Ep 037 - Competing in MMA Often Takes a Toll On Your Body

You can’t respect others until you respect yourself, and that begins with respecting your own body. Martial arts exist to strengthen and preserve our minds, our bodies, and our spirits — not tear them down. While we are the first to say hardship builds character — and just like muscles, sometimes things need to be broken down in order to grow stronger — we’ve seen many regret wearing out their bodies simply for ego and financial gain. Unfortunately, that’s what primarily is being promoted with the sport of MMA. And that’s what often attracts young practitioners.

Mixed martial arts are what we study at Hoover Karate Academy, yet NOT for the combat sport of MMA in which two competitors attempt to achieve dominance over one another. Our system is reality-based and intended for life outside the ring or cage, where there is no referee present and no rules. The physical tools are designed to save your life if needed, yet we understand the importance of avoiding injury. Training shouldn’t interfere with work and school. It should enhance the quality of your life — not lower it. (Obviously, things can always happen. It’s still not chess.)

We like to see people train and reap the benefits of martial arts for a lifetime, not just 5-10 years. Going at something full steam ahead sometimes can be good, but not if it’s detrimental in the long run. This applies to everything in life — relationships, careers, even diets. And if it IS a good thing — you’ll want to be able to sustain it without gassing out. Anything valuable must be maintained to keep that value. Strengthen — maintain — and preserve your assets.

Is there something you did that abused your body that you now regret? In hindsight, would you avoid it altogether or approach it differently? Comment below — or reach out privately via the Form on the right.

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Ep 036 - True Mastery is When The World Comes to You

We’ve talked before about becoming comfortable in your own skin and how to deal with uncomfortable situations. “Owning your space” is self-explanatory when it comes to the physical. If someone invades your space with intent to harm your physical body — it’s obvious that self-defense could, and should, be used. No one has the right to touch you with bad intent, and certainly not hurt you — physically.

But think about this. On a metaphysical level, how often do you let people “hurt” you? Make no mistake about it. If they pull you into “their space” — by influencing you to think something or participate in something that deep down inside you know isn’t the right thing, the safe thing, or simply the good thing to do — you are allowing them to harm you. It definitely harms you spiritually, but possibly mentally and even physically as well.

The world is full of bullies. They will draw you into their negative space. They will eagerly invite you into their inappropriate conversation. Or they will pull you into their low level of vibration by imposing their will. Some know they are being a bully. Others don’t even realize they are bullying. Either way, they can’t do it if you don’t let them. Don’t engage. You be the “Master” by owning your space. Let them come to you, not the other way around. In other words, be a leader — not a follower.

Comment below about a situation where you did something you know wasn’t in your best interest, yet you did it anyway because you allowed someone to impose their will on you.

Has there been a time that you consciously chose NOT to engage in something that would have had negative effects? Did you instantly feel better? Comment below — or reach out privately via the Form on the right!

If you know someone that is dealing with bullying — PLEASE share this episode with them. It just might make all the difference in the world.

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Ep 035 - Learn to Get Comfortable in An Uncomfortable Situation

Get comfortable feeling uncomfortable.

• EMBRACE being uncomfortable — and find a way to make it comfortable

• Getting out of your comfort zone is the ONLY way to get more out of life, to be successful, or to possibly get out of a rut

• Contrary to what you might believe — happy, content, passionate, successful people are not always comfortable

• Becoming comfortable in your own skin and becoming stronger — is only achieved by forcing yourself to deal with uncomfortable situations

“The moment will arrive when you are comfortable with who you are, and what you are — bald or old or fat or poor, successful or struggling — when you don't feel the need to apologize for anything or to deny anything. To be comfortable in your own skin is the beginning of strength.” — Charles Handy

“When we get too comfortable, we stop dreaming.” — Joyce Rachelle

“A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there.” — Unknown

What uncomfortable situation was there where you stuck it out and it became comfortable? Comment below — or reach out via the Form on the right — we’d really like to hear from you. We appreciate your support. If you like our show please share it with a friend! Also make sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts.

Ep 034 - Never Alone, The Spirit In Us and All Around Us

Our motto with Attack Life, Not Others is Mind, Body, Spirit — meaning one must be equally well-conditioned in all 3 of these areas in order to attack life and thrive. Mind and Body are both pretty straightforward, yet we often get asked about the Spirit. What is it? Does it have to do with religion. Can one have spiritual strength without being religious? In this very brief, yet profound episode, Sensei Hoover talks about:

• Find your faith — find your purpose — find your life

• We were never meant to be on this planet alone

• Simply be a good soul, do the right thing

• Believe in a Creator, believe in God

“My religion consists of a humble admiration of the illimitable superior spirit who reveals himself in the slight details we are able to perceive with our frail and feeble mind.” ― Albert Einstein

“We must become so alone, so utterly alone, that we withdraw into our innermost self. It is a way of bitter suffering. But then our solitude is overcome, we are no longer alone, for we find that our innermost self is the spirit, that it is God, the indivisible. And suddenly we find ourselves in the midst of the world, yet undisturbed by its multiplicity, for our innermost soul we know ourselves to be one with all being.” ― Hermann Hesse

Does spirituality go hand-in-hand with religion in your opinion? Let us know in the Comments below. Do you feel more fulfilled when your purpose is clearly defined? Have you discovered your purpose(s)? Does one’s purpose change over time? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Again, comment below or reach out via the Form on the right. And if you like our show please share it with a friend! Also make sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts.

Ep 033 - Anticipation Leads to a Greater Quality of Life

Sensei Hoover and Steve Mittman talk about anticipation. Is anticipating something good, bad, or neither? Anticipation leads to preparedness. Preparedness allows one to handle a situation more effectively. It puts time on one's side. Time is the most valuable commodity anyone has. With more time we have more distance. With more distance there is greater security and safety. That equals a greater quality of life. As with everything discussed on Attack Life, Not Others — this applies to everything that everyone may encounter in their day-to-day activities.

Anticipation = Preparedness = Time = Distance = Safety = Self-Preservation = Greater Quality of Life

As Sensei Hoover says in this episode, "Anticipation is what we're supposed to do if the information is available," and also, "Keep your guard up against anything that's going to take your quality of life down."

What do you anticipate that allows you to be better prepared? It could be something small or something major. Let us know by commenting below. And be sure to subscribe to our weekly show on Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. A Rating and Review would be much appreciated.

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Ep 032 - Sparring vs Fighting

Sensei Hoover and Steve Mittman talk about Combat Chaos™ — the self-protection/self-defense curriculum Steve instructs at HKA. Then they get into the difference between sparring in a respectful, controlled, class environment and a real fight — where it can be pure chaos with all kinds of uncontrollable variables. While on the surface, this may seem strictly “martial arts talk” — remember practically everything discussed on this show can be carried over to everyday living. For instance, whether we’re talking a fight or a random day in our lives — chances are it will be chaotic. As Jimmy Mozz, a guest on an earlier episode said at 3:35 into it, “You can’t control other people. You are in control of one thing — your response." A lot of that has to do with strengthening one’s self-discipline, as we’ve also discussed before.

Can you think of a situation you’ve been in where the way you chose to respond to it made the difference between it being a tragedy and an opportunity for growth? Let us know in the Comments below. Also we’d love for you to connect with us on HKA’s Facebook page, and be sure to subscribe to Attack Life, Not Others on Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts.

Ep 031 - Watch Your Back, An Example of CEE in Action

As we've discussed before, in addition to Hoover Karate Academy, Sensei Hoover owns and operates a private detective agency — Confidential Investigations, Inc. He shares a recent occurrence where the situation could have ended much differently. It's a perfect example of our CEE principle in action. You might not be a private investigator, but it's safe to say you could find many things in your day-to-day activities where CEE could improve your life, increase your efficiency and effectiveness, and even make you a better person.

Have you ever compromised your safety in a situation that turned out OK? Let us know in the Comments below what you did or didn’t do that you learned from. Like our show? Subscribe to Attack Life, Not Others on Apple Podcasts. We’d appreciate if you’d leave a Rating and Review.