applying the lesson is the only way to get from one level to the next. 

Self defense

I'm excited! Today is my first class. I have wanted to do this for a while. I have minimal background so I'm pretty much an open slate. The place I'm going has a good mix of styles and my buddy goes there so we can train together.  I'm not looking to compete or anything, I just want the comfort of knowing I can defend myself without weapons should the need arise.  Part of me adopting the more you know the less you need philosophy.

Every Day Carry Thoughts

I have been carrying the same items on my person for years.  Every once in a while I re-evaluate the items and decide what I want to continue carrying or how.  Recently with my renewed focus on physical activity I have realized a few things. First I need a carry method that is both sturdy but accommodates migrating carry items based on activity.  Second I need to rethink my carry items for certain activities.  For instance my EDC is too bulky to carry when I am running.  This makes me wonder if I should adjust my EDC around my most restrictive activities or have a subset for those activities.  One side of me thinks reducing EDC to minimal viable items would be grat.  However to do this safely would require compensating with additional skills and competences in critical areas.  The other part of me wonders how realistic it is for me to think with everything I have going on daily that I'd ever feel comfortable dropping to minimal items for EDC.  Definitely has caused me to seriously think about what and how I carry items on a daily basis.  It has also made me resolve to learn and practice skills so that as I can replac items with skills I will.

Weekend activities

Did some exercising over the weekend, to keep from back sliding on my commitment to getting healthier.  Also built the girls their own core extended capability personal survival kits. Covered the basics as well as some additional items. Next steps are to get them trained up on operation of each item and feeling comfortable and confident with using them.

Day three exercising

Today walked around a new recreation area near where I live. 4 miles in an hour and 10 minutes. Not bad! Feels good to be getting outside with some fresh air.  Now I have a couple rec areas to walk at which makes it easier since I tend to get bored just walking around the same place.

New workout program

Yesterday I started walking for an hour over lunch with a coworker. We are averaging 3.5 miles per hour. I also started doing some circuit training with my brother after work. We do another 3.5 miles in an hour plus some body weight exercises.  My arms and legs are sore but in a good way.  Two days in and I have already walked more in 24 hour period than I did in the previous month!  I just need to stick with it.

I'm Back!  More content coming soon.