Attack Life, Not Others

Get comfortable feeling uncomfortable. EMBRACE being uncomfortable — and find a way to make it comfortable Getting out of your comfort zone is the ONLY way to get more out of life, to be successful, or to possibly get out of a rut Contrary to what you might believe — happy, content, passionate, successful people are not always comfortable Becoming comfortable in your own skin and becoming stronger — is only achieved by forcing yourself to deal with uncomfortable situations “The moment will arrive when you are comfortable with who you are, and what you are — bald or old or fat or poor, successful or struggling — when you don't feel the need to apologize for anything or to deny anything. To be comfortable in your own skin is the beginning of strength.” — Charles Handy “A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there.” — Unknown “When we get too comfortable, we stop dreaming.” — Joyce Rachelle What uncomfortable situation was there where you stuck it out and it became comfortable? Comment

Our motto with Attack Life, Not Others is Mind, Body, Spirit — meaning one must be equally well-conditioned in all 3 of these areas in order to attack life and thrive. Mind and Body are both pretty straightforward, yet we often get asked about the Spirit. What is it? Does it have to do with religion. Can one have spiritual strength without being religious? In this very brief, yet profound episode, Sensei Hoover talks about: Find your faith — find your purpose — find your life We were never meant to be on this planet alone Simply be a good soul, do the right thing Believe in a Creator, believe in God “My religion consists of a humble admiration of the illimitable superior spirit who reveals himself in the slight details we are able to perceive with our frail and feeble mind.” ― Albert Einstein “We must become so alone, so utterly alone, that we withdraw into our innermost self. It is a way of bitter suffering. But then our solitude is overcome, we are no longer alone, for we find that our innermost s

Sensei Hoover and Steve Mittman talk about anticipation. Is anticipating something good, bad, or neither? Anticipation leads to preparedness. Preparedness allows one to handle a situation more effectively. It puts time on one's side. Time is the most valuable commodity anyone has. With more time we have more distance. With more distance there is greater security and safety. That equals a greater quality of life. As with everything discussed on Attack Life, Not Others — this applies to everything that everyone may encounter in their day-to-day activities. Anticipation = Preparedness = Time = Distance = Safety = Self-Preservation = Greater Quality of Life As Sensei Hoover says in this episode, "Anticipation is what we're supposed to do if the information is available," and also, "Keep your guard up against anything that's going to take your quality of life down." What do you anticipate that allows you to be better prepared? It could be something small or something major. Let us know by commenting below. And be

Sensei Hoover and Steve Mittman talk about Combat Chaos™ — the self-protection/self-defense curriculum Steve instructs at HKA. Then they get into the difference between sparring in a respectful, controlled, class environment and a real fight — where it can be pure chaos with all kinds of uncontrollable variables. While on the surface, this may seem strictly “martial arts talk” — remember practically everything discussed on this show can be carried over to everyday living. For instance, whether we’re talking a fight or a random day in our lives — chances are it will be chaotic. As Jimmy Mozz, a guest on an earlier episode said at 3:35 into it, “You can’t control other people. You are in control of one thing — your response." A lot of that has to do with strengthening one’s self-discipline, as we’ve also discussed before.

As we've discussed before, in addition to Hoover Karate Academy, Sensei Hoover owns and operates a private detective agency — Confidential Investigations, Inc. He shares a recent occurrence where the situation could have ended much differently. It's a perfect example of our CEE principle in action. You might not be a private investigator, but it's safe to say you could find many things in your day-to-day activities where CEE could improve your life, increase your efficiency and effectiveness, and even make you a better person. Like what you hear? Rate and review by clicking here, then “View in iTunes” and go to Ratings and Reviews

"Never forget where you came from — but don't let that stop you from where you're going." Hear a story that was told to Sensei Hoover by one of his instructors decades ago. You'll see how profound it is and why it has stuck with him all these years. Sensei Hoover also talks about some memories from one of his belt tests as he was ranking up to eventually become a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. If for no other reason, listen to hear how moisture from a toilet played a part in getting him through the test! Like what you hear? Rate and review by clicking here, then “View in iTunes” and go to Ratings and Reviews

A couple guests — Frank and Jim — share a story and how they've learned to deal with altercations that have the potential to escalate. Like what you hear? Rate and review by clicking here, then “View in iTunes” and go to Ratings and Reviews

Here is the final part in our series about the law and self-protection. Sensei Hoover continues the discussion with Judge Steinberg, as they go into more specifics with the castle doctrine, also known as a castle law. In the midst of this very serious topic there's a rather funny story thrown in as well; we think you'll enjoy it. If you missed Part 1 of the conversation with Judge Steinberg, make sure to check it out. And you'll also want to listen to the first part of this series where we set the stage for this entire discussion by revealing CEE — Commit, Execute, and Evaluate. Like what you hear? Rate and review by clicking here, then “View in iTunes” and go to Ratings and Reviews

Our discussion about self-protection and the law continues in this episode, part 2 in a series of 3. Last week we set the stage, and now Judge Steinberg of Lehigh County, PA joins us. Self-defense is defined as the right to prevent suffering force or violence through the use of a sufficient level of counteracting force or violence. This definition seems pretty straightforward, however, very rarely is that the case when applied to actual situations. You'll learn exactly what constitutes a sufficient level of force or violence when defending oneself, and what would be considered force beyond that level. What if the victim provoked or instigated the attack? Is one required by law to retreat from a violent situation if possible? What happens when someone perceives a threat even if the threat doesn’t actually exist? And what if someone's perception of an attack is subjectively genuine, but objectively unjustified? As you'll hear, we recorded this interview several years ago, yet hadn't aired it yet. After all this

We reveal CEE — Commit, Execute, and Evaluate. CEE is another principle Sensei Hoover has developed as a reminder how to go about handling anything that is valued. Obviously, defending one's life is of great importance and value — so is getting that job, improving that relationship, making more money, and getting healthier. These are just a few examples of things we value. Although just because we value something, that doesn't mean we have the tools necessary to see it through. Understanding and implementing CEE will help you achieve your goal(s). We also set the stage for the next 2 weeks when we will have the Honorable Robert L Steinberg on the show. Hear how the state of Pennsylvania looks at our right to self-protection. In the next 2 episodes Judge Steinberg will go into further detail on the castle doctrine, also known as the castle law, which in PA (and certain other states) provides protections and immunities in a person's home and vehicle permitting, in certain circumstances, the use of force (up to

The best defense when being attacked, is going on the offense as quickly as possible. That could mean going on the offense with violence greater than the attacker's, or actively and purposefully removing yourself from the situation. Either way, you are taking charge of the situation at hand. Sensei Hoover and Steve Mittman discuss ring generalship in boxing — the ability of a boxer to dictate the pace, style, and tactics of a bout. The definition of ring generalship includes: having the ability to quickly grasp and take advantage of every opportunity offered the capacity to cope with all kinds of situations which may arise to foresee and neutralize an opponent’s method of attack Once again, these principles can be applied to everyday life — not just martial arts or fighting. And they are further examples of what is meant when we say Attack Life, Not Others! Like what you hear? Rate and review by clicking here, then “View in iTunes” and go to Ratings and Reviews

As you know by now, martial arts are the foundation of this podcast. But we take the principles, concepts, and philosophies and try to make them relatable to everyday life and everyone — even non-martial artists. Once again, that is what Sensei Hoover does in this episode as he discusses 3 fundamentals of his style with Steve Mittman. Those 3 principles that can be applied to most of our daily lives are: Brake = Stance Steer = Redirect Accelerate = Attack (if need be) Like what you hear? Rate and review by clicking here, then “View in iTunes” and go to Ratings and Reviews

Hear about the two different "worlds" Sensei Hoover is involved in, and how even though they are opposites, they feed off each other to coexist and create balance. His martial arts schools are positive and they build character. They're a celebration of success. His private detective agency can be negative. It deals with the dark side, and often is needed to patch wounds in society. This is a perfect example of the duality of yin and yang. Like what you hear? Rate and review by clicking here, then “View in iTunes” and go to Ratings and Reviews

Last episode Sensei Hoover and Steve Mittman talked about texting and how we need more face-to-face interaction to become aware of ourselves, along with picking up on nonverbal communication. This episode we talk about verbal communication. Say what you mean, and mean what you say. Sometimes by saying things slightly different, the meaning changes. Sensei Hoover points that out with an example of the 6 Selfs — Self-Discipline, Self-Respect, Self-Control, Self-Confidence, Self-Defense, and Self-Awareness. Like what you hear? Rate and review by clicking here, then “View in iTunes” and go to Ratings and Reviews

As technology continues to progress, we have more ways than ever before to communicate with others. However, we think most would agree we are actually more out of touch than ever before. Not only are we out of touch with others — not knowing there true intentions, wishes, needs, even personalities — but we are also growing more out of touch with ourselves. How can one begin to know others when they don't even know him or herself? We feel you get to know others by knowing yourself. And much of how you get to know yourself is through your personal interactions with others. When training in the martial arts, we tap into our training partners' rhythms, energies, and cadences. Not only do we supply, but we also receive more data through multiple senses with eye contact, physical contact, body language, etc. This carries over to the outside world where we are better prepared to communicate with others. Whether it's good, bad, or ugly — we're better equipped to handle the interaction. With text, email, and social m

After recording last week's episode, we got to talking with Brian Billig more about fundamentals, and how important they are. Fundamentals played a crucial part in his football coaching. He still focuses on the basics in everything — from parenting, to relationships, to his career, and more. Mastering the basics will serve you well in the martial arts, and life in general. "Success is neither magical nor mysterious. Success is the natural consequence of consistently applying the basic fundamentals." - Jim Rohn "Can I jump over two or three guys like I used to? No. Am I as fast as I used to be? No, but I still have the fundamentals and smarts. That's what enables me to still be a dominant player. As a kid growing up, I never skipped steps. I always worked on fundamentals because I know athleticism is fleeting." - Kobe Bryant Like what you hear? Rate and review by clicking here, then “View in iTunes” and go to Ratings and Reviews

Senseis Aurora Brunovsky and 11-year-old Brian Billig (who recently earned his black belt) along with Brian's dad join us on this episode. We discuss how baseline experimentation can be used in all aspects of life to always improve. You'll also hear about Aurora's upcoming fundraiser — The Give Back Softball Tournament Like what you hear? Rate and review by clicking here, then “View in iTunes” and go to Ratings and Reviews

The day this episode was recorded, it happened to be "What You Think Grows Upon You Day." Sensei Hoover and Steve Mittman talk about focusing thoughts and manifesting things into existence. This, in fact, is how the Journey Field at HKA came about. Life is a journey. Enjoy the journey. The journey field represents that. It's important to control your thoughts, because whatever you focus on — good or bad — you'll start seeing more of in your life. However, thinking about something alone doesn't necessarily bring it into being. Combine it with taking action, and that's a powerful combo. For instance, focusing on restored health isn’t necessarily going to make all illnesses go away. But focusing on health and making healthy choices may allow for healing and health to occur. Certainly the opposite is also true. Focusing on pain, will reinforce the strength of that pain. You will notice more the impact of that pain. You will focus on the unfairness of that pain. Again, the goal is always to focus our energy and th

At HKA there is what we call the 6 “Selfs” — the most important one being Self-Discipline. Without self-discipline none of the other selfs are possible. Often self-discipline comes down to having an argument with yourself, not others. Fight the voices inside, so you don't have conflict on the outside. Like what you hear? Rate and review by clicking here, then “View in iTunes” and go to Ratings and Reviews

The Ready Stance and Relaxed Position are some of the first things one learns when training in the martial arts. Additionally, while other elements of training constantly evolve with the times, these positions have remained unchanged. As simple as these positions are, their value should not be underestimated. Not just in the martial arts but with life in general, it's so important to "be on" when necessary. In other words, to be focused, prepared, primed, and ready for action — no matter what that looks like. Conversely, in this increasingly hectic and chaotic modern world, it has become all the more difficult to handle stress. Imagine being able to truly relax when you're trying to relax — and not being preoccupied or focused on a single thing. That's a wonderful thing when you can do it. Like what you hear? Rate and review by clicking here, then “View in iTunes” and go to Ratings and Reviews