Mindful Movement

 While reading about different tai chi exercises, I ran across one that discussed an idea I have experienced multiple times during sparring. The drill was to determine intention of a possible opponent. The author writes: “If you watch for his attack using just your eyes, you will only be able to initiate your defense after he starts to move and you have processed the associated sense data using the analytical part of your brain. However, if you use all of your senses including those yet unnamed, you will sense the opponent’s intention before he starts to move.” (Chuckrow pg 70)* The drill is set up to try to *feel* when your opponent will start their attack by having them stand behind you.  Many times during sparring or a fight, I know exactly what my opponent is going to throw before they do it. Or, my opponent prepares for a punch I have not thrown yet but I had the intention of throwing. My explanation of this is our ability to sense body language or predict patterns of ano...

 My Apple Watch has been broken for at least a month now, and despite numerous store visits, phone calls and online chats, I have still yet to find a solution. It has been sent in to be “repaired” three times, and sent back only to work even worse each time. A phone call gave a possible solution, that I would be sent a new watch, my card would be charged, and I send the old watch back and the charge reversed. My answer to this is how can I at this point trust Apple to not at the end of the day charge me? They clearly don’t trust me to send back the broken scrap metal I now have, why would I trust them to refund my money?  This got me thinking about trust. Obviously I do not trust Apple as a company anymore, and I will no longer be investing in their products. But who do I truly trust? My mind had trouble making a list. I’ve been screwed over in boxing and career more times than I can count. Friends always say the typical “call me if you need anything” line, but I learned that ...

  I have written about training for time before, and how boxing centers around the use of time and space. Another aspect of time I find myself coaching for is a different genre: age. I have met a lot of retired boxers in my years in the sport, as well as observed some of the greats as they age. Muhammad Ali noted that his aging body was Allah’s way of reminding him that he is still human, and there are greater truths than attaining physical prowess. Ali devoted himself to his religion, as well as making appearances and signing paraphernalia. Tyson has successfully transitioned into entertainment, touring with a play, making appearances in movies, tv shows, music videos, etc. George Foreman has his grill, as well as starting a nonprofit to support youth. I have seen boxers that I know transition into becoming coaches, gym owners, or promotors. These people gracefully accepted their body’s call to slow down, let the past be the past, and embrace new challenges of the future. And then...

Happy Star Wars Day! May the 4th be with you!  For my quote today, I’m going to do my favorite quote: “I find your lack of faith disturbing.” —Darth Vader,  A New Hope I like that the villain says this quote. Faith in the force is needed to be a powerful Jedi, whether good or evil, and that lack of faith can minimize your ability. I feel this quote can apply to so many scenarios in life: Faith in yourself, faith in the future, faith in the people in your life, faith in a humanity, faith in a higher power, whether that be Gd or aliens or science. In the Bible, the Hebrew word for belief or faith originally meant reliability, not the belief in something unseen. The writers intended the word to convey the reliability of the higher power. I think there is much truth to this even today. People think that faith is belief in something they cannot scientifically prove, making it unreliable. But my belief, despite what it is, will always be there as long as I believe it, will always gi...

Second day of Star Wars week, and I pull from the great Yoda for my quote. So many amazing ones, but I wanted to avoid the typical ones, as his less popular, yet great quotes, offer more opportunity for inspiration.  “Difficult to see. Always in motion is the future.”  — Yoda,  The Empire Strikes Back When going into a fight or sparring session, what do you know? Nothing, really. You might think you know your opponent, but people are constantly changing and can surprise you. Temperature changes. Lights can flicker, noise can come from anywhere. The floor can be damp or dry. But what you can always be certain of is time. You have 3 minutes (depending on your division) to fight. Three 3 minute rounds. That is what you know. Nothing else can be guaranteed. Plans need to change if needed. People are unpredictable. Refs and judges change in between fights. But your 9 minutes to perform will not change. So time is something you can always prepare for. Lasting for the allot...

In honor the Star Wars day on May 4th, I’m going to use Star Wars quotes as inspiration. I find it very apropos, as the concept of Star Wars relies on the training of young Jedis, which follows a similar path to boxing training.  “Many of the truths that we cling to depend on our viewpoint.” — Obi-Wan Kenobi,  Star Wars Episode VI:Return Of The Jedi  This is a fantastic quote, and one that we all know the truth of, yet usually forget. Our ego likes to make sure the world fits the ego’s perception of events, therefore is quick to create a viewpoint that protects our inner reality from outer reality. My viewpoint as a coach is of course slated toward having good fighters, but I always try to see the skill of everyone for what it truly is. I believe fighters need to hear the truth about their skill so that they can train and work accordingly. What I find interesting is when my viewpoint clashes with theirs, which works in both directions. When I have a very positive perspect...