When is the last time you took a moment to objectively listen to and evaluate that ever-present voice in your head?

We all have it. For some of us, it is louder and more obnoxious than for others. Sometimes the voice helps us make difficult decisions, but in general, it tends to be rather negative, cynical, and often cruelly chastising.

It’s called self talk, and for some reason the great majority of people tend to beat themselves up with it, and it is perhaps a student’s greatest challenge to advancement.

I see students punishing themselves far too often for making mistakes.  There are no mistakes!  There is always a better way of doing things, and we can always strive to be better.  Reminding and encouraging ourselves to excel is far more productive that convincing ourselves of how poorly we performed.

Martial arts, or any holistically engaging activity, can be used as a powerful tool to quiet and/or control self talk, but like most skills, turning the mental chatterbox into a trained and supportive ally takes time and diligence.

Focusing on a union of mind and body creates a certain synergy leading to ease of movement and physical expression. Bruce Lee saw the power of developing spiritual and mental strength, especially after that fateful day in 1970 when he injured his back, told he would never kick again, and subsequently bedridden for six months. Lee turned to books about philosophy, psychology, spirituality and personal growth. He also reinforced his mental/spiritual/emotional training via copious writing.

Reading and watching videos or listening to audios are also powerful ways to control mental chatter and retrain our self talk, just be certain that the material is engaging and positive. Follow up by practicing what you have learned, writing about it, and using positive language during self talk.

One thing that all martial artists and aspiring martial artists should remember is that the non-physical aspect of training is far more powerful than the physical. As Bruce Lee said, “JKD, ultimately is not a matter of petty techniques but of highly developed spirituality and physique.”

In Health,

–
Nhan-Esteban Khuong, L.Ac.
www.SGVJeetKuneDo.com

The Azusa Adult School will now be offering basic Jeet Kune Do and bodyweight based strength and conditioning this coming Fall.

I will be teaching a two hour class Thursday evenings entitled “Urban Self Defense & Functional Fitness.”

At a tuition of $80 for two months of training, this is a steal!  Keep in mind, however, that due to liability issues, contact will not be used during training.  With the exception of focus mitts, this will be a non-contact class.

For more info and registration go to: http://www.adultedreg.com/azusa/index.cfm?processtype=department&deptid=5261

San Gabriel Vally Jeet Kune Do is now hosting the Pasadena Jeet Kune Do Meetup Group Saturday Afternoons.

Our mission is simply to give as many people as possible an opportunity to learn about Bruce Lee’s martial art legacy, and of course have fun and stay healthy.

We will be meeting at the studio for now but will probably be relocating to a park once the weather cools down a bit.

For more details and to RSVP visit the official Pasadena Jeet Kune Do Meetup Group Site here: http://jeetkunedo.meetup.com/88/

Attendance is complimentary to all regularly enrolled SGV JKD students.

See you on Saturday!

–
Nhan-Esteban Khuong, L.Ac.
www.SGVJeetKuneDo.com

The dietary cholesterol and saturated fat controversy continues to rage on.

I have been asked recently, on several occasions, about the benefits and/or dangers of various foods relating to fat and cholesterol content.  If you haven’t read my Jeet Kune Do Nutrition Plan series, it might shed some light on general nutrition.

As for dietary fats and cholesterol and their relation to cardiovascular health, the main fact to consider is that trans fats are the substance we should be avoiding.

I understand that generations of brainwashing have lead to a fear of saturated fats and cholesterol that have been blown way out of proportion.  Both these substances, except for saturated fats produced via artificial hydrogenation, are actually ESSENTIAL to good health and also provide necessary protective factors.

Here is a concept that will really "bake your noodle" (as The Oracle said to Neo in "The Matrix"), cholesterol is a natural free radical fighting powerhouse that has been shown to be a marker for longevity.

(Uncomfortable silence . . . . )

Yep, I get a lot of blank stares when I tell people this.

I’ll write some more on this topic later with some specific examples.  In the meantime, think twice before considering any "low fat" or "no cholesterol" hype.

In Health,

–
Nhan-Esteban Khuong, L.Ac.
www.SGVJeetKuneDo.com

The Wednesday Night Group in Redlands has been producing short videos for World of Martial Arts TV. Here is a short clip demonstrating an "aggressive defense". I appear in the background holding Muay Thai pads and focus mitts.

Enjoy!

Watch Garage Training - Pad Drills on World of Martial Arts

–
Nhan-Esteban Khuong, L.Ac.
www.SGVJeetKuneDo.com

After a jam packed weekend, the MMA Expo in Long Beach finally wrapped up.

It is good to see that martial arts is such a strong industry.  In fact, it appears that we are in revival or "renaissance" that has not been seen since the 1960’s and 1970’s with Bruce Lee and all the Karate superstars like Chuck Norris, Mike Stone, Joe Lewis, Benny "The Jet" Urquidez, and others.

The creativity among many of the exhibitors was tremendous, ranging from apparel, training equipment, supplements, fitness gear, training, and more.

All in all, the experience was good, although I am a bit disappointed with dominant images associated with the MMA industry.  Apparel companies like Affliction, Thug Fight wear, and many others could really use a makeover to help produce a more positive image, but I suppose sex and violence sell.  On other hand, companies like the guys at Chess Game fight gear are focusing more on the art and skill of MMA.

Of course, MMA superstars like Tito Ortiz, BJ Penn, Joe Stevenson, and Urijah Faber, always draw in a rush of fans for autographs.

I’ll be looking forward to the next event.

–
Nhan-Esteban Khuong, L.Ac.
www.SGVJeetKuneDo.com