Wednesday, December 28, 2011

My friend Beverly is getting her MBA in Digital Media, which I frankly did not even know existed as a degree, but she has become a window through which I view a whole world outside my own.  


See here her blog entry detailing how she taught me to join the current century. 


If there's one thing I've learned in this job it's that people have talents and skills that make life brighter and better and that they're almost always happy to share them with you.  This girl is going to do big things one day, mark my words (you heard it here first!).

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Get 'Em While They're Young


My gift to you: a video of a 4 year old and a 10 year old smacking me.  


These brothers are learning to practice defense against headlock from the side, a common schoolyard hold.  Once you tell a little kid they can hit you as hard as want and they won't get in trouble they'll take that ball and run with it.

The belly strike they're giving me is meant to be a groin strike, which we usually train striking the top of the thigh if your partner is not wearing a cup.  Since my legs were black and blue from training arm pulls with them last week, we moved the hits up to my stomach.  Once the technique is learned I'll put a cup on and let them make the groin strike. 


The video wouldn't load to the blog, so click this link to view it on my Facebook page. Enjoy.


Click here!

Monday, December 19, 2011

Guess What?



I was awarded Instructor of the Year at Fit and Fearless last night at the staff Christmas Party!  Yay!  Thanks, y'all!

Thursday, December 15, 2011

New interview

A couple of years ago a cop friend of mine told me something that's been clanging around in my head ever since.  She said, "The police are not responsible for your safety.  YOU are responsible for your safety.  The police are just there to clean up the mess."  


That made a huge impression on me and has seriously influenced my philosophy when I teach.   Since most of us don't walk around with a cop at our sides, we need to be proactive about our own safety.  


Sometimes people we live with are the ones that pose a danger to us, and that can leave us feeling totally vulnerable and alone.   Yesterday I posted an interview I did with Lisa Lucas, formerly of the Domestic Violence Unit at the Travis County Sheriff's Department (she is now a patrol deputy).  


There's a lot of good information in there about what to do if you find yourself in danger at the hands of a loved one.  Even if you are not in that situation and don't expect to be (of course, who does expect to be?) it's still worth a listen.  The information you learn may help change the life of someone you know.  


Check it out here, and thanks to Officer Lucas for taking the time to help us out.