Family time! My sister Anke is in town from Germany with Lynda, my niece, my sister’s boyfriend René and his son Nick. Full house! I will take some time of work to show them all around California. We went to the usual tourist spots first – the Capitol and Old Town, including breakfast at IHOP. This is the embodiment of …
Week 36 – Dirk Herfurth
My friend and practice partner David san posted recently about our Sunday coffee ritual. Same as for him I enjoy this quiet time with discussions and good hot brew. I already talked about the positive impacts of turmeric and curcumin, which I use regularly to improve my heart and joint health. However, there are a few benefits coffee gives you …
Week 35 – Dirk Herfurth
The numbers for “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer – Sacramento” are in. The whole event raised $413,640 with a goal of $277,000. This is truly amazing to end the fund drive with a plus of over $130k! The vision of this event is to a future where our children no longer live with the threat of breast cancer and where …
Week 39 – David Brezinski
Another ailment…but pressing on! It has been a rough past few months for my body. First I had an extended period of painful bursitis in my right foot/heel. It didn’t really bother me too much when exercising or sparring, but would throb at night while trying to sleep and wake me up. It has since gotten better and has thus …
Week 38 – David Brezinski
Sparring and post-sparring coffee–the ultimate WAKE UP! Dirk-san and I have a bit of a tradition whereas we go to our favorite local East Sacramento coffee shop after sparring and have some coffee (and often a pastry). After sparring for 20-30 minutes there’s not much better than sipping on a cup of joe and feeling awake and alive! Awake from …
Week 37 – David Brezinski
“He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother.” – The Hollies I carried a 60-pound load on Veteran’s Day, doing 5 laps around the State Capital (5.5 miles). Some have asked, “Why?” Carrying a heavy military rucksack was not solely rooted in the challenge of doing so, but more a symbolic action and metaphor to highlight many veterans today are shouldering a …
Week 36 – David Brezinski
Not just the destination; it is the journey! A friend of mine is planning to run his first marathon. Interestingly enough, not more than a year ago this same friend was overweight and expressed concern about his lack of energy. It has been wonderful to see him shed many pounds, tone up and have a bounce in his step! Last …
Week 35 – David Brezinski
Martial Arts Open Tournament – No medals but a good experience! Last Saturday I had the opportunity to attend a tournament in West Sacramento with a group of others representing our dojo. Well represented we were! I only participated in one event, being kata. I was assigned to the same group as sensei Oliver and some other black belts from …
Week 34 – Dirk Herfurth
Last Sunday my fund raiser project came to an end. As the final step, the Zen Martial Arts Striders walked around the Capitol with 20,000 other participants to raise awareness to breast cancer. Our Zen Martial Arts community raised a total of $3,880.09 to save lives and fund the future of breast cancer research, patient support, and advocacy. All in …
Week 34 – David Brezinski
My Black Belt Community Project – Stop Soldier Suicide! Dear Zen Martial Arts Family, For my black belt community project, I have selected something very deeply personal. Please let me explain. I served in the U.S. Army, 1st Special Operations Command, 112th Signal (AIRBORNE) in the mid 1980’s. I am a veteran and am grateful for the time I was …