Author Archives: The Philosophical Fighter

Pull the trigger and eat the frog.

Judo coach Hap Wheeler always has words of encouragement for his students as they maneuver through techniques against unwilling opponents: “Pull the trigger.” I hear him say this phrase in my head often when I hesitate to do something. My last post was about fear and how to use it to do new things and learnContinue reading “Pull the trigger and eat the frog.”

Are You Using Your Fear Properly?

If not, here’s how you can make the most of it. “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do, so throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” –Continue reading “Are You Using Your Fear Properly?”

Jedi Lifestyle: 3 Ways to Use the Force

Other than a few random sheltered individuals, most people know who the Jedi are. Who doesn’t love master Yoda and even have a special place in their hearts for Darth Vader, the Jedi who was led astray by his anger and the dark side? What if the Jedi were real people? Who might they be?Continue reading “Jedi Lifestyle: 3 Ways to Use the Force”

The snooze button is stronger than You? Read this! -Reblog

How often do you hit the snooze button? Maybe this short post will help. Wise & Shine Drawing by Adrian Serghie Many people “cheat” on their morning routine and they hit the snooze button. Maybe hitting that snooze button is part of the morning routine now. How hard is it for you to wake upContinue reading “The snooze button is stronger than You? Read this! -Reblog”

Recap and Highlights of the US Sumo Nationals 2019 – Reblog

Originally posted on North American Sumo:
The US Sumo Nationals wrapped up last Saturday (2/9/2019), and what a great day of sumo!  There were so many exciting storylines and amazing matches, most of which I will recap and highlight below.  If you don’t want the results spoiled before watching, however, be sure to watch the…

Book Review – As A Man Thinketh – Reblog

Originally posted on The One Right Tool:
As A Man Thinketh, by James Allen was originally published in 1902.  Though it’s well over 100 years old at this point, the principles of the book still hold.  The overarching theme of the book is – What we fill our minds with, becomes what our lives are…

Training through the years.

This was me as a fresh white belt at my first seminar with Gustavo Machado, my head instructor. As I near ten years on the mat in Jiu Jitsu, plus the many more in Wrestling and Judo, I can’t help but think about this year and what it will be like. I have never tiredContinue reading “Training through the years.”

7 New Year’s Resolutions for Martial Artists

Commit to being more disciplined This year, be more disciplined in your training. Jocko Willink said, “How do you become better? There is only one way – The way of discipline.” This might mean doing more reps during class. You might get there early and do solo drills. Make every move count. With every newContinue reading “7 New Year’s Resolutions for Martial Artists”

Quitting: Should I walk away?

Have you ever felt like quitting? Whether it’s a martial art, a marriage, or a job, we’ve all felt like giving up the fight at some point in our lives. So what do we do when we face the temptation to walk away? Why people quit. Some do it because of the stress involved inContinue reading “Quitting: Should I walk away?”