Attack Life Not Others

Last week, Tim Hawk talked about some of the amazing benefits of meditating . In this episode, he takes us through a very simple guided breath meditation that anyone can do — anywhere, anytime.

You don't need to be a Buddhist monk sitting for hours in lotus position to meditate. A simple breathing meditation is something you can do — anywhere, anytime — and it's free! It's scientifically proven to reduce stress, control anxiety , promote emotional and physical health, lengthen one's attention span, reduce memory loss, generate kindness and compassion, fight addictions, improve sleep , co...

If you're feeling emotionally exhausted — you're not alone. Symptoms associated with emotional exhaustion include: irritability, frustration, difficulty concentrating, lack of motivation, lack of focus, brain fog, and feeling disconnected from others. And those are just some signs! Actual physical issues include: headaches, muscle aches and tension, stomach pain, sleep problems, and more. So what...

Last year in January, we suggested letting go of the new year's resolution mentality . A few months ago, we recommended finding accountability partners to help achieve goals, identify weaknesses, and capitalize on strengths. In this episode, Steve Mittman talks about using an external force to get you where you want to be, and how it's actually a Law of Nature:

"There is something profoundly satisfying about sharing a meal. Eating together, breaking bread together, is one of the oldest and most fundamentally unifying of human experiences." — Barbara Coloroso All of us at the Attack Life, Not Others podcast and Hoover Karate Academy wish you and yours a Happy and Healthy New Year! If you're a regular listener of our show, you'll know we are big proponents...

When it comes to mind, body, and spirit, some find it hardest to strengthen and maintain their spirit (especially now). Chris Butynskyi suggests ways to build spirituality. He explains why faith doesn't have to compete with intellect, nor does it need to clash with reason or science. "To philosophize is to learn to die." — Michel de Montaigne

Master Tim Hawk joins Sensei Tim Hoover and Steve Mittman. For every action there is a reaction — the ripple effect as we've been saying. It's the description of karma. In a very profound way, Tim Hawk shares his insightful explanation of karma with us. Karma /ˈkärmə/ noun — destiny or fate, following as effect from cause "Realize that everything connects to everything else." — Leonardo Da Vinci W...

Next week we have Master Tim Hawk on the show. Tim Hoover and Steve Mittman explain who he is, their relationship, why he'll be on our podcast, how it came to be, and what you'll get by listening to him. Also on this episode: Freezing is fight-or-flight on hold. You're neither fighting nor fleeing. Realize you're not necessarily safe, you're just prolonging what needs to be done. And by not acting...

Our special guest on this show is Tony Grigoli . A few episodes ago we talked about how if you don't like the results you're getting — the "ripple" so to speak — that you might consider jumping into a different pond . In Tony's situation, he literally crossed the pond to the United States to create a better life for his family. Listen to Tony's story. No matter how bad things may appear with COVID...

Just like COVID-19 is spread one person at a time — like a ripple effect , we can spread hope and positivity — one by one by one. Tim and Steve are joined by Len DiNote to talk about what his son, Matt, is doing. More than ever before, we all need to make the good come about. Matt the Travelin' Hat is doing it his way. Find your way. Put a purpose behind your intention. You'll find commitment — as...

Coach Aaron Cerrone returns, and Tim and Steve pick up from last week's show where they talked about every action having a reaction . Ripple effect /ˈripəl ə fekt/ noun — the continuing and spreading results of an event or action This episode is a reminder to choose wisely who and what you spend your time around — because they will affect you. You, in turn, will affect others — whether you realize...

For every action there is a reaction. Regardless of whether it's positive or negative, everything has a ripple effect. Don't look for some one else or some thing else to put you in a better mood The way you think, the words you speak, and the actions you take all affect others Negative energy turns into anger, and anger drains you of your lifeforce and vitality

Life is always changing. In fact, the only thing constant — is that things will change. Changes affect everyone, and we all deal with them differently. Tim Speiss joins Tim Hoover and Steve Mittman on this episode. Most things in life are outside of our control Dealing with changes is a skill that can be improved Self-defense is not just about defending our physical bodies What changes have been h...

Whatever you're going through — no matter how big or small — it's just a moment in time . It is up to you how you decide to handle it . Fight back in your own way. This episode is a simple reminder of a couple age-old adages: This too shall pass When life gives you lemons, make lemonade

Aaron Cerrone is the owner and head instructor of Mid America Martial Arts in Omaha, NE. He started his martial arts journey with Sensei Hoover while in 6th grade— roughly 35 years ago. This episode reunites Tim and his former student, Aaron, to discover the profound and long-term impact they had on each other.

Tim briefly recaps the last couple episodes based around Cobra Kai — leading to two thoughts he shares: "We learn from the things we suffer." — Aesop "Do not expect to become perfect at once. If you do, you will be disappointed. Be better today than you were yesterday, and be better tomorrow than you are today." — Lorenzo Snow

As we continue to discuss Cobra Kai , Steve's topic is the motto of the show's dojo: "Strike First, Strike Hard, No Mercy!" Is there anything wrong with that? In The Karate Kid — the answer would be yes — considering that sentiment came into play in the tournament at the end of the movie. But life is not a tournament. Steve presents that the real answer to that question lies in the context of any...

Tim and Steve discuss Cobra Kai — the very popular TV series based on The Karate Kid films. Tim brings up philosophies of two martial arts movie icons — Mr Miyagi and Bruce Lee. Incidentally, it was on this date — October 1st — back in 1893 that Yip Man was born. It was while training under Yip Man and in Wing Chun, that Bruce Lee's philosophy began developing. When punching water, Bruce noticed t...

We frequently talk about the importance of good choices and quality rituals . If you're like most people, you're finding that being consistent with these practices is taking more effort these days during the pandemic. With martial arts, you'll often hear Tim speak about the benefits of training in a dojo or gym — as opposed to on your own. The energy is contagious, motivating, and reciprocal. Also...

Bernie, Tim, and Steve talk about: The noise, frustration, and angst people are feeling Experiencing the state of grace — the condition of being in God's favor What you read, what you do, what you think about, and what comes out of your mouth is what you put out into the universe — shaping what you see and feel around you compassion | (kəmˈpaSHən) (noun) — sympathetic pity and concern for the suff...

Today — September 10, 2020 — is the 40th anniversary of Sensei Tim Hoover receiving his first black belt. He reflects on what it meant to him then, what it means to him now, and what it should mean to you. "It's not what we can't do, it's what we CAN do that matters." — Sensei Tim Hoover

Right now is an opportunity to think about what things in your life are real and what are illusions. It's a great time to realize what your purpose is. Decide what makes you happy. Recognize what makes you stronger — and do more of that. Reflect on what is essential to you. Set your priorities , but also learn to adapt.

"United we stand, divided we fall" — John Dickinson "A house divided against itself cannot stand" — Abraham Lincoln This is not a time to be on cruise control Believe in yourself, never say die, and have the spirit of a peaceful warrior Now more than ever, we must be focused and mindful of our thoughts and actions

During the pandemic it's all too easy to get stuck in a rut. When you lack motivation, get yourself going by doing what boxer's have been doing for decades. Getting started is usually the hardest part of anything. Once you get momentum , it's much easier to keep going.

Now, more than ever, during the pandemic, it's important to be healthy and strong — mentally, physically, and spiritually. There's plenty of information and inspiration to be found, including on our podcast, on how and why to do that. Much focus is given to adults, but we must not neglect the health of our kids. What they hear and see greatly affects them, too. As we discussed last week, you canno...