“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.

“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.

Think Outside the Box: Inspired by Albert Einstein's wisdom, we explore the idea that we cannot solve problems with the same thinking that created them.

This is especially relevant in martial arts, where many practitioners cling to traditional methods.

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.

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.