Catch All

10 Things Having a Blackbelt Means to Me

May 31, 2016 by Kenney Myers

I have been active in sports and martial arts for years (ever since I was in college). I have done full contact tae kwon do, sparred many, many rounds, and fought in the ring. However, I think the biggest accomplishment remains earning my blackbelt under The Pit, Sifu Garcia and within John Hackleman’s system of schools. It’s a difficult belt to earn as it requires a combination of kickboxing, hawaiian tempo, sanshou, and crosspit (crossfit with a vengeance). Recently we added Kore jiujitsu as well under the great Luigi Mondelli. It’s like a who’s who list of coaches and yet they make it incredibly personal and find ways to focus more on making you the best version of you that you can be. So here are ten things that having a blackbelt means to me:

It represents several years and hours of practice chasing a goal and eventually attaining it. I think too many times people give up on their goals because they are difficult. No kidding! Very few things in life that are worth achieving come easily at least for most of us.
Going through this journey of learning various techniques has given me the confidence to know that if I find myself in a life threatening situation in the streets, I have a fighting chance at survival. Hopefully that never happens, but if it does I know that I am not going down without a fight.
I have learned to respect and listen to my body better than in any other sport I have ever played/practiced. I have blown out two calves, torn my bicep, broken my nose, and other various injuries. Through all of that though I learned what my body can and cannot take. That is useful information.
I have gained a tight-knit circle of friends that also participate at the pit that I would have never met had it not been for our training. Why is that key? Because surrounding yourself with good, positive people is important in life. Very few successful people get there alone and our team is always there for each other offering encouragement for every practice, round of sparring, or fight. We call it our pit ohana (family).
Through training at the pit and earning my blackbelt I have attained a higher level of physical conditioning than I ever did by just going to the gym doing cardio and lifting weights. I am not sure why but I can tell you that several rounds of sparring or rolling in jiu jitsu will fully exhaust every muscle in my body.
In my house, training in kickboxing is a family activity. My son is 11 and he also has a blackbelt from the pit. Having something that the family can do together is important especially when it is something that builds confidence and serves to keep the whole family safer.
Having a blackbelt really just marks another stop on the journey toward becoming the best that I can be. I’ll continue pursuing degrees and building upon this solid foundation. So earning a blackbelt for me is not a final destination at all, it simply marks a significant point on my map of life.
It’s hard to have a list of what a blackbelt means without acknowledging the support of others that helped me accomplish this goal. My wife, family, friends, and work all showed exceptional support without which I could not have made it. Thank you all for the inspiration and patience as I trained and nursed several injuries from fighting!
Having a blackbelt also means that I have a deeper understanding of what it takes for others to fight and to attain various levels of success. Watching a muay thai, kickboxing, or MMA fight is completely different after you have fought in fights yourself. The level of appreciation for both fighters is much higher.
Finally, I want to say that earning a blackbelt also means that I had amazing guidance from the teachers and staff at the pit. The techniques that they teach are not easy to master but I’m sure they are also not easy to teach. Thanks to all of them as well for pointing out my flaws and helping me improve every day!

So I’m not sure if others will feel the same way about the belts they have earned. I know many fighters that don’t care about belt rank at all (some fighting styles don’t even have a ranking system). I have a healthy respect for every martial art and for every martial artist. Honestly, even if you never step into a ring or octagon it’s important to celebrate your achievements. Becoming a better version of yourself is a matter of setting goals and putting in the time and effort to attain them. For me, having a blackbelt represents all of these things and much more. Now, it’s time to get back to work, hit some pads, do some sparring, and keep growing!

20 Things That Are Statistically Safer Than You Think

December 2, 2015 by Kenney Myers

The world can be a dangerous place, there’s no doubt about it. Some things, however, aren’t quite as dangerous as you may believe. Despite the hype of sensationalist media outlets, these 20 activities are, from a statistical standpoint, not nearly as treacherous as many believe them to be.

Taking the Elevator – Fear of enclosed spaces and a fundamental distrust of the mechanisms causes many people to forgo the elevator in favor of climbing the stairs, but the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimate that only 27 deaths occur each year in elevators. The majority of those deaths happen to the mechanics working on elevators. Meanwhile, an estimated 1,600 people will die each year as a result of falling down stairs.
Swimming in the Ocean – The Jaws franchise certainly instilled a fear of shark attacks in beach bums around the world, but the chances of being a victim of a shark attack is far lower than you may realize. The Ichthyology Department at the Florida Museum of Natural History places estimated annual death toll by shark at one each year. To put that into perspective, cows kill an average of 22 people per year.
Scuba Diving – Just as casual beach time isn’t likely to end in a shark attack, heading into deeper waters on a scuba diving outing is a bit safer than you may have been told. Fatality estimates hover around five per 100,000 divers, a third of which can be attributed to cardiac events while underwater.
Riding a Motorcycle – In 2001, only 74,000 of the 4.9 million motorcycles, or 1.5% of registered bikes in the United States, were involved in an accident. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics show that 5% of the passenger cars on the road were involved in accidents that year, showing that the odds of being involved in a motorcycle accident are significantly lower than a car crash.
Rollercoasters – Amusement park giants Six Flags commissioned a study regarding the safety of rollercoasters, concluding that visitors to their part have a one in 1.5 billion chance of being fatally injured on a rollercoaster. The study also found that injury rates for golf, folding lawn chairs and kids’ wagons were higher than those of amusement park rides.
Flu Shots – Despite the objections of those who prefer a more natural approach, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention insists that flu shots are safe for most people. From 1990 to 1999, the CDC estimates that 36,000 people died from flu-related complications, while the current mortality rate for flu vaccines is 0.2 per 100,000 people.
Rock Climbing – The Southeastern Climbing Coalition that approached officials at Signal Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee regarding a reversal of a rock climbing ban in the area cited that climbing injuries are so rare that the activity is actually, from a statistical standpoint, less dangerous than hiking.
Hiking – Despite what reality television and some news reports would have you believe, your chances of being mauled by a mountain lion or bear or bitten by a snake while hiking are quite low, according to figures quoted by eNature.com.
Whitewater Sports – Hurtling down the rapids in a canoe or kayak certainly induces an adrenaline rush and seems like an extremely high-risk activity. In fact, the American Whitewater Association’s safety figures show that a fatality rate of 2.9 per 100,000 participants is actually lower than the 15.2 fatality rate of driving a passenger vehicle.
Skiing – High-profile skiing accidents can make the sport seem very dangerous, but the National Ski Area Association figures regarding the fatality rate actually quote a .78 per 1 million skier/snowboarder visits.
Skateboarding – Hurtling through half-pipes looks dangerous, which is why so many people feel that skateboarding is a high-risk activity. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission has actually determined that the number of skateboarding injuries hovers around 8.9 per 1,000 participants. Basketball, a sport largely regarded as a safe sport, carries a 21.2 ER-treated injury per 1,000 players’ rate. Statistically, skateboarding is far safer than a game of basketball.
Owning a Pit Bull – Few dog breeds are treated with as much fear and regarded with as much contempt as the American Pit Bull. Dramatic spikes in fighting activity and irresponsible breeding for aggression has contributed to the image of viciousness, but you’re statistically more likely to drown in a five-gallon water bucket, die as a result of a falling coconut or drown in your bathtub than be killed by a Pit Bull, according to DontBullyMyBreed.org.
Skydiving – The United States Parachuting Association’s fatality rate figures show that approximately one in 100,000 jumps results in an accident. According to their research, a person would have to skydive 17 times in one year to bring their statistical risk of dying as a result of their hobby to the same level as their risk of dying in a car accident.
Traveling in Mexico – Border wars, drug cartels and infamous drinking water are all things that come to mind when most Americans consider a visit to Mexico. While the FBI estimates that 15,241 people were murdered in the United States in 2009, only 111 of the estimated 8 million visitors who happen to be American citizens were killed in Mexico that year.
Taking Birth Control Pills – Risk of blood clots, stroke and other health complications as a result of using hormonal birth control are well-publicized, the National Research Center for Women and Families asserts that oral contraceptive use is actually safer than pregnancy and childbirth for most women.
Going on a Cruise – With the tragedy of the Costa Concordia event and the scandal regarding the Carnival Triumph, taking a cruise may not seem like such a relaxing vacation after all. According to ABC News 20/20’s cruise report, however, taking a cruise is eight times safer than crossing the street in New York City.
Giving Birth at Home – A large 2011 study out of the United Kingdom published by the National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit showed that home births and midwife-attended births seemed to be as safe or safer for both mother and child than obstetrician-attended births.
Shopping Online – According to the Better Business Bureau, online shopping can be just as safe as buying from brick-and-mortar stores or mail-order retailers, despite alarming reports about identity theft.
Anesthesia – There’s something scary about going under the knife, especially when you know you’re going to be anesthetized. AnesthesiaWeb.org places the risk of dying as a result of general anesthesia alone at .01% to .0016%, though.
Not Owning a Gun – The Second Amendment protects an American’s right to bear arms, but it doesn’t guarantee his safety. In fact, the Journal of the American Medical Association has concluded that, “based on the evidence currently available, it appears that gun ownership is associated with a net increase in the risk of death for a typical individual.”

10 Kens Famous for Excelling at Unusual Things

December 1, 2015 by Kenney Myers

When you have a talent for the unusual, the world doesn’t often welcome you with open arms. There are times, however, when the brightest stars rise to the top and everyone takes notice. These talented individuals lead the way for others to express their gifts, and often make lasting contributions to society as a whole. When it comes to excelling at unusual things, these 10 Kens have the market cornered.

Ken Onion – You don’t often hear of someone who is famous for making knives – at least not since the days of the Samurai. However, Ken Onion holds such a distinction. The ex-marine designed the “SpeedSafe” assisted opening mechanism for Kershaw Knives, as well as a helicopter mechanism for the U.S. military. Ken continues to excel at knife design, and has placed Kershaw Knives at the top of the food chain in the industry.
Ken Davis – Motivational speakers usually go with a common thread: a success story and a proven determination to succeed in their chosen discipline. Ken Davis, on the other hand, decided to use comedy as his method of delivering inspiration. Through humor, Davis has become one of the most famous motivational speakers in recent decades. He regularly gives motivational seminars and works as a stand-up comedian.
Ken Harman – Very few people find success in opening art galleries. What’s more, even fewer people can lay claim to becoming famous for their galleries when they have no formal background in art. Ken Harmen found his forte in life quite by accident, yet he can now boast sell-out art shows, despite having never taken a single class even closely related to the craft.
Ken Edwards – This world record holder is no stranger to creepy crawlers. Ken Edwards earned his fame by chowing down on 36 live cockroaches, and earning a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. He also has a penchant for rats in his pants, with one of his unusual party tricks involving putting 47 of the furry critters down his trouser legs.
Kenneth Arnold – You can thank Kenneth Arnold for War of the Worlds, Independence Day and A.L.F. He is also credited with being the first person to cause worldwide interest in U.F.O’s. Arnold reported his sighting in June 24, 1947, close to Mount Rainier in Washington.
Ken Warby – Breaking the water speed record was a great achievement for Ken Warby. Donald Campbell, who died attempting the record, was Warby’s childhood hero. What’s unusual about the record breaker’s story is the name of one of the men who designed Campbell’s craft: Ken Norris. It’s almost as though being named “Ken” gives young men with a penchant for water speed an edge over the competition!
Justin “Ken Doll” Jedlica – For over half a decade, fans have wondered what it would be like to have a real life Ken and Barbie. Well, that wish was recently realized when real life Barbie and Ken got together for a photo-op. However, Justin “Ken Doll” Jedlica and Valeria “Barbie” Lukyanova didn’t exactly hit it off. Both models have had extensive plastic surgery, with Jedlica’s work reported as costing over $100,000.
Ken Webster – Blackpook pleasure beach is one of the most popular summer destinations in the U.K. Ken Webster has made a name for himself there as one of the premium hypnotists in the country. For over 25 years, Webster has used his unusual talent to entertain holiday makers with a show that combines comedy and hypnotism with a dash of pantomime.
Kenny Roberts – Yodeling is a rare and difficult talent. However, there was a time when country stars across America incorporated yodeling into their acts. One particular group of musicians were known as “yodeling cowboys,” and Kenny Roberts was one of the best among his peers. It was Roberts’ jumping and yodeling antics that made him a big draw with younger generations, though, and so his place as the greatest yodeling cowboy of all time was sealed.
Kenneth Locke Hale – The next time someone tells you to watch your language, think of Kenneth Locke Hale. His claim to fame is helping to prevent endangered words and languages from slipping into extinction. People who can master as many languages as Hale are known as polyglots, and it’s a talent that few can claim to have achieved. Some of the languages that Hale excelled in included English, Spanish, Tohono, O’odham, Navajo and Warlpiri. Hale also conducted extensive work on the structure of languages, providing a basis from which modern linguistics are taught.

How to Foster Good Sportsmanship in Your Kids

November 30, 2015 by Kenney Myers

Participation in group sports has a wide range of benefits for kids, from teaching them valuable teamwork skills to encouraging physical fitness and active play. However, organized sports can also bring out the worst in kids if they’re not taught the importance of good sportsmanship and why they should always work to be good sports. Fostering a sense of good sportsmanship starts at home, and isn’t the sole responsibility of coaches. These tips can help you create an environment in which sportsmanship reigns supreme and avoid potential problems with kids’ behavior later.

Start Early

As with many important behavioral lessons, helping kids understand and exhibit good sportsmanship is easier when you start early. Help little ones understand why they shouldn’t become angry or upset when they lose a game, and start talking about the importance of being a good sport long before kids start participating in team sports. The younger your child is when she starts learning these lessons, the easier it will be for her to retain them and behave accordingly.

Model Good Sportsmanship

It’s not easy to teach your child to be a good sport when he watches you berate officials, chastise his coach or complain bitterly about a loss. Your kids learn more about how to interact with and react to the world by observing your actions than anything else, so you must make an effort to model the qualities of good sportsmanship at all times. Even if you’re seething over what you perceive to be a bad call, don’t let on to your child that you’re angry. Witnessing your tirades after hearing a long speech on the virtues of sportsmanship not only sends a conflicting message to your child, but also calls your teachings into question when they don’t match up to your actions.

Emphasize Enjoyment and Effort Over Winning

If your kids learn that winning at all costs is the most important aspect of participating in team sports or playing a game from listening to you, they start to focus solely on winning and not on playing the game for enjoyment. When they believe that the only important thing is to win, they’re more likely to behave in unsportsmanlike ways or even to cheat in order to bring home a victory. Talk about how much fun your child has playing soccer after a game, not all the ways in which she could have won.

Discourage Gloating After a Win

Rubbing a victory in an opponent’s face is just as unsportsmanlike as throwing a temper tantrum after a loss. You should never encourage your child to gloat after a win, especially in front of the team she’s just beaten. Talk about accepting both defeat and a victory with grace, and look for talking points about the rudeness of gloating to drive your point home.

Understand That Heckling is Bullying

Too many sports parents believe that heckling is part of playing a game, encouraging that behavior in their children and perpetuating a cycle of bullying, both on and off the field. Help your child to understand that there is no difference between trash-talking and bullying, and make sure she understands that you won’t tolerate either. Heckling another team, either during the game or after, is a shining example of bad sportsmanship and bad behavior.

Encourage, Don’t Criticize

At the end of a game or after practice, it’s easy to point out your child’s mistakes and tell him what he could have done differently. While you may feel that you’re helping your child build his skills on the field, what you’re really doing is reinforcing the idea that winning is the most important part of playing a sport and that you value results over effort. Encourage your child to look for ways he can improve on his own, make a point of providing reassurance and avoid the urge to criticize even a bad performance.

Famous Martial Artists Named Ken

November 29, 2015 by Kenney Myers

In Japanese, the name “Ken” means “healthy and strong.” With a meaning like that, it’s no wonder that so many popular and successful martial artists have shared this very appropriate moniker. These are 10 of the most celebrated Kens in martial arts, each of which has their own unique claim to fame in the world of fighting.

Kenneth Edwards – A teacher of Chinese Martial Arts in Pasadena, California, Kenneth Edwards also appeared in the 1995 film adaptation of the hit fighting video game Mortal Kombat. He’s trained in many styles of martial arts, including Northern Praying Mantis and Tam Toi Moon. He’s also an active member of the Ying Jow Pai International Kung Fu Association.
Ken Stone – Though he began training in mixed martial arts in 2006 after wrestling on the collegiate level for Bridgewater State University, Ken Stone began his career in the world famous UFC professional division after a 2010 merger with World Extreme Cagefighting. He’s since participated in four UFC events, with two wins and two losses.
Ken Ogata – The star of many Japanese action films, including Shogun’s Shadow and Samurai Banners, Ken Ogata was a beloved figure of Japanese cinema. Sadly, he passed away at the age of 71. Before his death, he earned several nominations and two awards from the Japanese Academy Awards.
Ken Lo – A famous member of the Jackie Chan Stunt Team, Ken Lo is a martial artist, actor and stuntman. He’s also won seven freestyle fighting championships in Muay Thai and Taekwondo in Thailand, and is an escapee of the Khmer rouge in his native Cambodia.
Ken Knudson – The winner of more than 100 karate championships between 1967 and 1973, Ken Knudson was one of Chicago’s most famous and celebrated martial artists. He graced the cover of Black Belt Magazine in 1976, won a Martial Arts Pioneer Award and established competitive American standards before his death in 2006.
Kenny Florian – Though he now serves as a color commentator and analyst for the UFC, Kenny Florian began his career as a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai fighter in the organization. He’s also the only fighter in UFC history to compete in four different weight classes under the organization’s banner. He’s widely considered to be one of the all-time greatest fighters to never win a UFC championship.
Kenneth Tsang – A Shanghai-born actor whose martial arts prowess allowed him to star alongside stars like Chow Yun Fat and in the James Bond film Die Another Day, Kenneth Tsang is a veteran of classic Hong Kong kung fu films.
Ken Shamrock – As one of the greatest fighters in UFC history, Ken Shamrock is one fighter whose skill and fame helped to put the sport of mixed martial arts on the proverbial map. He’s been inducted into the UFC hall of fame, and is one of the organizations biggest stars to date.
Ken Masters – No list of famous martial artists would be complete without an honorable mention going to one of the legends of the video game world, Ken Masters. Half of the Ryu and Ken duo that helmed the staggeringly successful Street Fighter franchise, this character is no less famous for his fictional status. He’s one of Capcom’s biggest stars, and has appeared in comic books, cartoons and video games.
Ken Tran – Ken “Hitman” Tran is a mixed martial arts fighter out of Vancouver, Canada. His official professional record includes bouts against fighters like Marcus Aurelio, Rory MacDonald and Yoon Heo.

10 Kens Famous for Their Tattoo Art

November 27, 2015 by Kenney Myers

More and more people are jumping on the tattoo bandwagon it seems. Several of my friends have recently gotten their first ink and they are all in their 40’s. However, while tattoos may be increasingly common, talented tattoo artists certainly aren’t a dime a dozen. These ten have more in common than just their names; they’re also well respected tattooists who’ve made their mark on many a human canvas.

Ken Cameron – With more than twenty years of experience under his belt, Ken Cameron is one of the most popular flash designers in North America. His flash sheets hang in more than five thousand shops across the continent, meaning that people who have never even met Ken are wearing his designs. He does travel the convention circuit quite heavily, so keep an eye out for him at a stop near you.
Ken Broken – Ken Broken is the owner and primary artist at New York’s famed Fiction Tattoo shop, with more than a decade of experience inking skin. He specializes in realistic portraiture, black and gray work and custom designs with a futuristic flavor.
Ken Dean – Ken Dean, of Pino Bros. Ink in Cambridge, Massachusetts is a tattoo artist whose work adorns Ivy Leaguers and street punks alike. He’s been working within the industry since 1987, tattooing everyone from Avril Lavigne and Kelly Osbourne to Paul Bostaph of Slayer and Jerry Montano of Danzig. As one of the premier tattooists to the stars, this is one Ken whose canvases are as famous as his work.
Krooked Ken – When it comes to famous Kens in the tattoo game, you can’t miss the world famous Krooked Ken. Working since 1994 and specializing in traditional tattoos with bold color and heavy shading, Krooked Ken is one of the most popular artists in the Maryland area. Find him at Black Anchor Tattoo for a bit of permanent retro flair.
Ken Deft – Ken Deft is a tattooist at Orlando’s famous Black Chapel Tattoo Studio. Specializing in modern tattoos with bold, bright colors, Ken Deft is one of the the Orlando area’s most sought-after artists.
Kenny Buck – A Chicago native, Kenny Buck is a neo-traditional new school artist who specializes in bold lines an bright colors. His flash is wildly popular, which means that you may be familiar with his work even if you’ve never heard his name. An acclaimed tattooist since 2001, Kenny Buck is one of the most well-known artists in the Carpentersville, Illinois area.
Ken Hoffa – Not only a famous tattoo artist, Ken Hoffa is also an illustrator and painter whose work has been met with acclaim. His grasp of color application is impressive, but his work in portraiture is what sets him above other tattooists in his area.
Kenneth Bryan – The lead tattooist and owner of Intimate Body Art Studios in Pennsylvania, Kenneth Bryan is an award-winning artist who’s wildly popular on the tattoo convention circuit. His work has been featured in Tattoo Magazine, International Tattoo Art Magazine and Tabu.
Ken Jago – An international award winner, this Sault St. Marie tattooist has more than twenty-five years of experience who provides exceptional custom work for his clients. From cover-ups to brand new pieces, Ken Jago is an accomplished artist whose clientèle is comprised largely of dedicated regulars.
Ken Fisher – With a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art from Cornell College, Ken Fisher is one of Oregon’s leading tattooists. His work can be found in Tattoo Flash Magazine, Tattoo Savage Magazine, and Skin and Ink Magazine. His work is heavily influenced by classic design but retains elements of new school style, coming together to form a look that’s uniquely Ken Fisher’s.