Giving back

I am a big believer of what you put out into the world is what comes back to you. Sometimes this works in reverse. I have been fortunate enough to have several people in my life give me endless support, love, kindness, and generosity. Upon reflection, I realize that I am definitely in debt to the world (and those people) and that I owe a bunch of giving. Instead of feeling that "I must have done some good to deserve all of this support and love" (or that it was owed to me somehow), I now know that I must constantly do my part to put out as much good energy and help to others as I can.
About a year ago, I had a referral from one of my long time clients to work with a 6 year old girl who had undergone a Hemispherectomy as a baby to correct severe seizures. This is a surgical procedure where one cerebral hemisphere (half of the brain) is removed or disabled. This rendered the left side of her body almost paralyzed (hemiplegia). She has learned to walk quite well, but has no functional use of her left hand and her left leg has very little strength and mobility.
The first time I worked with Sruthy I was immediately won over by her infectious smile and amazing spirit. I was not 'hired' to be her physical therapist, but it was understood that I would utilize my martial arts background to help her move better, improve balance and coordination, increase strength, and work on fine and gross motor skills. At first this seemed like an insurmountable task and I could take nothing for granted...there was so much she couldn't do. I had to be creative and it was a huge learning curve for me as I had very little understanding of what she could and couldn't do until we tried it.
I worked on lots of exercises with her that required a good base and from there we could start doing basic kicks which tested her ability to balance and come back to a solid base. She loved kicking the paddle and the noise she could make when she connected with it. We also spent lots of time strengthening her core, which I felt would give her good balance and stabilization. It would enable her work confidently from a solid base. She was unable to set up a prone position because her left hand and arm would not support her weight so we had to rely solely on core exercises from a supine position. I would support her feet and help her with her sit-ups by pulling her up by her hands. After 10 assisted sit-ups, I would encourage her to try 5 more all by herself. She had very little movement from the ground and our efforts almost seemed futile. Still, each time I told her that one day she would be able to do a sit-up all by herself. One Friday, it happened! Of course, I had to excuse myself and hurry to the bathroom where the tears of joy slid down my face. When I came back out, Sruthy had this look on her face like "no biggie, I just did a sit-up...you said I would one day"! She proceeded to do 9 more. We had reached our first milestone and it turned out to be one of many.
Week by week, I see how Sruthy moves more smoothly, jumps higher, stabilizes better, kicks harder, and takes chances trying new things that would have been impossible a year ago. What sets her apart from others is her sense of humor, her work ethic (she never gives up), and her genuine love for life. I am so lucky to be working with her and it is definitely my favorite half-hour of the week. I am happy to donate my time to Sruthy because maybe our work together will help her lead a more physically independant life.
Giving back feels amazing!
Emma Lynds

Lessons of Jiu Jitsu

My favorite days of the week are any that include Jiu Jitsu! Two years ago I started training in the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and it has changed the way I think and has shaped the new me.
It is a game of strategy, humility, agility, athleticism, and patience. There is much more though. When you put all of those things together and you add perseverance to the mix, you develop a lot of character and you grow as an individual. I have learned a lot about myself through Jiu Jitsu. I now know that I am a fighter in every sense of the word. I don't like to lose (who does?), but what I've taken from losing is that I have the humility to digest the lesson, grow from it and get back in there and do it again. I competed in a tournament last year where there was only one woman in my division, so they mixed us with the men. My coach, Todd Smith, wanted to leave but I insisted that we came to fight and that's what I wanted to do. I lost a few of my fights that day (but I also drew a few), watched my only legit. opponent get her shoulder dislocated (men don't like to lose to women), and came home feeling like a I got hit by a truck. I took a lot from that day though and I have something inside of me that I hadn't had the opportunity to tune into before. I don't give up, I have lots of fight in me, I can defend myself pretty well against a much stronger opponent, and I know that I still have a lot to learn. The other thing is that I probably should have listened to my coach - he knows what's best for me because he has a depth of knowledge and experience that has been developed over 14 years. I am very lucky to have him in my corner. I was well prepared and had all of the right things in place to come away from that tournament with a Gold, but the conditions weren't what we anticipated. You can adapt, but you can't really control the outcome.
I think the biggest life lesson I've got from Jiu Jitsu is that I can only control how I react to a situation. Life is full of surprises and unexpected bumps, but instead of trying to control those external forces, I have learned to react appropriately and that feels powerful because I am getting better and better at handling things that come at me. I have developed more respect for the people around me because I listen more, rather than trying to control what they do. My connections with the people I love are deeper and have more meaning.
If you haven't tried Jiu Jitsu, I highly recommend it. I believe it's for everyone. It's a powerful form of self-defense and has the power to transform you.
Todd runs the Jiu Jitsu program at my club and we even have a Women's Only Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class on Tuesday nights at 8pm.
Totally Legitsu!!

Upper Body Day

I made it to the gym!! Like everyone else, some days I have to drag my butt there and it's the last thing I want to do. On Monday, I had a series of very productive and inspiring team meetings, leaving me feeling invigorated at the end of the day. However, even though I had planned on a run and hitting the weights, the couch and a big fat glass of red wine was definitely calling. As per usual, my 16 year old weighed in with his voice of wisdom (this happens at the most unsuspecting times). Every time I stall on getting out the door, without fail, he reminds me that I will feel so much better when it's over. He usually adds that the other girl (meaning my opponent) is probably running so I had better do the same. Finally, he punishingly adds...and you better run faster and harder than her. Good point...still, I argue that I haven't made him dinner yet and that by the time I get back, he will be starving and I will just be starting his all-time favorite dinner - lasagna. No problem, he is willing to do all the prep!!
Smile, sigh. Off I go.
I run to the gym - good compromise! I get there at 7pm and it's absolutely packed...now I know why my 9pm preference is best. I can barely find weights or a bench or any other station to start in on my sets, but thankfully, some nice guy is letting me work in. I work diligently and with intense focus and dedication for 1 hr. This is the part I don't have a problem with. Once I'm there, I'm all in.
I do spot a rather doughy young woman pacing (more like wandering) around the gym looking for something to do. She has a water bottle in hand and towel draped over her neck, and clearly has no intention of using either. I am amused but I also sense that she is overwhelmed and discouraged. This is new territory for her. I help her get set up on something that I think she can manage on her own without hurting herself and leave her to her own devices. I really wish that the staff would be more proactive in these cases and at least give her an orientation and maybe suggest some privates. This is definitely how people end up never coming back...they go home and sit on the couch with a big fat glass of red wine!
Mission accomplished...I run home, finish the lasagna and sit down to a nice dinner with my son at 10pm. I feel happy, fulfilled, and very supported by my family and friends.
What a lucky lady I am.

Health and happiness!
Emma

Women's Self Defense - the real deal

Last night, we hosted our second Women's Self Defense workshop at Elements Academy. We wanted to hold an event in recognition of International Women's Day which would raise money for WAVAW (Women Against Violence Against Women). Our first one filled up fast, so we held a second workshop last night. I am very happy with the numbers and the success of this special event.

I really enjoyed watching the way the women progressed during the two workshops. The energy and confidence increased as the women got more familiar and proficient with the moves. Since I have regular exposure to self-defense, I forget that most women have never experienced what it's like to have someone grab them in a bear hug, or choke them up against a wall. This can be extremely scary and without practicing escapes, it can feel like a hopeless situation. The women in attendance showed strength, courage, and determination. They became quite proficient with the moves and I feel very positive about arming them with a little bit of knowledge and experience. I hope to be able to reach as many women as possible and encourage them to put the practice of learning how to defend themselves into their regular schedule.

I don't think there is enough really good self-defense courses for women out there and I'd like to change that. Instead of just doing one-off workshops/seminars, we have opened a regular class that runs weekly on Tuesday nights. It is strictly for women and focuses on defending common grabs and holds and realistic situations such as being underneath someone on the ground. Practicing these scenarios in a safe setting with other women allows for retention of the techniques. Over time, there is a greater emphasis on a more realistic struggle and challenging scenarios. Like anything you want to become proficient at, you have to practice.

Every woman is welcome and I encourage you to try it - you never know when you might need it.

Women's Self Defense
Every Tuesday at 7pm
Elements Academy of Martial Arts

It's Fight, not Flight.
Emma

Pep in my step

It's a great day and since Spring is in the air, there is a little something extra in my stride. That's right, but that has nothing to do with the 'Pep' in my step. Tony Pep is my boxing coach and after a solid 1 hour private session with him yesterday, I'm still digesting the abundance of subtleties, complexities, and quotable expressions he fills my head with.
I start with 3 rounds of shadow boxing in the ring to music, with Tony's gruff voice of constant feedback in the background coaching me on how my shoulders should be positioned, how to move my feet (like a veteran dancer basically), and how I better be constantly moving my head. Round 3, he picks apart my hands and shows me exactly where they should be. I bring my hands up like so, copying him like a little kid..."Is this right Tony"? "Yep, that's right. Now move them around"!!! WHAT?!!
Boxing is an art form like nothing I've ever studied. It is complex, filled with trickery and strategy, and probably has the slowest learning curve of anything I've done. After 1.5 years of dedication and private training, I still feel like a beginner. Tony assures me that I have skill, but it's obvious that he wishes I had started when I was 19. So do I.
We worked on body hooks - placement, angle, weight distribution and getting my shoulder to move like it's not connected to the rest of my body. Literally, when he does it, it looks like his shoulder is coming right out of its socket and back in again. He makes it look easy, like everything else he does. After a while mine starts to look about 5% as good as his. When I get it right, my left hook hits the pad with a solid "whap" sound and it feels like I could knock someone out cold. Now I just have to remember to keep my right up! Tony's light slap with the pad to my jawline reminds me that my opponent could surprise me with an awesome left counter hook. Whoever gets there first is going to land the shot. Great lesson, great session.
I leave the gym sweaty, exhausted, but invigorated and always wanting more!

Hands up, chin down.
Emma

RUNNING IN THE DARK

I really needed to go for a run last night. After a long day of administration and sitting at my desk (not my favorite place to be), I was itching to get out. I am used to squeezing my workouts in around my hectic life. Running a Martial Arts club, which means being head instructor and CEO, and raising 2 kids on my own does not leave a lot of free time. But training always maintains a high priority in my life, especially with my goal of competing in a boxing fight this year. Sometimes I wonder if I'm crazy to be juggling so much but who am I kidding, I LOVE my life!

On my run I use my time to process the day's work and motivate myself for the next hurdle in my business. I'm trying to stay in the zone and focus on my fighter's mind. But I also have to keep my wits about me; after all I'm running in the dark by the ocean in Vancouver. I can't ignore that I might be seen as a target. Could someone pop out and jump me at any moment, and if so, would I be ready for it? These questions are always in the back of my mind, and some might call it paranoia - but I call it preparedness.

I have a lot going on in my head and my body, but all the while I keep aware of my vulnerability and my responsibility to keep myself safe. I don’t have my headphones on, and I’m certainly not distracted on my cell phone (2 big No-No’s). Perhaps I shouldn't run in the dark (and mostly I don't), but sometimes the day just gets away from me and I still need to do what I need to do...for me.

But the real question is, could I protect myself if that creepy dude did turn around and start chasing me or if that distorted stump up ahead turned out to be my worst nightmare? I believe I can. I don't know exactly what it is, it could be the countless hours I've spent struggling under men almost twice my size at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class, or it could be the knife attacks and chokes I've had to fend off from the lovely (but extremely tough and resilient) women in my Women's Self-Defence class. What I think it boils down to is that I believe in myself and I'm not afraid to fight for my life because, as I mentioned, I LOVE my life and anything I love is worth fighting for!

If you are interested in learning self-defence, I encourage you to come out and try the Women's Self-Defence class at my club. It is a fun, positive and constructive hour spent with wonderful, strong, supportive women. Why not try it out? There's a self-defense workshop on Tuesday, March 8th at my club from 7pm - 8:30pm in recognition of International Women's Day. It's by donation and proceeds go to WAVAW.

It's fight, not flight.

Emma

First Fight: Fought & Won

It's not every day you see a mother of two donning a pair of gloves and stepping into a boxing ring but if you happened to be in attendance at Bangla Stadium in Patong Beach, Thailand on Wednesday, March 10th, you would have see Emma Lynds in action.

Emma is not jjts the mother of two; she is the owner and founder of Elements Academy of Martial Arts, Vancouver. This was her first Muay Thai fight.

Her fight was only one highlight of a ten-day Muay Thai training trip to Thailand, something she always encourages her members to join her on. This year there were five others with her, including two of her staff and three of her members.

But you don't have to fight in Thailand, you can just go to train and enjoy the sunshine if you prefer. And don't forget to visit the elephants with their penchant for pineapple.

Everyone on the trip had a really great time and are excitedly talking about going back out again next year. If you'd like to be part of this or if you're interested in joining Elements Academy of Martial Arts, please contact us.

There are more photos on our Facebook page and you can click here to see the video of Emma's fight. I won't spoil it by saying what happens but be careful not to blink - you might miss it!