Ep 063 - Rituals and Traditions

We talk about customs, rituals, and traditions. Every society, every culture, every religion, and every nation has them. Many of us have our individual rituals. The martial arts run deep with rituals. Most rituals — if performed regularly and properly — improve our lives, keeping us on track. However, too much of a good thing sometimes can be bad, especially if the ritual isn’t relevant any longer.

• Challenge and question rituals to see if they make sense

• The key to a good ritual is awareness of how it's affecting you and those around you

• Be aware of your absolutes and priorities — keeping in mind where these rituals rank

What rituals do you have? Are there any that you’ve allowed to get out of hand?

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Ep 062 - He puts the "C" in Consistency

Clarence Cook is a well-known personal trainer in Allentown, PA. Anyone that knows him knows he is a stand-up guy — the perfect example of what our podcast is about. He attacks life, not others. He consistently trains and maintains things that are meaningful to him. Faith, family, and friends are of paramount importance in his life.

“C” has been taking care of himself in order to help others around him consistently for many decades. And just like Tim and Steve spoke about last week — not surprisingly, C is also thankful for what he has been given from family members no longer here. You’ll benefit by hearing what he has to say:

After 33 years of being the Fitness Director at the Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley, Clarence currently offers private personal fitness training. For those interested in his services you may get in touch through his Facebook page.

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Ep 061 - Rank Up, Refine Yourself

“They may forget what you said — but they will never forget how you made them feel.” — Carl W Buehner

In this touching episode, Tim and Steve talk about people in their lives that have had long-term influences on them. Those that have a person (or people) like that are fortunate. We should strive to refine ourselves regularly to honor them.

• Like some batteries, sometimes we need to be depleted in order to recharge or refine

• You can’t be ordinary and do the extraordinary

In the martial arts we have “rank-ups” — when students work towards the next belt level. Sensei Hoover explains that can be interchanged with the term “refine up.” However, unlike ranking up that occurs every couple years, we should strive to refine up daily.

Who in your life has inspired you? Is there someone from your past or present that you strive to be like? Leave a comment and let us know.

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Ep 060 - Firearms and Gun Safety

Our guest, Gary Shankweiler is a martial artist and an NRA Certified Instructor with over 50 years of experience with firearms. Keeping politics out of it — whether or not you are a proponent of more gun control laws, the fact is the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution reads: "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." That being the case, if you’re purchasing a gun you MUST take it seriously. Our talk includes the following and more:

• What to do before you purchase a pistol for self-defense

• Some factors you should consider before choosing a firearm

• How to safely and responsibly handle and store firearms in your home

For those living in and around the Lehigh Valley area, Gary offers an Introduction to Firearms course as part of HKA’s Streetwise Self-Defense Seminars.

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Ep 059 - The Way of The Warrior

It was on this date — March 21st — one year ago that we launched Attack Life, Not Others. By now you know there are several principles that much of what we talk about is based on. One of those fundamentals is the way of the peaceful warrior. There are many things outside our control. Often all we can control is not letting anyone steal our peace. On this episode we talk about that and more, including:

• What is the martial arts mindset?

• Why is it important for everyone to have?

• How can we get better at “fighting the fight?”

• As a warrior you become strong for yourself, for your family, and for others

• We should strive to be constantly aware — not to be paranoid, but to be aware

• With better awareness we have more time and space to effectively handle situations

After listening to Tim’s story of purchasing the DVD at Best Buy, do you have a similar story where you kicked yourself because you wish you handled something with a better response?

It’s our one-year anniversary of launching ALNO! Thank you to all that have supported the podcast by listening and sharing it with your friends. Please SUBSCRIBE if you haven’t already on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or iHeartRadio!

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Ep 058 - Dancing With The Lehigh Valley Stars

Last week we talked about Steve jumping on (or shall we say ”dancing with”) the opportunity to help a good cause and grow outside his comfort zone. Getting outside your comfort zone is a fundamental principle we reference often because it’s crucial in becoming a stronger person.

On today’s episode we are joined by Shelley Brown, President & CEO of the State Theatre in Easton, PA. Next month — Thursday, April 18th — Steve Mittman will be competing at the State Theatre in Dancing With The Lehigh Valley Stars. What does this have to do with the martial arts and becoming a better, stronger person you ask?

There are, in fact, many things that are related. We talk about the connections between DWTLVS and our show, ALNO. Some of the topics included are:

• Why The FREDDY© Awards (which DWTLVS helps to support) are a perfect example of helping young students find their purpose and also find their passion

• How cha-cha dancing changed Bruce Lee’s life and helped him become the icon we know

• How Steve is choosing to replace fear with courage

It’s a great conversation filled with some neat information and thought-provoking insight. Listen to all the ways DWTLVS is tied in to our podcast right here:

If you live anywhere in the Greater Philadelphia area please consider coming to Dancing With The Lehigh Valley Stars on Thursday, April 18th to support The State Theatre and also Steve. It is NOT televised. YOU (the audience) will help pick the winner with your vote at the show!

If you know someone who would enjoy this episode — or might like to attend DWTLVS on April 18th will you please share it with them?!

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Ep 057 - Yin Yang: Courage and Fear, Expanding and Rooting

Tim and Steve talk about the yin yang principle — the duality of opposing forces — and how all things exist as inseparable, yet contradictory opposites. By recognizing, being aware, and capitalizing on this universal truth — one will be better off. Topics discussed include:

• You can't find courage unless you have a certain amount of fear

• Steve is choosing to get outside his comfort zone in a few weeks (details here)

• There's a time and place for everything in the right amount — a cadence or rhythm

Next week Shelley Brown from the State Theatre in Easton joins us and we’ll talk more about the special event coming up in April — and how it’s tied in to our podcast in many ways.

Are there opposites in your life where when you keep them in balance you are at your best?

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