I just listened to the song “ Que Sera, Sera .” I have heard it my entire life… but only JUST paid attention to the lyrics. It’s a beautiful song by Doris Day, and the people she is singing about are asking about the future, and her blanket answer is: Whatever will be, will be. Whaaaaaaat?!! I’d like to …
Stop & Bow… at Starbucks??
We are the products of our habits, whether good or bad. It’s been said that we are what we repeatedly do. Which is why we regularly walk into Starbucks and BOW AT THE DOOR! Every time we enter the karate school, we teach our students to bow in as a sign of respect. The karate school is an oasis, a …
I’m the Worst. And It’s the Best!
One of my favorite things to do to my dad and son, is, well… to scare them. Back in 2016, I knew my dad had less than a year left to live, so I moved him up to Ashburn to be closer to me. It was an amazing year, full of wonderful memories… memories that helped heal the past, bridge …
Sorry, I Can’t Teach You
Several years ago, my son Judah decided he had an interest in playing the violin. “Hey Dad, can you teach me how to play? I’d love to learn!” I started playing the violin in the 2nd grade, and have played ever since, so it was only natural that he would ask me. I’ve taken breaks during my life of course, …
Community is Everything
Recently, families and friends from Super Kicks Karate participated in the Loco ride, a 26, 50, or 70-mile bike ride through western Loudoun. It was such a bittersweet day. I loved getting to ride with some of our students on the bike trail, creating new memories with friends. Congrats to those who rode with us ❤️ And it was also …
Discouraged About Your Progress? Read This [90-second read]
Ever had a week that was busy, crazy, you were hustling and pumping, and you knew that you were moving the ball forward… but when you stopped and looked back, you couldn’t figure out what you ACTUALLY accomplished? Welcome to every human, EVER, right?! Sometimes, this is also how it feels with our martial arts training. We come to class, …
What, You Don’t Struggle Getting to the Gym?
Every so often, I hear this from a parent: “Master Alley, he loves it when he’s here, but sometimes it’s a struggle actually GETTING him here? What do I do?” You bring him to class. “But I don’t want to force him.” Bring him to class. Sometimes, we need a push, don’t we? No one is motivated 100% of the …
Protein from Beans, Nuts and… CRICKETS?!
Any time someone finds out that I eat a plant-based diet, the immediate question always comes up: Where do you get your protein? Where do you think, people?!? Crickets! They are a quick snack, you grab them on the go, and you find them just like you find chips in the couch! YUM!! Everyone knows the answer (beans, legumes, hummus, …
3 Reasons to Compete in Tournaments (and Winning Didn’t Make the Cut)
I fully expected to win. I was big for my age. Strong. A talented martial artist. And on the local tournament scene, I dominated. I was a good fighter when I was 15, and I was excited to show what I could do in my first national tournament. I’ll spare you the details. I got dead last. If I had …
Burpees in the Boardroom
It’s a new month! I love beginnings. With goal setting, you can always reset or start something new at any time, but it always feels like something magical occurs on the firsts. First of the week, first of the month, first of the year… So it’s the PERFECT time to evaluate where you are with your goals! Are you on …