Cross Train, Train, Work out with someone else, whatever you wanna call it

In 2011, it will be the fourth year training with Haganah founder Mike Lee Kanarek.  He is a true leader.  I've done most of the classes that are in the Haganah system and they have been awesome - I understood the importance of knowing these things but they were also FUN.  In Columbia, MD, I did one of the first Combat Fitness classes around.  We had to run about 2/3 of a mile and when it was time to go he said, "Follow me!"  That sounds kinda of insignificant, but it was awesome!

He first taught me when I trained with him in 07 that you must cross train.  Even though he had his favorite martial arts to train in, he said that you can get something out of every style.  So as a martial arts athlete, I'm constantly thinking about self defense, sparring, and a ton of other things martial arts related.  The thing is, doing a kettlebell class, XMA class, or a gymnastics class will help you in some way.  Kettlebell training is something that has become huge and it helps build functional strength in all sports and activities.  Gymnastics athletes are among the most fit and strong in the world (Strength is measured by how strong you are compared to your body weight).  XMA class is all about performance - Bruce Lee was an amazing martial artist but what made him famous was his showmanship.  Also, someone who has mastered a martial arts trick (like one from HYPER Martial Arts) can achieve a goal in ANYTHING.

So in about 2 weeks I'm going up to Mr. Stuart's Martial Arts to train with MLK again and I'm so excited.  Last year I went and I had 2 hours of sleep and was sick - but I wouldn't miss it for the world.  Out of all the typing you may have just read or skimmed through just take this with you - you should take something from everything you do.  Try new things as often as possible even if at first it seems silly or unimportant because it will make you better somehow.  Check out the video below of Ms. Wallace-Holubyckyj and I training with MLK in Columbia, MD in Combat Fitness (We won... if you know what that means!)

Belt Promotions

We had a great showing at our 3rd Belt Promotions of 2010. We had 4 students test to 3rd Degree Black Belt, 1 student test to 2nd Degree Black Belt, and 3 students test to 1st Degree Black Belt. It was really exciting to see all of those kids work really hard over the past 2 months to prepare and really achieve what they focused their mind to. Congrats to all the new black belts!

Also, Saturday June 19th marked the 1 year anniversary of Elkton Karate as ATA Martial Arts! I want to thank everyone for your support, dedication, and enthusiasm for martial arts over the past year and more. It truly is my dream to be an instructor at a martial arts school where all the students are overachieving and above average. My students, parents, and instructors truly make my dream a reality every day.