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Master level instruction for all students. Call or text Leigh at (585) 354-8946 to get started.


Getting in Shape to Train Again

3/6/2017

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Do you need to be in shape before you start to train? This seems to be an issue with ex-martial artists. By that, I mean people who trained at one point, but then for one reason or another had to quit. But before coming back, they feel that they need to get in shape first. I guess the idea is to come back at the same level they had left. 

I usually picture Dragon Ball Z style training at this point and smile a little. I suppose you can get in shape by running, beating up a heavy bag, and sweating it out in a sauna. Or you could just start training in class again.

Don't let ego or pride get in the way of entering the dojo/gym. If you took six months, a year, or even longer off, there is no way you're coming back the same level you were at your prime. The same is true with any sport. But the best way to get back in shape and to start dusting off the cobwebs of your knowledge base is to start training in classes. 

You don't have anything to prove. You don't need to submit your partners, execute a technique perfectly, or run someone off the mat with your head kicks. Accept that people who were once at the same level as you or lower are probably better or out ranking you now. Accept that you may have to sit out and catch your breath at times. Accept that you may not remember how to do that technique you were once super good at.

However, you have just done the difficult part. You took that first step, and now all it takes is time. Believe me, your skills and fitness will come back. I'm talking from experience. I had to take off while pregnant with Asher. Once I was finally back, I got a shoulder injury and was out again. Overall, I couldn't train normally for close to a year. But I can confidently say that my fitness and skills are finally back and getting better with every training session.

My advice for ex-martial artists looking to get back to training is to come to class! Put the ego aside and just start training again. ​
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Love and Training

2/14/2017

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In honor of Valentines Day, I'm going to rant about a topic plaguing the martial arts community: LOVE.

Maybe some of you are lucky and have a supportive partner. Some of you are not lucky. I know many of you need to fight, argue, and negotiate in order to train. I've also known many martial artists who quit because their partner wouldn't let them continue training. Despite being a martial artist myself... I get it!

Classes almost always take place during the evening, which is prime date/dinner/after work time. Unlike other sports that have a season, martial arts are ongoing. For those of you training in BJJ, I can only imagine how explaining THAT must go down. Plus the martial arts are far more time consuming than an average trip to the gym. Start throwing in seminars, tournaments, extra training sessions, and even the most easy-going of partners might start getting jealous for your time.  

So how do we maintain healthy relationships while still being able to train?

My first suggestion is to get your partner involved. Now this can be easier said then done. I'll have another post on just that. But there are many ways to help your partner feel involved besides getting them training with you. Invite her or him to come watch. Tell them how happy it would make you to have them there. That's a good start, and who knows? They may actually want to try it themselves.

Try merging a date into training. Invite your significant other to watch or try the class, then take them out for dinner, a movie, coffee, etc. Perhaps offer to leave early if you need to.

Look at ways to coordinate with your partner. This might look like scheduling your classes on the same nights he/she has an activity. Then you can always plan to meet before or after.

Communicate with your partner. Sometimes there might be something minor and stupid that makes your partner not want you to train. I remember one person who was a pacifist and had issues with her partner participating in something so violent. Issues like this can be cleared up with some communication and education on the martial arts.

I'm not a relationship expert or a psychologist. But in my own humble opinion, I don't think someone who truly cares about you would pressure you to quit something you love. That being said, it might take some compromise to work out your training time and relationship time. I'm very lucky to have found someone who shares my passion for martial arts, but even Brennan and I have had disagreements on training.
​

Happy Valentines day! <3
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