Fight of Flight

#tbt 5 years ago was a fight or flight point moment. Losing my brother really took a tow of me, which I even considered on hang up the martial arts forever (obviously, I haven’t quit). Granted, this was an unprecedented emotional experience for me; therefore, I didn’t know where to go. I mainly trained by myself, no school backing me or anything. I needed time to figure what’s my true purpose. I competed at a martial arts tournament in Cincinnati as verdict for my future direction.

Despite my oppressing moments, defeat was not an option. I went all the way to fight for overall grand! God shown me the light to never quit no matter the circumstances and do what you are passionate about! From then on, I recognized my purpose. Personally, thank my parents and my son being at my corner through it all (celebrating my victory with my pink polo and denim jacket 😉 )!!

Iron Will

Tournaments are the club; Dojo is our home

There are plenty of things you can gain from competing on the martial arts tournament scene. One of the greatest benefits for being in the sport martial arts world is seeing other martial artists from all over. Martial artists from different styles, backgrounds, personalities, etc. Chances are you may be competing with these people in your division (i.e. weapons, forms, fighting) or see them compete for the nighttime finals.

Each competitor possess different strengths and weaknesses. At tournaments, I try to utilize these to climb to the top. Unlike all games, you don’t win them all. No one likes to lose. I do not like losing because the entire purpose is to win. However, the only exception of losing is discovering oneself. For example, last national tournament I competed was at the Battle of Atlanta 2011. Unfortunately, I did not place the way how I wanted. My techniques were on point, but my timing was off. Through months, it was very difficult to pinpoint the missing piece of the puzzle. Brian Ruth, a well-respected martial artist in sport karate, stated I lacked aggression from my attacks. It was crazy enough to finally recognize this issue.

This is a priceless moment which the monetary things such as trophies and money does not matter! You  it the exposure to other people foreign to you.it’s the goal setting it’s the dealing with disappointments well as success. The dojo or Dojang is your home. Like every other home, you learn the fundamentals of life. You learn health, respect, courage, leadership. These are not shared in tournaments.. In the tournament scene, you only learn the desire to win and great sportsmanship! One must return to the essential traits to anchor this endeavors.

Tournaments are a great place to utilize them. If you want to be a great athlete you must maintain proper health. If you want to do well in tournaments, you need to show respect to the past present and future competitors, coaches and judges. You step on any mat be it for forms, weapons or sparring you are showing courage to step outside of a comfort zone and allow yourself to be judged by others and finally if you are part of a team or school competing you need to take on that leadership role.

Metaphorically,some times we focus so much about the club (tournaments) in which we forget about our home training (dojo). In today’s society, this is extremely crucial. We always want to show off, turn up, but don’t want to place the necessary home skills to offer for the real world. When the club is over, you have to worry about going home safe. Are these domestic values gonna help on your way back. It’s all fun and games until the light are on and the music stops playing. It’s something to think about.

“Iron WIll”

 

World Order

Music Videos have been kinda dull lately. Despite the high def quality and cool camera angles, it appears every one is following the similar template as others. This music video from World Order is definitely liberating! World Order is a Japanese band formed by Genki Sudo, a former Japanese MMA fighter who was known for his unorthodox, amazingly-choreographed ring entrances and adroit footwork. He’s since traded the fighting trunks for slim suits and spread collar shirts—but he’s kept his pop-and-lock dance moves as fresh as ever.

Their precise dance moves are perfectly accentuated by their clean-fitting suits. Sartorial mobility at its finest. Who says wearing slim suits means sacrificing movement? The next thing I would love to see is trickers kicking and twisting in tailored suits!

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Marc Jacob’s Exodus from Louis Vuitton

After 16 years creative directing with the prestigious fashion house, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs took his final bow at Paris Fashion Week. The American designer will be focusing on his namesake label. There has been speculating based on a potential departure, but it has became a reality. Throughout his tenure with the label, Jacobs created their first garment collection along with transforming Louis Vuitton from a dusty leather goods brand to one of the most virtuous labels in the world. His directional designs and collaborations with artists like Takashi Murakami, Pharrell WIlliams, Kanye West, Steven Sprouse, and Yayoi Kusama helped with their popularity to new heights!

I am not sure if it has anything to do with the market shift and 6% decline in sales or what. Bittersweet emotions would rise to those who had admire the collections throughout the years. This is like the same feeling we all had with Nicholas Ghesquiere left Balenciaga. It not easy seeing a major component from a label to depart. However, I strongly believe this is also a liberating moment for him. At the current moment, there is not confirmation on whose will replace the throne to the Parisian fashion house. One thing for certain is no one can deny the legacy he has built with the company.