Ep 040 - No Matter How Diverse, We All Breathe the Same Air

This episode is especially for anyone in a leadership position — teachers, coaches, managers, etc. It's a great reminder that by helping others — YOU will be more fulfilled. Conversely, by taking care of yourself — THOSE AROUND YOU will be more fulfilled. Again, the duality of yin and yang is present.

Raul and Julie, husband and wife, are two martial arts students from HKA. They join Sensei Hoover and Steve Mittman to talk about the opportunities teachers have to change lives. Julie has been a teacher for many years and has used her position to positively affect countless students — in numerous and various ways. She's able to do these things — major to minor — because she comes from a source of mental, physical, and spiritual strength. She has this strength because she does what it takes to nurture it. Because she is "in a good place," she has "it" to give to others. She takes her role as an educator very seriously, as all teachers should. Listen and you'll see for yourself. You'll also hear about:

  • How we breathe and bleed the same

  • Why we bow in class and to each other

  • How neither culture nor religion separate us

  • Why we wear the same uniform, and sometimes no belts

  • How our martial arts dojo is a microcosm of the larger world

  • Why Julie prefers the word “acceptance” over the word “tolerance”

  • The principle we all abide by is to work hard and strive to be the best we can be

  • Our own unique stories and backgrounds, yet how we are ultimately all the same

 

Our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children's future. And we are all mortal. — John F Kennedy

 

What have you done to get to know someone and genuinely show your interest? How did they react? Comment below — or reach out and let us know privately with the Form on the right.

Please leave a Rating and Review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes a minute! The more ratings, the more people will find the show, and we can continue sending our message of unity across this diverse world. Android users — listen, subscribe, and leave a rating on Google Podcasts.

Ep 039 - No Need To Act Tough, Find Your Comfort

We all need something that comforts us. If you don’t have someone, something, or some place — you MUST find one. Having a source of comfort allows one to handle uncomfortable moments. Just like the song “Turn! Turn! Turn!” says, “There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn), and a time to every purpose under Heaven” — there is a time to be a “tough guy or gal” and a time to not be. Being kind, compassionate, loving, thoughtful, and considerate, does NOT make a person any less tough. In fact, embracing those traits makes us even stronger — stronger mentally, physically, and spiritually. Having a comfort zone is one of the ways you can deal with being uncomfortable.

No need to “act” tough. True strength comes from within when you own your space. A peaceful warrior is a good soul — a good person — and one who doesn’t care what others think about them.

What’s your source of comfort? You heard Sensei Hoover mention relaxing with his wife. Steve mentioned his daughter’s Hello Kitty thermos. Comment below — or reach out and let us know privately with the Form on the right.

Please leave a Rating and Review on Apple Podcasts. It’ll only take a minute! The more ratings, the more people will find the show, and hopefully we’ll be able to help the world get more comfortable. Android users — listen, subscribe, and leave a rating on Google Podcasts.

Ep 038 - 3 Ways To Make The World A Better Place

It’s Sensei Hoover’s birthday — and being the kind of guy he is, his idea of celebrating is working on becoming a better person and helping others do the same. He and Steve Mittman are joined once again by Frank Grigoli. They all share thoughts on ways we can fix some of the problems in the world today. Hear the following and more:

  • The paraphrased version of a statement Mother Teresa made — “I was once asked why I don't participate in anti-war demonstrations. I said that I will never do that, but as soon as you have a pro-peace rally, I'll be there.”

  • Being selfish is a good thing; No matter what you’re talking about — money, love, compassion, respect, or ANYTHING else — one needs to be selfish and acquire it for themselves in order to give it to others; You can’t give what you don’t have

  • A little cold water on your face can set the tone for your entire day

  • Perseverance is a guard against helplessness and self-pity

  • A dark room can be lit with just one match

What’s your answer as far as making the world a better place? What kind of things are you currently doing to improve the world? Do you have a routine or method to “Attack Life”? Comment below — or reach out and let us know privately with the Form on the right.

As a gift for Sensei Hoover’s birthday, please leave a Rating and Review on Apple Podcasts. It’ll only take a minute! The more ratings, the more people will find the show, and hopefully we’ll be able to spread more good energy around the world. Android users — you can listen, subscribe, and leave a rating on Google Podcasts.

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.

Like what you hear? Rate and review by going to Apple Podcasts. You can also listen or subscribe from any Android device on the new Google Podcasts free app.

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.