Attack Life Not Others

“I don't know where I'm going from here, but I promise it won't be boring.” — David Bowie

Tim shares a valuable nugget of wisdom from his daughter, a nutritionist, who reminds him that "motion is the lotion." It far too easy to succumb to discomfort and inactivity, opting for sedentary habits like lounging or binge-watching TV. Moving our bodies — whether it's walking the dog or engaging in a favorite sport — can significantly improve our emotional and physical well-being. Tune in for insights on maintaining an active lifestyle and the positive impact it can have on our health.

“The universe is under no obligation to make sense to you.” — Neil deGrasse Tyson We should not expect the cosmos to neatly fit into our preconceived notions. These mysteries are reminders to embrace faith as a complement to reason, trusting the process of discovery and inspiring growth in knowledge, perspective, and awe.

The impact of words and actions carry a responsibility. Tim and Steve reflect on the irreversible nature of choices made in anger, illustrated by a metaphor of a wolf chasing a bird off a cliff. It’s a great reminder for all of us to be mindful of our expressions and the lasting effects they can have. Tune in for insights on self-reflection, emotional control, and the importance of thoughtful communication.

“You are what you eat. You are what you think. You are who you hang out with. You are what you watch and listen to. You have more control than you think fellas.” — Bedros Keuilian

Tim and Steve liken the new year to boarding a flight — Flight 2025. If you lose your positive attitude under pressure, we suggest reaching up for a prayer, which will be activated by faith. This faith can then help others who may be struggling. Our captain, God, has cleared us for takeoff with a destination set for greatness. We wish everyone a new year filled with new hope, joy, and beginnings. Let's take off and embrace the journey ahead!

The importance of nothing. “You get up every day, you're entitled to … nothing. Nobody owes you … nothing. You could have talent, but if you don’t have discipline, if you don’t execute, you don’t focus, you get nothing. If you’re complacent, and not paying attention to detail, what does that get you? Nothing.” — Steven Yates

There is a critical distinction between motivation and discipline. While most people believe motivation is essential to cultivate discipline, the reality is that discipline must come first. Tim and Steve compare discipline to railroad tracks that guide a train — without a solid foundation of discipline, motivation can easily fade. They explore the excitement of starting new endeavors, and how that initial motivation often wanes if you don’t develop the necessary discipline. Tune in to discover how to shift your mindset from seeking motivation to building lasting discipline for success.

“Fear is an insidious and deadly thing. It can warp judgment, freeze reflexes, breed mistakes. Worse, it's contagious.” — Jimmy Stewart

THE POWER OF APPROPRIATE CONFRONTATION Build Strength by Facing Your Weaknesses: Confronting (different than confrontational) is key to personal growth Personal Insight: Steve shares how bullying led to martial arts and self-empowerment Key Lesson: Tim explains how strength comes from facing challenges, not avoiding them Embrace life’s obstacles as opportunities for transformation

“Love the giver more than the gift” Timely and appropriate for Christmas — as it reminds us to cherish the love, generosity, and thoughtfulness behind the act of giving, which embodies the true spirit of the season.

Tim and Steve talk about innovation versus tradition, highlighting the importance of thinking outside the box to solve problems. They reference Albert Einstein's assertion that we cannot solve problems with the same thinking that created them, emphasizing the insanity of repeating the same actions while expecting different results. The discussion delves into the evolution of martial arts, focusing on Bruce Lee's groundbreaking approach that challenged conventional systems. Tim shares his journey of embracing an eclectic and progressive training style, advocating for the idea of discarding what doesn't work and cultivating what does. Tune in for insightful perspectives on growth, change, and the courage to think differently in both martial arts and life.

Marriage is hard. Divorce is hard. Choose your hard. Obesity is hard. Being fit is hard. Choose your hard. Being in debt is hard. Being financially disciplined is hard. Choose your hard. Communication is hard. Not communicating is hard. Choose your hard. Life will never be easy. It will always be hard. But we can choose our hard. Choose wisely.

In this brief episode, Tim and Steve highlight the value of sparring with more skilled opponents to learn and improve — rather than taking the easy route. The takeaway: Embrace challenges, learn from those at a higher level than you currently are at, and treat every experience as a chance to grow.

Never take advice from people who are not where you want to be.

In this special Thanksgiving episode, Tim and Steve revisit a timeless and impactful discussion on the importance of respect and gratitude, both in martial arts and in life. They reflect on the value of giving thanks, emphasizing that gratitude should be a daily practice, not just reserved for holidays. The conversation explores the etymology of "holiday," tracing its roots to the Hebrew word kadosh, meaning "holy" or "to separate." This separation from ordinary days underscores the respect and appreciation that make holidays meaningful and significant. As we celebrate Thanksgiving, this episode serves as a heartfelt reminder to cherish the people and moments that matter, express love and gratitude openly, and cultivate a positive outlook on life.

“Comfort is the worst addiction and a cheap ticket to depression.”

Discipline is key to achieving success in every part of life, and Tim and Steve dive into what it really means and how it works. Tim explains that discipline is a personal journey, not just a set of rules or religious ideas. He shares how it shapes his mind, body, and spirit — reflecting on a conversation with his wife, who pointed out how discipline drives his faith, workouts, and mentoring. Together, Tim and Steve break it down, showing how discipline is a practical way to live rather than some big, abstract idea. They encourage listeners to embrace it and discover its power to transform their lives.

Someone makes 10x more than you do in a 9-5 job because they have more "leverage" with their work. Distraction is the greatest killer of success. It stunts and destroys your brain.

It's no secret that fear is pervasive in today's society. Tim reflects on his own experiences with fear, noting how it hindered him in his early years until he broke the chain through martial arts training and faith. He discusses the current climate of anxiety surrounding politics, weather, and everyday life, highlighting how people are overwhelmingly fatigued by these stressors. As a sensei and coach, Tim shares how he finds peace in various aspects of his life, including prayer and the dojo, and emphasizes the importance of maintaining high expectations for both himself and his students.