After about 2 months of working out, training, and happily sweating off about 25 lbs, I finally tested last Saturday and earned my second degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Of course, one of the best aspects of that was the fact that my six-year old son was there to watch it. He seemed more interested in his iPad for the most part, but took notice sometimes when Daddy got up for sparring, grappling, and board breaking. What dad doesn't like to succeed in front of his child?
For the most part, I've done no writing or editing work on my own projects during this time, but I'm hoping to change that some now. In some ways, I think this break is good for me as a writer. I'm in the best shape I've been in for a few years, I have a renewed sense of self-confidence because of what I have just achieved, and now I can come back and look at my projects with a fresher perspective.
I know some people who seem so dedicated to their writing that there's no room for anything else. I don't think that's good for anyone. Too much focus on one thing will lead to burnout and frustration that much faster. Don't be impatient. Sometimes it will help writing to walk away from it and do something else. Some science fiction writers are former military. I've seen how some writers are also artists or have other hobbies.
Another consideration is that I believe that my martial arts training helps my credibility as a writer. I remember in writing workshops hearing people say, "Write what you know." Incorporating outside interests into writing helps the credibility of a story, and makes associated research easier/more pleasurable (less like "work"). Also, think of your favorite writers. When reading the bio on the backs of the books, how often do you see that they've had military service, or other activities where their expertise shows clearly in their writing? As a reader, does that make you more interested in the author than if the book bio simply listed a college and no "life experiences?"
Personally, I like reading good books written by interesting people. I'd be very proud to include things in an author bio as: former member of the United States Army. 2nd Degree Tae Kwon Do Black Belt (maybe 3rd by the time I actually publish). Of course, my most important credential is, and always will be, Daddy.
Get out, take on the world and
Write On.
Showing posts with label Tae Kwon Do. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tae Kwon Do. Show all posts
Monday, March 14, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Good Quote For Writing and Life
This Saturday, I'm finally taking my second degree black belt test. At my school, ETO, one requirement is to write an essay. Since I'm testing for second degree, my topic was how a black belt turns to back into a white belt. A friend of mine gave me a good quote from author Louis L'Amour that fit this perfectly:
"There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning."
Obviously this relates easily to writing and editing and how often do we, as writers, hear that? I've heard other versions, like "When you think you're done editing, you're half way there." It really is similar in concept to martial arts. Getting my first black belt was great, but I knew I still had so much I could learn. And more importantly, I wanted to learn more. Writers have to carry that same hunger. Once the story is written, you must WANT to go back through it over and over and over again to make the manuscript sparkle like the brightest diamond. Then, take a step back, rest and start again.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
I Thought Those Holes In My Belt Were Just Decorative (Off-Topic: Training Mode)
Since I was first pre-tested for my second degree black belt, I've lost about 10-12 pounds, my SUV spare tire has been replaced by one for a subcompact, and my man-boobs have shrunk from about a C cup to about an A. The test hasn't been formally scheduled, but I could have another 3 or more weeks to prepare.
Since I'm in "training mode" I am attending more classes, but when the test is over, I'll go back to my normal 2 - 3 classes per week (rest of the weeks is family time). So how do I maintain when my training routine goes down? Early losses are typically fastest and taking more classes helps definitely, but some things that have helped included some changes in eating and more cardio work.
Late night snacks/eating after my Tae Kwon Do class are a tough habit to break. I'm hoping I'll be able to continue avoiding them after the test.
It also seems to help that I changed my lunch habits at work. I use to bring nothing but stuff you'd find on a fruit/veggie platter (grapes, baby carrots, apples, bananas...). Unfortunately I never really felt full, so I'd turn to snacks. Now I take a bit more. My new favorite at lunch is grilled chicken caesar salads or grilled chicken caesar wraps. Much more satisfying, so I don't want to snack as much.
Hopefully, by the time I post again, I'll be locked in below 200 pounds.
Since I'm in "training mode" I am attending more classes, but when the test is over, I'll go back to my normal 2 - 3 classes per week (rest of the weeks is family time). So how do I maintain when my training routine goes down? Early losses are typically fastest and taking more classes helps definitely, but some things that have helped included some changes in eating and more cardio work.
Late night snacks/eating after my Tae Kwon Do class are a tough habit to break. I'm hoping I'll be able to continue avoiding them after the test.
It also seems to help that I changed my lunch habits at work. I use to bring nothing but stuff you'd find on a fruit/veggie platter (grapes, baby carrots, apples, bananas...). Unfortunately I never really felt full, so I'd turn to snacks. Now I take a bit more. My new favorite at lunch is grilled chicken caesar salads or grilled chicken caesar wraps. Much more satisfying, so I don't want to snack as much.
Hopefully, by the time I post again, I'll be locked in below 200 pounds.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Acceptable SyFy
I don't know if someone at SyFy was listening to me or not. Probably not, but I noticed this morning that SyFy is airing Merlin Marathon. Personally, that series hasn't exactly drawn me in. No surprise, I'm not big on the series, but it is at least part of the genre that built up SyFy. While the marathon will be unfortunately interrupted by WWE wrestling, immediately following that action-based sitcom will air the season premier of Merlin.
Sunday, I just found out, is TrekDay on SyFy. If they air some of the good stuff, I'll forgive them for showing Star Trek: Nemesis.
After I made my first post about SyFy vs. History Channel, I was contacted by an old friend who said that BBC also has some good stuff. SyFy is apparently checking them out also - January 17, SyFy airs Being Human. Based on a critically acclaimed BBC series, SyFy places three 20-something roommates - a ghost, vampire and werewolf - trying to keep their secrets and help each other. Sounds a little like an urban fantasy Melrose Place (the original one). I'm willing to give it a chance. I love the werewolf's line in the advertisements - "We'll have full moon parties. We'll invite the neighbors over and eat them." Funny, but I don't know if the ghost eats.
And for the retro and Bruce Lee fans, I saw a commercial that SyFy will air a Green Hornet Marathon Tuesday, January 11. That's right, the original Green Hornet and Kato will be back. It will be fun to see Kato kick some @ss.
It's nice timing. Seeing some of the greats is inspirational as I kick my own Tae Kwon Do training into a higher gear as I practice routines for my next black belt test. I've lost about 3 pounds and I tried to make my sparring in regular class more intense.
Sunday, I just found out, is TrekDay on SyFy. If they air some of the good stuff, I'll forgive them for showing Star Trek: Nemesis.
After I made my first post about SyFy vs. History Channel, I was contacted by an old friend who said that BBC also has some good stuff. SyFy is apparently checking them out also - January 17, SyFy airs Being Human. Based on a critically acclaimed BBC series, SyFy places three 20-something roommates - a ghost, vampire and werewolf - trying to keep their secrets and help each other. Sounds a little like an urban fantasy Melrose Place (the original one). I'm willing to give it a chance. I love the werewolf's line in the advertisements - "We'll have full moon parties. We'll invite the neighbors over and eat them." Funny, but I don't know if the ghost eats.
And for the retro and Bruce Lee fans, I saw a commercial that SyFy will air a Green Hornet Marathon Tuesday, January 11. That's right, the original Green Hornet and Kato will be back. It will be fun to see Kato kick some @ss.
It's nice timing. Seeing some of the greats is inspirational as I kick my own Tae Kwon Do training into a higher gear as I practice routines for my next black belt test. I've lost about 3 pounds and I tried to make my sparring in regular class more intense.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Training Day 1
Looks like I have another New Year Goal and something new to blog about. At my Tae Kwon Do class (can't believe the newsletter tab still has a picture from my black belt test - I'm the bald guy on the left side) last night, I went through some pre-testing drills with another black belt and some advanced red belts. So it looks like I'm going to be testing for my second degree black belt some time in February and that means that I've got to go into training mode!
Just for fun, and to keep me accountable, I'm going to include blog entries dedicated to training for this test. My first degree test was the most grueling thing I've ever gone through and this will be even tougher. The toughest parts were the three sparring sessions. Each spaced out between testing on techniques, and forms/katas. The first was just regular sparring. Nice warm-up.
The next was round-robin sparring. A group of helpers (mostly black belts) lined up and sparred me one at a time for about 30 seconds. Every 30 seconds I'd face a fresh opponent. I ended up sparring each person twice. Those taking their second degree test sparred their opponents three times. Definitely lots of cardio.
The last sparring session was multiples. I faced off against two black belts whose combined age was probably still less than mine (a 3rd and a 4th degree). Next time, I'll have to face three.
Other things are similar. Everybody works techniques and forms starting with white belt and working their way up. All black belts have to know the weapons forms. The simple one is with an escrima stick, but the more complicated (my favorite) is the bo form.
I need to take some time to polish my forms, and weapon techniques, but the most important thing to do is work on my cardio. This morning, I spent about 25 minutes warming up with a medicine ball workout and then going to the clubhouse gym for about 40 minutes on an elliptical. Since I'm working from home, I might practice some forms at lunch.
If you think it's out of place to talk about training for a martial arts test on a writer blog, don't worry. This is one of those things that I like to think goes to credible writing. Hopefully, if people see that on my book bio sections, they'll appreciate my fighting scenes that much more. Also, I have to write an essay - test of wisdom basically before the test.
So, be healthy, enjoy the new year and
Write On.
Just for fun, and to keep me accountable, I'm going to include blog entries dedicated to training for this test. My first degree test was the most grueling thing I've ever gone through and this will be even tougher. The toughest parts were the three sparring sessions. Each spaced out between testing on techniques, and forms/katas. The first was just regular sparring. Nice warm-up.
The next was round-robin sparring. A group of helpers (mostly black belts) lined up and sparred me one at a time for about 30 seconds. Every 30 seconds I'd face a fresh opponent. I ended up sparring each person twice. Those taking their second degree test sparred their opponents three times. Definitely lots of cardio.
The last sparring session was multiples. I faced off against two black belts whose combined age was probably still less than mine (a 3rd and a 4th degree). Next time, I'll have to face three.
Other things are similar. Everybody works techniques and forms starting with white belt and working their way up. All black belts have to know the weapons forms. The simple one is with an escrima stick, but the more complicated (my favorite) is the bo form.
I need to take some time to polish my forms, and weapon techniques, but the most important thing to do is work on my cardio. This morning, I spent about 25 minutes warming up with a medicine ball workout and then going to the clubhouse gym for about 40 minutes on an elliptical. Since I'm working from home, I might practice some forms at lunch.
If you think it's out of place to talk about training for a martial arts test on a writer blog, don't worry. This is one of those things that I like to think goes to credible writing. Hopefully, if people see that on my book bio sections, they'll appreciate my fighting scenes that much more. Also, I have to write an essay - test of wisdom basically before the test.
So, be healthy, enjoy the new year and
Write On.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Training With Martial Arts Weapons
I just got back from my Tae Kwon Do class and it was the most fun I've had in some time. I can sum it up in two words. WEAPONS CLASS!
In my Tae Kwon Do class, we use two main weapons up to Black Belt. First is the escrima stick. It's basically just that, a stick. Easy to hold and strike with. The other is the bo or staff (depending on what you want to call it. The bo is typically about as tall as the user. I'm about 6' and I have a 5'6" bo and a 6' bo. I like the slightly shorter one.
Many of the teen/adult students are also part of the school's demo team. They had a demo scheduled, so the class was a little smaller than usual. But that was a good thing because we got in MORE practice with weapons, including an opportunity to spar with weapons.
Like practicing in any other aspect of martial arts, sparring with weapons is very different than practicing the fundamental techniques. The three people I sparred with escrima and bo focussed too much on "textbook" techniques and didn't consider a comprehensive strategy. Their strikes became pretty predictable as a result. For example, rather than trying to strike with my weapon, I simply used it to push my opponent's weapon hand aside and then hit with a regular punch or kick. I did a little of the same with the bo, trying to shove the other bo aside to create an opening so I could strike.
What does all of this have to do with writing though? More than you might think. For one thing, if you have your character go through weapon training, particular close-in combat, don't make the transition too easy. Have them acknowledge the difference between form and fighting. For other weapons, make sure they notice the difference between training in a controlled environment and actual combat.
I'd also say that modern science fiction readers are much pickier about details with technology and combat. Readers aren't as willing to simply accept techonologies that blatantly ignore the laws of physics. Same with weapons and combat. Writers need to include some credibility in their tech and fighting. Researching some technical theories is much easier today thanks to the Internet, but fighting tactics aren't quite as easy. I suggest that if you don't have training that you should let somebody more knowledgable read your fight scenes for credibility. I've critiqued some scenes in critique groups that bent body parts on completly unbelievable angles before moving to the next move.
Another idea is to just try to act out the combat scene. Anything to visualize what you do and then write it down.
Time for me to hit the showers and...
Write On.
In my Tae Kwon Do class, we use two main weapons up to Black Belt. First is the escrima stick. It's basically just that, a stick. Easy to hold and strike with. The other is the bo or staff (depending on what you want to call it. The bo is typically about as tall as the user. I'm about 6' and I have a 5'6" bo and a 6' bo. I like the slightly shorter one.
Many of the teen/adult students are also part of the school's demo team. They had a demo scheduled, so the class was a little smaller than usual. But that was a good thing because we got in MORE practice with weapons, including an opportunity to spar with weapons.
Like practicing in any other aspect of martial arts, sparring with weapons is very different than practicing the fundamental techniques. The three people I sparred with escrima and bo focussed too much on "textbook" techniques and didn't consider a comprehensive strategy. Their strikes became pretty predictable as a result. For example, rather than trying to strike with my weapon, I simply used it to push my opponent's weapon hand aside and then hit with a regular punch or kick. I did a little of the same with the bo, trying to shove the other bo aside to create an opening so I could strike.
What does all of this have to do with writing though? More than you might think. For one thing, if you have your character go through weapon training, particular close-in combat, don't make the transition too easy. Have them acknowledge the difference between form and fighting. For other weapons, make sure they notice the difference between training in a controlled environment and actual combat.
I'd also say that modern science fiction readers are much pickier about details with technology and combat. Readers aren't as willing to simply accept techonologies that blatantly ignore the laws of physics. Same with weapons and combat. Writers need to include some credibility in their tech and fighting. Researching some technical theories is much easier today thanks to the Internet, but fighting tactics aren't quite as easy. I suggest that if you don't have training that you should let somebody more knowledgable read your fight scenes for credibility. I've critiqued some scenes in critique groups that bent body parts on completly unbelievable angles before moving to the next move.
Another idea is to just try to act out the combat scene. Anything to visualize what you do and then write it down.
Time for me to hit the showers and...
Write On.
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