Rachael 2010 Nationals

One of the biggest goals I had for myself when I joined the team was to get back to a healthy weight.  I have lost 30lbs since January and am now fitting into clothes I haven’t worn since college.  Being slimmer has helped my speed and endurance in the ring.  In these last two fights at Nationals, I also was able to get in several kicks to the head on taller girls, something that we’ve worked very hard on in practice.  Additionally, I feel like things have finally begun to slow down in the ring.  Being mostly an endurance athlete, I have had a hard time adjusting to the frenzy of 1 or 1:30 minute rounds and getting the most out of every second.  In my fights here at Nationals I felt the most control over seeing the fights unfold and the strategy behind each particular match.  Finally, the hours of training and practice leading up to Nationals have taught me about focus, intensity, setting goals, and pushing towards something you decide is worth accomplishing.  There will always be new fights and new goals, so I now look forward to the journey ahead.

I am thankful for all the hard work my coach and teammates have put into these last several months and am proud of everyone’s successes here at Nationals.  This is an amazing group of ladies and they make spending long hours in the gym just a little easier.  Thank you to everyone at Trinity who has helped us along the way, many of you encouraging us on our most tired days.  We return with medals, stories, camaraderie, and even a few seashells.

It’s been a busy week here in Florida, and after Nathan’s big day tomorrow, we look forward to getting home and back to all the things we’ve been neglecting during the last few weeks of training… maybe getting a few extra hours of sleep as well.  But the one thing we quickly learned about this group of ladies is that we don’t sit still for long and coach has a hard time keeping us out of the gym.  We look forward to seeing all our friends back in at the gym very soon!

Learning how to bring an attacker down to size!

You’ve studied for a test, a presentation at work or trained for a sporting event.

When it was time to act, your preparation gave you the confidence in your ability to perform under the pressure,
but, what about in a self-defense situation?

What would happen if today, after work, you were approached by someone as you walked to your car?

What would you do if someone stopped you at your doorstep and pushed you into your house?

What would happen if at a stop light, you find yourself sitting next to a carjacker who just got in the unlocked passenger side of your car?

What would you do?

Are you prepared for these and many other situations you could find yourself in at anytime?

We successfully completed another 5 week course last Wednesday June 24,2009. This was the third course this year.
Normally we only have three per year.

Why did we decide to add another one to the schedule?

Because women are calling in and wanting to take action NOW!!

We hear from government officials, crime is under control, but is it really?

While police say crime is under control, Ga. Tech students are being held at gun point and robbed in their houses, women are being attacked in their apartment complexes and people can’t even walk to local attractions (Centennial Olympic park) without being held up and robbed.

So, what can you do about it?

What steps can you take to make sure you and your family is protected?

Don’t leave your safety and the safety of those around you to anyone else.

Take responsibility for yourself!

These women are prepared!

Feel empowered,

Build self-confidence,

And learn real techniques that can save your life if you have to fight back!

Check this out!

http://www.cbsatlanta.com/video/19879037/index.html

AJC article pic.

Last night was the first of our 5 week self-defense program. I’m really excited about this group. Everyone is extremely into the course and has a specific purpose for being here.

We usually don’t have an AYP? course this close to summer. With vacations and summertime fun, many people can’t find the “commitment level” necessary to complete the entire program.

I felt it was necessary to have another course, due to the overwhelming increase in crime in the Atlanta area.

Although this group is smaller than our normal class, they will definitely get their share of hands on training with the instructors.

I’ll keep you posted on their progress throughout the next 5 weeks.