Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Saturday, 15 July 2017
Thursday, 1 October 2015
"You got a dream... You gotta protect it"
I am well behind when it comes to movies.
Only recently good friend of mine, great film connoisseur has told me that i should watch one of his favourite storytelling movies, released in year 2006.
Movie featuring Will Smith, "The pursuit of happyness ".
As usual I couldn't watch it in one whole piece. It took me almost four days to watch it all, mainly while having a meals.
But I was really absorbed by the depth of this film, which has happened to be based on a true story of San Francisco homeless salesman Chris Gardener.
Chris was extremely hard working man. Husband and father.
As everyone of us Chris had his own talents, he was very smart and persistent.
However he was lacking of higher education or diplomas so he was trying to make his leaving by selling medical supplies ( in the film he sales bone density scanners ), strongly believing that through his hard, honest and restless work one day he will achieve comfortable life for him and his family.
His vision and believe in his own ability as well as hope of getting better life for his son ( in the film 5 years old ), would carry him through the struggle of improvement time.
Chris takes an actions which we would normally ( especially social workers ) call irresponsible, and by doing this he takes massive risk of loosing his son.
Even thought that his sons good is main reason of his risky choices.
I am writing about this film for couple of reasons.
The main reason is to provide you with great quote, piece of conversation between Chris and his son Christopher. When Christopher tells his dad his dream of who he would love to become ( professional basketball player ) when he gets older and his fathers first expression was that he should probably concentrate on something more salutary.
As usual I couldn't watch it in one whole piece. It took me almost four days to watch it all, mainly while having a meals.
But I was really absorbed by the depth of this film, which has happened to be based on a true story of San Francisco homeless salesman Chris Gardener.
Chris was extremely hard working man. Husband and father.
As everyone of us Chris had his own talents, he was very smart and persistent.
However he was lacking of higher education or diplomas so he was trying to make his leaving by selling medical supplies ( in the film he sales bone density scanners ), strongly believing that through his hard, honest and restless work one day he will achieve comfortable life for him and his family.
His vision and believe in his own ability as well as hope of getting better life for his son ( in the film 5 years old ), would carry him through the struggle of improvement time.
Chris takes an actions which we would normally ( especially social workers ) call irresponsible, and by doing this he takes massive risk of loosing his son.
Even thought that his sons good is main reason of his risky choices.
I am writing about this film for couple of reasons.
The main reason is to provide you with great quote, piece of conversation between Chris and his son Christopher. When Christopher tells his dad his dream of who he would love to become ( professional basketball player ) when he gets older and his fathers first expression was that he should probably concentrate on something more salutary.
Christopher Gardner: Hey. Don't ever let somebody tell you... You can't do something. Not even me. All right?
Christopher: All right.
Christopher Gardner: You got a dream... You gotta protect it. People can't do somethin' themselves, they wanna tell you you can't do it. If you want somethin', go get it. Period.
I found very inspiring and very true.
We do limit ourselves in what we can do a lot. When we see some extraordinary plans of others, something that we wouldn't be able to commit to, we look at them skeptically.
We only admire them when we see the end result.
Another reason is that I would like to allude to Chris's character as a real warrior.
He shows his great fighter attitude. Never give up attitude.
He shows how persistence in achieving our goals through ups and downs of difficult life circumstances makes us stronger and wiser. Having the right motivator gives us incredible strength to create great victories.
Even Chris while going through rough times, looses his faith for short time, cries, breaks down and feel powerless.
Even Chris tells his son that he shouldn't dream as in the above quote.
It is natural that we are going to doubt, and fear.
Outcome depends on what feelings we are going to allow to outweigh: Our fears, self doubts, etc...
P.S Irony: while writing this post I am listening to the concert of another great, inspiring human being, an artist, singer, songwriter: Ed Sheeran. Ed just like Chris Gardener has lived on the streets of US and struggled a lot while chasing his dream.
 |
Krystian Ozog
Fighter/Instructor, GMMA Academy       |
Friday, 25 September 2015
Prepare yourself, believe in yourself and do your best
Day after my last fight I was talking to one of my best training partner, team mate and corner man Michael.
We spent a lot of time together training, not only in our gym but also in different camps inside and outside of the UK.
We know each other very well.
Strength and weaknesses. We can quite easy understand each others emotions, and we can help to motivate each other.
But anyway....
Michael has shared with me his observations and his opinion over my performance during last fight.
He has quite clearly and correctly red some of the feelings I had before and while fighting.
Michael also said that he was very surprised at the pace we have both set up right from the beginning of the bout.
As it was 10 rounds, championship fight he has though that we would start of much slower, just to feel each other, then pick up the pace as it progresses. Very much like in the traditional MuayThai Thai fight.
My answer was; that there was no time to waste.
Me and my opponent both knew each other. We both did our homework and prepared best we could for that particular event.
We both knew that we wouldn't wanna let the judges make the decision.
We both aimed for clear win by the stoppage.
If I waited for further rounds to pick up the fight I would take a massive risk.
Anything could happen.
I was facing strong opponent with great experience and amazing power of his punches.
One clear shot could change everything.
So I have choose to risk while executing our plan. Plan that we have trained with my coaches, my training partner Roman and all the GMMA Academy team for weeks.
Simply; if something goes wrong, I prefer if it happens when I am doing my best than when I don't do nothing.
If I was going to die, I wanna die as a warrior not a coward.
This same philosophy I do bring out in to my life. Only those who don't do anything don't make mistakes.
I choose to be a doer.
I believe that this is the only way forward.
Prepare yourself, believe in yourself and do your best.
If not working.
Make changes and repeat the procedure.
We spent a lot of time together training, not only in our gym but also in different camps inside and outside of the UK.
We know each other very well.
Strength and weaknesses. We can quite easy understand each others emotions, and we can help to motivate each other.
But anyway....
Michael has shared with me his observations and his opinion over my performance during last fight.
He has quite clearly and correctly red some of the feelings I had before and while fighting.
Michael also said that he was very surprised at the pace we have both set up right from the beginning of the bout.
As it was 10 rounds, championship fight he has though that we would start of much slower, just to feel each other, then pick up the pace as it progresses. Very much like in the traditional MuayThai Thai fight.
My answer was; that there was no time to waste.
Me and my opponent both knew each other. We both did our homework and prepared best we could for that particular event.
We both knew that we wouldn't wanna let the judges make the decision.
We both aimed for clear win by the stoppage.
If I waited for further rounds to pick up the fight I would take a massive risk.
Anything could happen.
I was facing strong opponent with great experience and amazing power of his punches.
One clear shot could change everything.
So I have choose to risk while executing our plan. Plan that we have trained with my coaches, my training partner Roman and all the GMMA Academy team for weeks.
Simply; if something goes wrong, I prefer if it happens when I am doing my best than when I don't do nothing.
If I was going to die, I wanna die as a warrior not a coward.
This same philosophy I do bring out in to my life. Only those who don't do anything don't make mistakes.
I choose to be a doer.
I believe that this is the only way forward.
Prepare yourself, believe in yourself and do your best.
If not working.
Make changes and repeat the procedure.
|
Krystian Ozog
Fighter/Instructor, GMMA Academy |
Sunday, 16 August 2015
"Kihap" the spirited yell
"Kihap," the spirited yell.
"Kihap"; translating from Korean language, where it originally comes from, means yell/shout.
As a Taekwondo has great influence in Gukwoone mixed martial arts. Founders of Gukwoone, who are practitioners of Taekwondo on the highest level, adopted some of its techniques as well as terminology.
"Kihap" is a short, loud yell, which helps to accumulate explosive power in the action.
It helps to control the breathing, what will naturally increase the stamina.
It literally brings the spirit to the action.
Brings the spirit to our classes where we always tell our students that they are allowed to shout ( while performing ) as much as they want.
It literally brings the spirit to the action.
Brings the spirit to our classes where we always tell our students that they are allowed to shout ( while performing ) as much as they want.
Some of the people find it difficult to shout when kicking and punching. Especially teenagers and adults who got some kind of barriers.
That's another reason why we encourage our students to "Kihap", we want them to build up their confidence, let their emotions out and feel free during the lessons.
Our type of training can be very good stress buster, we want everyone to exercise their body, mind and spirit at this same time.
Boxers, don't usually shout loud, but you can clearly hear their breath out while throwing the punches, when they punch hard they do make sounds, it is natural.
Watching tennis game, all you can hear is sounds of tennis ball hitting the rackets and players "Kihap" while swinging sharp.
Weight lifters, do help themselves screaming out, when they feel like they reached they limit.
I believe all of us tried to lift something heavy and threw uncontrolled "Kihap" while meeting great resistance. Even if that didn't help with lifting the weight it was natural instinct. So trust the nature and let yourself free while working out.
|
Krystian Ozog
Fighter/Instructor, GMMA Academy |
Thursday, 13 August 2015
Resistance bands workout
I have met this morning in West London with one of my team Mate and fellow Fighter from GMMA Academy, Roman.
Roman has agreed to help me on regular bases in preparation for my next kickboxing fight which is going to happened in just over month.
He knows the craft very well, and helps me to push harder and smarter.
Roman and myself being seen over by Sir ( our coach ) who adjusts the training to increase and develop what he knows ( out of his great experience and observation ) is best for me in upcoming event.
This morning Sir has watched me hitting the pads and came up with question if I got elastic bands with me by any chance.
Funny enough.
I always got some in my training bag.
Simple rubber bands with different resistance levels, usually used for yoga.
I do carry them along with skipping rope as they are great tools which don't require much room or any special, additional equipment to be used with.
We have used three bands all together.
Two tied up to the bench feet and my legs each end, one wrapped around my palms both ends, running behind my back.
Roman would hold the pads for me, standing right in front in a distance which would require me to extend each kick and turn my hips right.
Also, I would stand away from the bench to make sure that the bands are pulling me back, giving me resistance.
I would execute kicks on the pads the quickest I can
, then make sure I control my legs on the way back and return to this same position with proper stands, ready for whatever comes next. Holding the third band I would throw some hands techniques in between.
There is so much more you can do with this simple tools.
You can tie it up to your belt and some post to pull you back while doing the pad work.
You could use one tied up to each leg both ends and practice your kicks.
It builds up the speed, teaches you to control your techniques and takes a lot of energy out of your muscles when used properly.
It can be used for stretching and building up strength and muscles too.
Everything depends on your imagination.
Always look for better way, always enjoy it and you will not realize when improvement comes.
Roman has agreed to help me on regular bases in preparation for my next kickboxing fight which is going to happened in just over month.
He knows the craft very well, and helps me to push harder and smarter.
Roman and myself being seen over by Sir ( our coach ) who adjusts the training to increase and develop what he knows ( out of his great experience and observation ) is best for me in upcoming event.
This morning Sir has watched me hitting the pads and came up with question if I got elastic bands with me by any chance.
Funny enough.
I always got some in my training bag.
Simple rubber bands with different resistance levels, usually used for yoga.
I do carry them along with skipping rope as they are great tools which don't require much room or any special, additional equipment to be used with.
We have used three bands all together.
Two tied up to the bench feet and my legs each end, one wrapped around my palms both ends, running behind my back.
Roman would hold the pads for me, standing right in front in a distance which would require me to extend each kick and turn my hips right.
Also, I would stand away from the bench to make sure that the bands are pulling me back, giving me resistance.
I would execute kicks on the pads the quickest I can
There is so much more you can do with this simple tools.
You can tie it up to your belt and some post to pull you back while doing the pad work.
You could use one tied up to each leg both ends and practice your kicks.
It builds up the speed, teaches you to control your techniques and takes a lot of energy out of your muscles when used properly.
It can be used for stretching and building up strength and muscles too.
Everything depends on your imagination.
Always look for better way, always enjoy it and you will not realize when improvement comes.
|
Krystian Ozog
Fighter/Instructor, GMMA Academy |
Saturday, 8 August 2015
"The spiritual journey continues"
Parkash 2015
17th - 19th of July at
Guru Nanak Sikh academy,Springfield road, Hayes, UB4 0LT
"The spiritual journey continues"
Meaningful title of this year Sikh cultural and religious event in Hayes describes well surrounding atmosphere over that amazing happening.
It has been second year in a row when we had an honor and pleasure to participate in such a wonderful event with our martial arts school / GMMA Academy.
All area has been overflown with joy and kindness during time of the celebration.
Thousands of people in colorful, traditional clothing and smiles on they faces coming from every possible direction.
Inside the venue, right in the middle has been situated great size tent where took place: seminars, lectures and religious events, all projected on the screen outside for those who couldn't fit inside that enormous size tent.
Or for those who were discovering stalls around the main venue.
Stalls promoting traditional Indian / food, clothing, music, films, organizations, shows, support centers, charity institutions...
Stalls promoting community development like; British Army, Metropolitan Police, Firefighters, Traditional Sikh martial artists performing fantastic ritual of Gatka.
It was once again, great great experience for us to be part of all that.
We have felt very welcome and I am pleased to say that we had a lot of interest and positive feedback in what we had to offer.
Our principals of Martial arts training to cultivate a disciplined mind, body and spirit, has blended perfectly with ideology of the happening and its title "The spiritual journey continues".
It was fantastic weekend for all our Gukwoone and GuruMuayThai students and parents.
I am looking forward for Parkash 2016.
Expecting it bigger and better as every year.
Kind Regards
|
Krystian Ozog
Fighter/Instructor, GMMA Academy    |
Sunday, 26 July 2015
Go and get it
We all want be successful and achieve something in our lives.
There is nothing wrong about it. We should all aim for better living.
We should all aim high and constantly look for the way to improve.
We do deserve the best, every one of us.
But it is not going to be given to us.
We have to "go and get it".
If I wanted to become a doctor, I would most likely try to get myself on the course at medical university, would study the subject and try to graduate the best I can. Once completed the Uni I would look for the practise, understanding that only persistence in my work and education can make me qualified doctor.
If I wanted to become a carpenter, I would look for carpentry courses, buy myself a set of tools and look for the practise on the building sites. Knowing that it takes time, hard work and constant learning to become qualified carpenter.
If I wanted to become a professional boxer, I would start by signing up with amateur boxing club, buy myself boxing gloves and some running shoes. Would take any opportunity to improve my boxing skills, would work on my sparring, endurance, diet and everything it takes to become qualified boxer.
And so on... .
Simple method in whoever you choose you wanna become.
Just "go and get it"!
You wanna loose few kilos simply: change your diet and exercise.
You want to improve your flexibility: stretch daily.
You want to improve your stamina: increase your cardio workout.
You want to become a great fighter: train and compete.
Whatever you wanna achieve, whoever you wanna become: just "go and get it".
There is no short cuts.
You cannot open the door without unlocking it first.
Thursday, 2 July 2015
Be positive.
Every day we are having a gift of getting another chance, we can start again or simply continue achieving our goals.
It is our choice what we are going to do with that great gift.
It is our choice how we are going to feel about it, about ourselves and our situation.
We all get absorbed by everydays life and its difficulties. We all get tired physically and mentally.
Is there any recipe of how to get through those times?
Well I think there is.
I think that first of all we should all understand that life is full of ups and downs. We should be grateful of what we have, stay focused and positive.
Surround ourselves with positive people who are going to lift us up instead of pulling down.
Great vision of the future created by positive thinking and having good plan can give us so much more power to go through the obstacles.
Just like in the ring: the winner becomes the one who wants it more.
It is a simple math; two trained and skilled fighters facing each other at this same weight category, got equal chances to win, very often it depends on mental strength and never give up attitude.
When we believe in the end result and not being afraid of failure, we are going to get what we want easier and possibly quicker.
As I have mentioned in one of my previous post "Unnecessary stress" , about the power of emotions.
Emotions can give you super strenght or paralyse you. And there is no doubt about it.
You choose which way you wanna go.
You choose to spend your day with complaints and excuses or stay positive, enjoy what you got and use all that to eget better.
Passion, love, sharing with others will give more sense to your everyday life and will help you to go through the hardship.
Just remember your goals.
Do what you believe in.
Be positive, be happy.
www.GMMA.co.uk
It is our choice what we are going to do with that great gift.
It is our choice how we are going to feel about it, about ourselves and our situation.
We all get absorbed by everydays life and its difficulties. We all get tired physically and mentally.
Is there any recipe of how to get through those times?
Well I think there is.
I think that first of all we should all understand that life is full of ups and downs. We should be grateful of what we have, stay focused and positive.
Surround ourselves with positive people who are going to lift us up instead of pulling down.
Great vision of the future created by positive thinking and having good plan can give us so much more power to go through the obstacles.
Just like in the ring: the winner becomes the one who wants it more.
It is a simple math; two trained and skilled fighters facing each other at this same weight category, got equal chances to win, very often it depends on mental strength and never give up attitude.
When we believe in the end result and not being afraid of failure, we are going to get what we want easier and possibly quicker.
As I have mentioned in one of my previous post "Unnecessary stress" , about the power of emotions.
Emotions can give you super strenght or paralyse you. And there is no doubt about it.
You choose which way you wanna go.
You choose to spend your day with complaints and excuses or stay positive, enjoy what you got and use all that to eget better.
Passion, love, sharing with others will give more sense to your everyday life and will help you to go through the hardship.
Just remember your goals.
Do what you believe in.
Be positive, be happy.
www.GMMA.co.uk
Tuesday, 19 May 2015
Let the action talk.
Last Saturday afternoon instead of taking part in GuruMuayThai class as we usually do.
Me and my great friend and training partner Michael drove to Coventry, where represented our club at kickboxing show.
Going there we didn't know nothing about my opponent apart of that his weight should match my 75kg and that we were going to fight K1 rules.
We got in there with no expectations what so ever.
All we had in our strategy was to use all our strengths and experience the best we can possibly do.
This is one of the things we have learnt over the years of travelling and competing around.
There is no point of wasting our precious energy on speculating and stressing over what my opponent brings with him.
Obviously I get some thoughts building up in my head going towards possible abilities and skills of my opponent but instead of concentrating on what he has got in his sleeve, I am trying to turn it into planning how am I going to respond.
What we have always been taught by our coaches is that it doesn't matter what they can do if you don't give them chance to do it.
So the plan is simple: put the work rate very high, double up on each attack from the other side and make sure I do always respond. According to the plan, as long as my kicks and punches are solid, my distance and timing are right and I use the angles right way, I can't go wrong.
Michael has reminded me few facts about my strengths and advantages, what has pushed away any even minor self doubt.
In the ring anything can really happen, but I know for sure that negative thoughts are not going to make it any better. All they can do is; make me not perform to my best and make me regret things I haven't done after the fight. I've been there before.
I have walked into the ring as second, my rival and his team were already there.
Stepping in I could feel his eyes on me at all times. When I looked at him, he looked very angry and determined to hurt me. He definitely wanted to play the eye contact game ( must have watched a lot of UFC I suppose). I haven't fallowed the game, it isn't much of my style. Again I rather to save my energy and show my skills in the fight, not before.
That's how I have always wanted to be. Humble, respectful and calm fighter which talks with the actions at the appropriate time.
I suppose everyone reacts different to the stress and everyone has got different methods of breaking the opponent confidence.
I believe that my fighting experience makes me not only better fighter and instructor but also better human being in general.
That's why I wanna be able to control my emotions and my life in the ring as well as outside.
I wanna be positive and confident and push the negativity away.
It is great if you have like minded people surrounding you, like my coaches and team Mates.
You can consider yourself a lucky.
I do.
Obviously I get some thoughts building up in my head going towards possible abilities and skills of my opponent but instead of concentrating on what he has got in his sleeve, I am trying to turn it into planning how am I going to respond.
What we have always been taught by our coaches is that it doesn't matter what they can do if you don't give them chance to do it.
So the plan is simple: put the work rate very high, double up on each attack from the other side and make sure I do always respond. According to the plan, as long as my kicks and punches are solid, my distance and timing are right and I use the angles right way, I can't go wrong.
Michael has reminded me few facts about my strengths and advantages, what has pushed away any even minor self doubt.
In the ring anything can really happen, but I know for sure that negative thoughts are not going to make it any better. All they can do is; make me not perform to my best and make me regret things I haven't done after the fight. I've been there before.
I have walked into the ring as second, my rival and his team were already there.
Stepping in I could feel his eyes on me at all times. When I looked at him, he looked very angry and determined to hurt me. He definitely wanted to play the eye contact game ( must have watched a lot of UFC I suppose). I haven't fallowed the game, it isn't much of my style. Again I rather to save my energy and show my skills in the fight, not before.
That's how I have always wanted to be. Humble, respectful and calm fighter which talks with the actions at the appropriate time.
I suppose everyone reacts different to the stress and everyone has got different methods of breaking the opponent confidence.
I believe that my fighting experience makes me not only better fighter and instructor but also better human being in general.
That's why I wanna be able to control my emotions and my life in the ring as well as outside.
I wanna be positive and confident and push the negativity away.
It is great if you have like minded people surrounding you, like my coaches and team Mates.
You can consider yourself a lucky.
I do.
P.S I have won that fight by unanimous decision.
www.GMMA.co.uk
www.GMMA.co.uk
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