Although we have talked about this many times, I still see fighters “someplace else“ when you are supposed to be in the moment in your body and present in the workout.

Allowing your energy to leave the moment is a form of protection you don’t need, and I would like you to change.

Instead of holding your breath (being in protective mode) and allowing your weight to rise (your energy begins to leave), you lean back slightly (you’re gone.)

I’d like you to practice being present, allowing your energy to stay in the moment, being curious, embracing the situation, allowing closeness to be a comfort, and practicing remaining present in the face of the unknown.

As soon as you walk into the studio, practice being there, don’t wait until I bring you to the moment by acknowledging your presence or calling the class to order. You take that responsibility and bring yourself to the moment, grounding yourself, feeling your energy, thoughts, and body lining up and being there.

Another practice to embrace the unknown would be at night, when your house is dark, look around, find the darkest corner, and stand in that corner, becoming the darkness.
Breathe, set your weight, and remain there until you connect to it.

As fighters, we embrace the unknown by becoming the unknown.

We remain present with curiosity, courage and by allowing our breathing to ground us with each breath.

Be here now by trusting your intuition and training to work in harmony.
Be in this moment not to finish it, but to enjoy it, finding opportunities and possibilities for your greatest good.

And although we desire no harm to anyone, when the anticipation of the storm is felt, the source of the pending storm is you.

In San Soo, the Art of Letting Go lies in one’s ability to give up their attachment to a move, technique, thoughts, and perception—immediately.

San Soo is a balance of holding and releasing, forward movement and yielding, attacking and defending. 

A fighter cannot realize this balance—Yin/Yang—without knowing when, how, and what to Let Go of. 

How often do you find yourself holding on to your opponent’s clothing when you could be using that hand to cause pain? How many times have you been so attached to a movement that you miss the 10 others right in front of you?

The Art of Letting Go lies in your awareness of not trying to win or lose but building knowledge, presence, courage, and character.

The greatest lesson in the Art of Letting Go is in releasing your judgments of self.

Let go of the abusive thoughts that beat you up about:

• Not being perfect
• Not getting the lesson easily
• An incorrect move
• Getting hit
• Winning or losing in a confrontation

These things happen to everyone, we all have strengths and challenges, and you are not uniquely flawed.

I would like you to practice the Art of Letting Go in the studio as well as in your personal life.

If you are holding on to some past mistake, try meditating on the mantra:

• I Love You
• I’m Sorry
• Please Forgive Me
• Thank you
• I am Letting It Go