Hello, I’m Tom Callos –and I think it’s fair to say that I am a “part of the village” that helps your teacher, Sensei Mike Oliver, do what he does…better. I live in Hilo, Hawaii, but my work and my interests reside in just about every place where people practice the martial arts. I created the idea that is “The …
UBBT – preparing for start date
I must have spoken some words, taken some steps, to sign on for the Ultimate Black Belt Test. How did that happen? I just got here! The short answer is that I am intrigued by the physical, mental, and spiritual challenge it presents and the potential transformation. On one level it is the least likely thing that I would do–make …
UBBT Journal 1: Why?
The closer December first gets, the more overwhelmed I feel. What did I commit to?! Can I really do this?! The real question is why should I do this. What first attracted me to the challenge is the intensity. Lately I’ve felt unbalanced in my own body. The weight I carry is heavy on my thin bones so it is …
UBBT 2011 Team Requirements
I sent this out today the the students, parents, and affiliates of our school that have already committed to being on this year’s team. I know that some others of you have expressed interest in taking on this challenge but are still on the fence. That’s ok. We only have 4 spots open (I’m only allowed to include 10 people …
UBBT- Death and Rebirth
The Ultimate Black Belt Challenge is some strenuous requirements: 50,000 push-ups 50,000 sit-ups 1,000 miles via running/walking/biking/swimming 1,000 kata repetitions 1,000 Acts of Kindness 15 minutes of daily meditation 10 short films 10 books focused on personal development or martial arts 3 Personal Goals 1 weekly online journal 1 Community Service Project Wow oh wow! Crazy as those are, I …
Week 5- Evidence of Change
Life has blessed me with the same doctor most of life. She knows me from when my four front teeth fell out in two days, when I played sports year round, when growth spurts started, and ended, when I entered high school, when I graduated high school and went to college. So the first visit back after the college hiatus …