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News Updates

Martial Artist from Spain

December 27, 2015 by Clara E Minor Leave a Comment

Martial Mrtist From Spain - Jose Maria GomezMartial Artist, Jose Maria Gomez, is Grateful~

Good Day! I received the following from a Black Belt Martial Artist from Spain. This man is one of my Black Belt students and made great effort to be here this Summer. After his trip to our Studio this past August, he felt compelled to write the following:

“!Hi!,

My name is José María Gómez but everyone calls me Chema.

After reading Clara’s words about my visit I was so overwhelmed and moved I had to let you know by writing this letter.

Clara, I want to express my gratitude for the trust you placed in me as your student and for letting me be a part of your awesome Minorsan family. It has been a great privilege and honour. An amazing experience.

Clara is an exceptional human being people want to be around. She is the kind that brings positive energy wherever she goes. I see her as the epitome of Martial Arts Master. She spreads the knowledge, wisdom, insight and experience. Also the right values and ethics that she carries within herself. Clara’s Martial Arts Programme is unique, a real gift. The ones that embrace it would be able to transform their lives for the better. It carries you beyond the self-defense technique, making students feel more confident, fulfilled and content.

During my  visit I had the honour of witnessing Maria Buenafe’s Black Belt Test. She is a real warrior and a brilliant martial artist. I was so impressed with her performance and technique and also by her spiritual and mental strength, dedication, integrity and courage. Congratulations once again, Marcia!

I really enjoyed meeting new people and interacting with all the students made me so happy. I want to thank all the Black Belts, Ron, Brent and Marcia for their help in my trainings. Also thanks to Bobby, Analicia and everyone there, I really appreciate it. I learnt a lot from you all and I hope this will continue.

Clara I was so sorry to hear about your accident. I wish you a smooth recovery and hopefully kicking-butt soonest!

God Bless you all.

Chema’s humbleness exemplifies the best in Martial Arts attitude. His respect is unparalleled and he is a great example of a true martial artist. Thank you Chema.

Sincerely,

Clara E Minor

Master Trainer/Instructor

MINORSAN Self-Defense & Fitness

Filed Under: Fitness & Health, Martial Arts/Self-Defense, News Tagged With: adult martial arts, martial arts, martial arts classes

Tabata 2-yr Anniversary Celebration Week!

December 6, 2015 by Clara E Minor Leave a Comment

Here is all the info on our Tabata 2-yr Anniversary Celebration Week. Someone will WIN a Tabata Bootcamp at 50% off! Someone will WIN a #badasscourage tank. It could be you. You’ll also have the three opportunities in one week to check out these 30-minute workouts for FREE. We’ll answer all your questions, and you can also pre-purchase a Bootcamp for use in 2016, at 2015 prices before they expire on December 31, 2015. Remember these workouts are progressive, so they are doable for almost everyone. Refreshments will be served, as well as providing free Holiday goodie recipes.

tabata_celebration.12.15'For your specific questions, call us at 831-458-0900, or contact us here.

Sincerely,

Clara & The Crew

of Team MINORSAN

 

Filed Under: Fitness & Health, Martial Arts/Self-Defense, News, Uncategorized Tagged With: bootcamp, courage, fight for life, fitness classes, life success, Santa Cruz California, self -esteem, self worth, self-confidence, success, Tabata, Tabata Bootcamp, weight loss

Adventures of a Broken Arm

November 25, 2015 by Clara E Minor Leave a Comment

On the town on a Friday night networking, partying, dancing, eating great food (served by our very own Hedy Nochimson of Plate & Bottle), and generally having a great time at the Little Black Dress event, a fundraiser put on by Monica Karst of the Santa Cruz Socialites. Awesome event with great friends and colleagues.

little-black-dress

Little Black Dress Antics…with Monica Karst (Santa Cruz Socialites), Leta Jusilla and Michelle Bean (both of Optimal Health and Fitness).

I left a bit early (it ended at 10:00, and I left by 9:20 pm), as I had to teach classes in the morning starting at 8:00 am. As is my usual pace (fast, and it’s great for repelling the bad guys), I walked down the driveway, and was just ready to turn left (my intuition told me to get out my small flashlight, however, my head thought it knew better and told me “Nawww, there are lots of street lights. Don’t need the flashlight,” feeling a bit like Smeagle. Not 10 seconds later, my left boot caught the embankment as I was turning, and sent my body sailing across the sidewalk and into the tire of a parked SUV. Both arms were thrown back. I did not have time to break and roll. My right arm hit the tire, and my knees acted somewhat as breaks on the concrete, as I propelled forward. In that moment I felt the right arm protruded wayyyy back, and there was a slight numbing sensation. I knew I had effed up. My brain labored that I would need surgery, and months, maybe years, of therapy. And have pain forever…I just knew it.

Got onto my hands, untouched in this fiasco, and stood up with a bit of knee pain, but still able to walk. I slowly pulled on my arm forward, and of course it was in tremendous pain, not unlike childbirth. It was bent at the elbow by design from the incident. Grabbed my purse (btw, forgot my camera somewhere there on the concrete…so if anybody turned in a Nikon, let me know…lol…yes, it got thrown too), and I walked a few hundred feet. I had to sit down. Got back up, walked a bit more, then realized I was not going to be able to drive (yeah, I was still focused on getting to my car).

Got on my phone and called a couple people who were still at the event. Of course they did not hear their phones, as they were still dancing to great music by DJ Sparkle who played the most fantastic music! (That part of the event was the most fun!) I called a couple more people, and Marica Buenafe came to my rescue. She was at Dominican ER with me until 3:15 am!!! She has more info on the comings and goings in Emergency that night…lol.

myboot

The tear my boot took…

Even though I was in pain (after 2 meds, a single shot to the (other) arm, then a double shot to same arm), I was able to quickly fall asleep, as I was by now, exhausted. My arm had a clean break (Great testimonial for the effects of BodyPump training!).

myknees2

Ready to get wheeled out of ER…with a barf bag…

So here I sit, on the mend, ‘eating crow’ because I did not listen to my own intuition, and I teach this! I teach it in my martial arts classes, my self-defense classes, and I even throw it into fitness workouts! Lesson two: slow down fool…

clara's-martial-arts-arm

This is a few days after…

I’m sure I’ll see lessons 3, and 4, and 5…who know how much will come out of this. So far, I am enjoying the fact that I have an awesome staff! My Crew of 19 are fabulous, capable, reliable, fantastic, totally awesome, and so #badass! They get the job done, thank you verr much! Kudos to Marcia Buenafe and Robin Ludington for their exceptional help, and to Analicia Cube, Cassandra Coraggio, Brent Rohrs, and ALL my subs and help: Sophie Calhoun, Connie Kreemer, Anika Wong (for stepping in to teach BodyPump while on vacation here!), Melissa Finsthwait, Samira Hartje, Dixie Mills, Denice Kowalski, and Bernadette Franzel. And thanks to everyone on my entire Crew: Kira Durant, Amanda Clark, Carolyn Wormhoudt, Jenna Giuliani, Jillian Chesley, Katie Landau, Alma Arquiza, and Lorna Russo. They keep the studio humming!

And btw, that night at Little Black Dress made it totally worth it!

Much Love,

Clara E Minor

Cultivating #badasscourage, and encouraging you to #fight4YOURlife!

 

 

 

Filed Under: Fitness & Health, Martial Arts/Self-Defense, News Tagged With: adult martial arts, courage, fight for life, fighting, fitness classes, kickboxing, life success, martial arts, martial arts classes, Santa Cruz California, self -esteem, self worth, self-confidence, self-defense, success

Update on Upcoming Events

November 24, 2015 by Clara E Minor Leave a Comment

In March, 2016, as part of our self-care series, we are hosting Damsel in Defense, a woman-owned Scotts Valley business, for a Special Event, open to the public. You will get to hear all about the various goodies pictured here (and more). These are non-lethal safety implements available in various colors and sizes (yes, they have pink, black and gray). You don’t need to be a martial artist to use these!
woman w:taser
This will be quite the interactive event. Yes, you’ll get to try out all the goodies. You’ll get an intro to self-defense too! And we’ll serve refreshments throughout. These make great gifts for your friends, and for you. Great colors too. Now you can be safe in style! (OK…just kidding, but you know what I mean). You will feel good carrying these. There is even digital protection and emergency kits. Members will get your Perkville special event points for attending.
______________________
 
On December 16, Wednesday from 6:00 to 7:00 pm, we’re holding a Special Tabata Night. ALL those who just want to do the workout, as well as those who are interested in Tabata Bootcamp, are welcome! Even if you haven’t done Tabata in months, or you did one Teaser Day, or you’ve never done it! This will be a special fun night for everyone. The workout will be from 6:00 to 6:30 pm. Refreshments and schmoozing after! For anyone hooked into Perkville, yes you’ll get special event points!
Get this on your calendar! 
tabata_celebration.12.15'______________________
 
In February, March and April, we have three Self-Care Events planned! Part 1 is scheduled for February 5, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. See Self-Care Self-Love in February! The March event will be held March 12. Check the News tab on the website for updates as we get closer. Mark these as tentative on your calendar. Once again, Perkville special event points will accumulate for you. We’ll let you know the date of our April event soon.
As always, you can contact us through the website’s Contact page, or call 831-458-0900.
Enjoy this Holiday Season!
Clara E Minor

Filed Under: Fitness & Health, Martial Arts/Self-Defense, News Tagged With: courage, fight for life, fitness classes, kickboxing, life success, martial, martial arts classes, Santa Cruz California, self -esteem, self-confidence, self-defense, success, weight loss

Minorsan Holiday 2015 Specials

November 21, 2015 by Clara E Minor Leave a Comment

One Weekend Only! Black Friday – Shop Small Saturday – Special Sunday – Cyber Monday

 

Here are the Specials: (Packages apply to Martial Arts, Fitness Classes, and Tabata). Anyone who makes a purchase from the following will be entered to WIN our cool new Camo Swirl Tanks (sizes S, M, L, XL) with our brand new hashtag #badasscourage and a box of Organogold Coffee.

martial arts & fitness specials

Check out this Illustrator file of the shirts…it looks short, but is actually longer (about 3-4 inches below waist).

camo tank

 

Call us at 831-458-0900 or get a hold of us through the Contact page.

Filed Under: Fitness & Health, Martial Arts/Self-Defense, News Tagged With: courage, fight for life, fitness classes, kickboxing, life success, martial arts, martial arts classes, Santa Cruz California, self-confidence, self-defense, success, weights

Martial Arts Can Transform Your Life

September 14, 2015 by Clara E Minor Leave a Comment

As busy as this past Summer was, I held a Black Belt Test, and promoted Marcia Buenafe to 1st Degree Black Belt in our Martial Arts Program. Her test was completely incredible. She did so well. She worked on this for 5 + years. But what is 5 years, when you and your life are completely transformed. Her emotional reactions are amazing to say the least. Her new calm is impressive. Her self-confidence has soared! It is such a treat to see how much change a person can go through when s/he is willing to get there. Her dedication, perseverance, and commitment to her larger picture are what made the difference. This cannot ever be taken away from her. She can only add to it. Huge congratulations to Marcia Buenafe, a true Martial Arts Black Belt, living life her way.

Present at her test was my student from Spain, Black Belt Jose Maria Gomez. Training here, he was able to be on the Board for her test. Needless to say, he was completely impressed. He is such a shining example of what martial arts is all about. Respect, confidence, integrity, standing your ground, and knowing how to kick-butt if he had to. He stayed with a local family in Santa Cruz, and here is a short story the hosts, Shalom & Vito Victor, tell about Jose Maria Gomez:

“Jose Maria was a guest in our home in Santa Cruz, CA. for two weeks. He was here to work with Clara Minor to further his knowledge of Martial Arts; technique, mind set, discipline and fitness.  From the beginning we witnessed his perseverance and his dedication to Clara whom he felt was the best teacher there was for him to continue his learning; although he had been an instructor in Spain for thirty years. 

He spent his entire time here going between Minorsan and our home. Jose seemed to exemplify the mental qualities of the teaching, in the responsible way he behaved in our home. After a training he would rush back to our home to put down what he learned before he was to return to the studio. He was neat and clean, and always left in time to be present for training. He ate simply, a self discipline that was impressive, so as not to be uncomfortable for class. He was and is a devoted and passionate practitioner of the Art of Self Defense. He explained that the purpose of the teaching was to learn to live the techniques that foster non-aggressive interactions with others.  If he returns to Santa Cruz for further teachings we would feel happy to host him again.”

—Shalom and Vito Victor

Some of our members had a chance to meet Chema (Jose Maria). If you did not, he will be returning. I always love meeting people whose homes are in other countries, and then getting to know them and their perspective on life, living, and happiness. They have so much to teach us and share with us, and vice versa.

I cannot overemphasize how truly transformative our Martial Arts Program has been for many individuals. There is nothing like it on the planet. Learning to kick-butt, and then using your own spiritual guidance in how/when you apply it, is a powerful skill and a true gift to give yourself. You are in control of your own life, and there is nothing better, nor more powerful, than that.

Power ON…

Clara E Minor is the Master Instructor/Trainer for MINORSAN Self-Defense & Fitness in Santa Cruz, CA. You can reach her at contact@minorsan.com

Filed Under: Martial Arts/Self-Defense, News Tagged With: adult martial arts, anti-bully, martial arts, martial arts classes, Santa Cruz California, self worth, self-confidence, self-defense

Randy Clifford—Martial Arts Perfection

August 19, 2015 by Clara E Minor Leave a Comment

‘Once in a Blue Moon’ just happened. Because this ‘blue moon’ happens every few years only (as it did a few weeks ago), when things in our lives happen that seem to come out of nowhere, were unexpected, or seem very random, and it seems like it will not happen again for a very long time, we refer to these events, as ‘once in a blue moon.’ These can be very good things or very difficult things.

High energy has been going full throttle. Things are moving fast. Lots of ways to go/be/do/think/react. I knew we would be faced with challenges at this particular time, and we certainly have been here in Santa Cruz.

Yes, these past few weeks have been brim full of challenges. Taking on a challenge, at least for me, is to jump in with both feet. Fully commit to finding the answer, moving in a different direction, adapting to what is in front of me. This is a principle I teach to my martial arts students. The ability to adapt is critical for their safety. I apply it in my own life too. A few weeks ago I was presented with a challenge that I have never taken on, ever (among everything else what was going on).

I was asked two days before an event to ‘officiate/present/lead’ this event. It was not a huge event. It was an emotional event.

I was honored to take this on. The event happened to be a memorial service for one of my long-ago martial arts students. His name is Randy “Randawg” Clifford. He left us at a young 62.

During the time he studied at my martial arts studio, I got to know him and his family. His joy for life, his joking, his laughter, his smile every time he walked in, were infectious. And I had to laugh with the perfectionism, as our birthdays are in September, and one day apart. I know this one very well (perfectionism, also referred to often as ‘anal retentive’).

He was meticulous in his martial arts movement, his appearance, every job he did with his roofing company (Clifford Roofing & Construction), teaching his sons how to properly wash a vehicle, keeping both his white cadillac and white Harley in meticulous condition, and the perfection of his signature BBQ sauce (Uncle Randawg’s BBQ Sauce, available locally in specialty shops).

These qualities certainly set him apart. His wife of 20 years, Veronica Clifford, his family, friends, and the Santa Cruz community will certainly miss Randy “Randawg” Clifford.

The following was presented at his memorial service.

____________________

Randall Leonard Clifford~

We are here today to celebrate the life and spirit of Randy “Randawg” Clifford, loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.

Born in Gardena, CA, Sept 21, 1952, to Patricia and Don Clifford, he passed away July 6, 2015.

He spent his early years in Southern California, working with his Uncle H.T., as a young roofer at age 14. He then attended Riverside High School, and from there was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he spent two years during the Viet Nam war. He continued in the Army Reserves for another four years.

After he was discharged from the Army, he returned to Riverside and opened his own business, Clifford Roofing & Construction. He taught his sons Lance Clifford and Ryan Clifford the trade, as well as Lorenzo Rios. To this day, Lorenzo Rios is still at it, roofing local homes in the Santa Cruz community.

Randy met his wife of 20 years, Veronica Clifford, on a blind date. Both had been reluctant to commit to this blind date, and the fourth attempt by their friends would change the rest of their lives. It was truly love at first site. That night he took her to Castagnola’s on the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf. There he got down on one knee, sang Elvis Presley songs to her, some blues too, and, of course, embarrassed her to no end. She loved it. And she knew she had found the true love of her life.

While at their attorney’s office taking care of some legal papers, he got down on one knee, and began to propose. The attorney excused himself, however, Veronica insisted he stay, as he was already witness to this event. Randy continued, on one knee, with his proposal, sang another Elvis Presley song, then stood up, arms uplifted and simply stated, “Ta Da!” and kissed her. She said yes. This was simply Randy’s style.

They were married on Randy’s birthday, September 21, at their beautiful home in Santa Cruz. Together, they brought five children into their marriage; Randy’s two sons, Lance and Ryan, and Veronica’s three children, Katrina, Vanessa, and Patrick. Over time they would have nine grandchildren that brought so much joy to them both.

Randy was an “adventurer.” He loved to scuba dive. He and Veronica were blessed to have visited the Bahamas, Cancun, and Cozumel; to dive in Cortez and explore shipwrecks. They went diving with sharks without the cages! (The ‘crazy adventurer’ in them both.)

He also loved motor cycle riding, and when mounted on their Harley, they looked like celebrities. He took pride in his appearance, and it did not matter if he was working, or going out to a function…he was always classy! His bike was just as classy. He kept it meticulously clean.

They also found joy in the simple things; picnics they shared in a cove near their home, bbq’s in their backyard, and simple family gatherings. They included their grandchildren when ever they could, and the picnics and grilling created incredible time for them all.

Randy was very successful with his roofing company, until he had an accident while on the job, which would change everything. The business began to suffer, as Randy had to go through many surgeries to repair his broken bones. The weeks turned into months. They had to think of something to do to remedy the situation while he healed.

Veronica and Randy were a team. Together they collaborated on a new venture: they created and marketed “Uncle Randawg’s BBQ Sauce.” Randy had a love of cooking, and he was influenced greatly by his grandmother. Early in life he began making his own BBQ sauce. He would make dishes for family and friends and they always urged him to sell it. This did not happen until he and Veronica put their heads together and decided that they would give the BBQ sauce a go. Veronica had the skills and expertise to get the product to market, including researching companies who could bottle and ship it.

They went to many events promoting the product that Randy had created. At the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim CA, they entered the BBQ sauce, and they won the 1st place trophy and 3rd place ribbon, in two different categories. In the process, they met many celebrities, including Tiger Woods’ father, as he purchased their BBQ sauce too.

When they showed at the Carlton-Ritz in Half Moon Bay, they met Jerry Rice, had a photo-op with him, and met many of the 49er cheerleaders. Everyone seemed to love their BBQ sauce.

Randy also loved to hunt and fish. In his teen years, every year he would make trips with his Uncle H.T. and his cousin Greg Perry, to either Utah or Alaska. He always took his beloved dogs, Max and Peetie, and more recently, his dog Sugar.

He loved Uncle H.T. and Aunt Marge, from whom he learned many of the values for his life. Uncle H.T. was a perfectionist in is trade and taught many in the family, including Randy, the right way to roof. The ‘trainees’ would need to stay on the ground (sometimes right in the driveway), pounding nails in boards for many hours before being allowed to get on a roof. They had to pass Uncle H.T.’s standards—then they would be ready to ‘load’ the roofs, carrying bundles of shingles up the ladders to the roof—it is the way it was done in that period of time.

Randy was a very thoughtful man and would do the little things for people that made them know they were special. Walks with Veronica along the pier, meeting up with their friends, sending gifts to Uncle H.T. and cousin Greg (and Greg’s two kids, Shelly and Tootie), and showing up in Utah “just because.” He continued his friendship with his long-time friend, Leon. With Randy it was ‘friends forever.’

Many of us here today have felt the love, generosity and compassion that Randy shared with us. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed. RIP “Randawg.”

___________________

It was truly an honor to take on this challenge for this martial arts student, Randy “Randawg” Clifford. Rest in Eternal Peace Randy.

Clara E Minor is a Martial Arts Master Trainer and and Fitness Instructor in Santa Cruz, CA. She recently celebrated her 30-year anniversary with a martial arts business in Santa Cruz. You can contact her through her website at www.minorsan.com

Filed Under: Martial Arts/Self-Defense, News Tagged With: fight for life, fighting, life success, martial arts, negotiating, Santa Cruz California, self -esteem, self-confidence, self-defense, success, worthiness

30th Anniversary Ribbon-Cutting Party – May 29!

April 18, 2015 by Clara E Minor Leave a Comment

And, it’s a Fundraiser for Sprouting Hope Project! Music, food, prizes, kids activity…

30th Anniversary Ribbon-Cutting Party

Yes, it has been 30 years since I first signed papers to own my own business in Santa Cruz. Seems like forever-ago. And, yet, it seems like just a few years ago. When I think back on all the people who have come into my life since that time, it boggles my mind (thousands of them!).

Who wouldathunk that I would be here, teaching Martial Arts and Fitness classes, still in Santa Cruz, in 2015? And here I am! More excited than ever to be doing what I do! 

As true to our Universe, there is constant change. Martial Arts evolves. When I started, there were exactly 6 (six) martial arts schools in Santa Cruz. Then it grew rapidly about 7 years later…and has remained at approximately 35 schools at any given time. Yes, this is over-saturated for the size of our community. And yet, there is something for everybody. Schools come and go. Facilities change up. And those who have truly something of value to offer, remain. My focus has changed over the years (and I’ll talk about that in another post).

For now, I want to focus on the 30th Anniversary Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony & Party! The Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce will do the honors. And my son, Rio, will be giving a speech too! (Geez, he was in the ‘oven’ when his training started…lol) We’re getting a few others to speak too.

Calling ALL past students who trained with me and who would love to support me on this special day. If you are one of them, and would love to support me, I invite you to come to this celebration. I would love to see you. Maybe you can say a few words too! If you know anyone who trained with me years ago, share this with them. Many past students have moved away, and many still remain in the area. I would love to have them come to this celebration and share with others about their training experience.

The entire party starts at 5:00 pm. Every 15 minutes there will be a prize giveaway, with the first prize being an iPad Mini! It will be given away at 6:45. More details coming about how you can score some FREE tickets!

As this is also a fundraiser, we will choose one or two local charities to give proceeds to from all the tickets sold (for prize drawing, and for food, beer, wine sales). Local vendors will be providing the libations and eats!

So, of course, true to my character, it cannot be just about me. I would not be having this celebration if it were not for the community and it’s members: you!

The members make the business. This is true of any business anywhere, anytime. Customers are the ones who make it rock!

And you all know that I have always been about community and uniting us as much as I possibly can. This event will be no different.

So, more details will come on the event page (which will show up as a tab on the website, as well as links from Facebook (so be sure to ‘Like’ our biz page on Facebook. I hope to see you there! Mark your calendars: May 29, 5:00 – 7:00 pm at MINORSAN, 1320 Mission Street, Santa Cruz.

And be sure to find street parking, as the lot will fill up fast!

Stay tuned for more details as we hone in on this party!

Clara E Minor is Master Instructor/Trainer at MINORSAN Self-Defense & Fitness. She works with people who have a hard time standing up for themselves and don’t feel very good about their bodies. She helps them feel great in their bodies, feel fantastic about their bodies, learn to kick-butt and live their lives in fearlessness. You can reach her via the website contact page.

Filed Under: Fitness & Health, Martial Arts/Self-Defense, News

Fall challenges are here

October 1, 2014 by Clara E Minor Leave a Comment

The time is here when we are the most challenged to continue with our routines of getting our bodies to move. The natural inclination is towards staying inside, and doing very little activity, as it gets darker earlier and earlier.

Keep in mind that although this is ‘natural’ for us to want to stay in as the months get cooler and and days shorter, our lifestyles do not benefit from this as much as they did in ancestral days.

What happens when you stay inside a lot (besides losing extra fresh air)? We tend to not move very much, and we end up eating more than our bodies need. We are not living in caves, scavenging for food, and warding off the enemy or wild animals. Most of us are in our cozy and warm homes, replete with climate control, a warm bed, carpeting (for many), hot showers, and a kitchen replete with food, thus, making it easier to stay put.

On top of that, we will, in the next few months, be challenged with all the ‘goodies’ that will be floating around in our work spaces. The justification for eating these foods is that they are ‘holiday’ foods. And we only get this particular holiday once per year. And everyone else is eating this stuff. And I don’t want to make anyone feel like I don’t want their special dish. And, well, I just love this stuff, and I just don’t want the kids eating all this candy, and everyone else is enjoying it, and on and on. A little is OK…a lot, maybe not so much.

Although tempting, we need to focus on what this will do over the next few months, if we are attempting to stay healthy and fit. Yes, we get out to go to work, shop, etc. However, none of that is moving our bodies with any amount of vigor or intensity. We are becoming sedentary. And a sedentary body can, so much easier, get the ‘blahs.’ A sedentary body will begin to feel less and less vibrant. You will begin to set yourself up for all the illnesses and sicknesses that can affect your body when it is not in optimal health.

How you deal with this depends on your priorities. If you have worked hard to get to where you are now, and you like where you are, why would you want to sabotage this?

How can you balance this? First of all, continue with your workout regimen. Whether you are doing the martial arts or a fitness routine, continue, even through all the things that can pull you away. Make ‘you’ a priority. Other things can wait until you are finished with your workout. Set your own boundaries before you make plans with others, or go to an event. Let your family and friends know that your workouts are really necessary for your own sanity and health. Ask them to support you in this by avoiding all the guilt-tripping they can throw on you.

Choose wisely what you eat. You can still enjoy holiday foods, however, you don’t need two or three of one particular food. One small serving will still allow you to ‘taste’ the food, socialize, and give praise to the cook/baker, thus allowing you to enjoy the event, and leave feeling ‘full’ of the energy you collected from all the people at the event. You will feel less deprived when you have allowed yourself a ‘taste’ of whatever, and taken in more energy from those present. Make the event, and socializing, more important than the food. Celebrate the relationships!

You can also eat before you go to the event, thus reducing the justification that you are starving. Drink plenty of water too. This helps with the feeling of fullness, and you will have less of a need to “fill” your stomach.

Along with the abundance of food available 24/7, we also tend to not want to get out to move our bodies at this time of year. How do you combat feeling unmotivated to move your body rigorously? You set an intention for yourself. What will be the intention, and how much time will you give yourself to achieve that intention? If it is just to continue to work out on a regular basis, you know what to do. If it is to get more fitness in your body, you know what to do. (That is why we are here.)

You are in charge. Every day. Choose wisely.

Clara E Minor

Filed Under: Martial Arts/Self-Defense, News

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