October 31, 2008
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!
Just a quick update since I know it's been a while. Earlier this month I hurt my right leg training and had to miss the Diamonds as a result of my injury. The good news is I am recovering and feeling a lot better then I was when I hurt it.
KICKgen is hosting a photo contest for anyone interested in being a part of the 2009 KICKgen Rising Stars Calendar. It is FREE to join the site. I have recently begun working with the KICKgen team to help make the site a great community for Martial Artists of all styles. We have a lot of projects in the works so if you miss out on the photo contest join the site anyway there will be another contest soon to come.
That's about it for now...Check out the KICKgen site if you haven't already and keep checking back here for updates. Until next time...
Lauren
August 21, 2008
It's been a crazy couple of weeks and its still not quite over yet. After the Battle of Atlanta it was up to Washington DC for the Capitol Classics. As always Master Brown and his staff put on a great event and despite severely missing some specific friends it was still good times.
Last weekend I headed out to Camp Woodward. Woodward is an extreme sports camp for sports such as Skate, BMX, Gymnastics, Cheer and what looks to be added for next year, Martial Arts. It was an amazing experience and the camp itself is totally awesome. The group and I did some really fun things and a lot of first time stuff for me. I went rock climbing, and did a ropes course. We also rode on the go-karts. It was a lot of fun and the area is so remote its so peaceful being away from everything. I can't wait till next year and I really think the group they are putting together will be something special.
Tomorrow I head out again for hopefully the last time for a while. I never know sometimes last minute things come up but as of right now this should be it for a good amount of time. I will be at Jamie Webster's school in Decatur Alabama and then I come home to start school Monday. I'm excited about this weekend as well as school picking back up. These last few weeks have been fun traveling but it will be good to get back to some kind of regimented schedule. Packing and unpacking has become very easy these last four weeks.
To everyone who has started or will start school good luck this year. Until next time...
Lauren
August 4, 2008
Hey everyone. I'm back from Atlanta. The Battle was exciting especially since some of our Premier team got to meet some more Premier school students. Master Garza from League City Texas and some of his students made their way to the tournament. It was great to see him and his students and introduce them to the some of the members of the Premier Team. I also made the front of this year's Battle of Atlanta t-shirt, which was a big honor for me. I was quite excited about making the front of the shirt.
I learned a lot from the weekend and with only a few days to prepare for the Capitol Classics I hope training over the next couple of days goes well. After DC I will be in Philadelphia for the Ultimate Martial Arts Camp hosted by Camp Woodward, then on to Huntsville Alabama. School starts back up right after that and before you know it I'm sure the tournament season will be over.
For those of my fellow competitors who missed the Battle, you were greatly missed. I hope and know I will to see you guys’ back up and running full speed in the near future. As a good friend once reminded me, in the words of Yoda, "Train yourself to let go...of everything you fear to lose". Until next time...
Lauren
July 23, 2008
WOW! It's July already. I've been super busy, but that is a good thing. So much has happened since the last update. I will do my best to keep this one brief. Things are great and chaotic at the same time. Check out all the updates on the site. I've updated the pictures, links, and calendar.
Since my last post I have also become the coach of the Premier Martial Arts National Karate Team. We have been doing amazing this year on the tournament circuit. As a coach I am extremely proud of the members and I couldn't ask for anything more from any of them. You can meet the members and get to know them a little better by checking out our Myspace page. You can also watch the members in action on
YOUTUBE.
This coming weekend is my last weekend home for a month. I am going to do my best to enjoy every minute.... preparing for the battle of Atlanta. No VACATIONING for me. Then it's back to school come the end of August. BUSY BUSY BUSY but I wouldn't have it any other way. Until next time...
Lauren
March 5, 2008
Wow what a weekend. This past weekend was the Compete Nationals and the start of the NASKA tournament season. It was good to get back out there and compete. Overall I felt the weekend went well despite having a lot of work still ahead of me. Right now my focus is Austria and getting ready for the Triathlon in six weeks.
I would also like to give a big congratulations to my students Kyle Montagna, Ricky Morris, Jackson Ruddolph and Becca Ross. The boys and Becca also did extremely well this past weekend. It was good to see everyone's hardwork pay off. Ricky and Kyle both won their creative weapons divisions and made it to the grands. Ricky had made it to this point once before but for Kyle this was a first for the record books. Both of them looked awesome. Ricky won his grand and made it to stage for his first Overall Grand Championship performance.
For the next six weeks things will be extremely crazy and very very regimented. Between traveling and training it should be very "interesting".!? I hope everyone has a great Easter/Passover/Spring Break. Until next time...
Lauren
February 25, 2008
It feels good to be back. It has been forever since I've updated. I've been so busy with so many different things it will be hard to get all of the information into one post but I will do my best.
December:
A team of my students, their parents and myself embarked on a challenge. The group of us decided to go into 2008 better then we left 2007. So to prepare for such, each individual set some goals for themselves that they felt were necessary to start off 2008 as a better person. Everyone did a great job and the challenge was certainly uplifting and exciting to see. The challenge started the Monday after Thanksgiving and was complimented well with our first weekend into the challenge some of us running a Holiday 5K. Everyone did extremely well. I've posted some pictures from the 5K race for everyone to see. The five weeks were intense and filled with all kinds of great support from our group. It was great to get the parents involved in this challenge and a lot of them seemed very appreciative of the group helping them to reach their goals.
January:
Started off with my birthday and a quick visit to Atlanta. I'm now officially 23 and feel it everyday when I get up (Joking- Sort of). I had a great trip and came home to getting right back into the swing of things. Started training really hard in a boot camp only to realize my December training in addition to the boot camp resulted in some torn fibers in my calf muscle. So 2008 really didn't start off so great. On a positive note a great friend of mine ran the Disney Marathon. She was my basketball coach back in Middle school and we've stayed friends ever since. A group of the girls from the team went up to support her and watch as she ran her first marathon. What an amazing experience it was just watching. Long story short- the group agreed we would run the Half Marathon in 2009 together. So for those of you who are interested in what's up and what's going on January 10, 2009 I'll be in Disney running my first Half Marathon.
February:
For those of you who do not know, my good friend and long time mentor Casey Nash is expecting her first child. So it seemed only fitting to start off the month with not only a super bowl party but also a trip to Canada to spend time with the expecting parents. Everything there is great and she looked amazing. It was great seeing her and spending time up there (especially in the 3 feet of snow). For those of you who are Northerners us Floridians well we get strange when we see snow. Needless to say their dog and I had a blast in the snow.
This month starts a very busy next few months. This coming weekend is the Compete Nationals in California... from here on out until May things are just completely crazy. I have updated my Calendar, which is subject to change, but so far March and April are just ridiculous.
Ooo I almost forgot. This semester I have embarked on many first time experiences. I am officially in my first semester of Graduate school. I was enrolled as a graduate student last semester however, not all of my classes were graduate level classes. This semester I am taking three classes and all are graduate courses. Quite a bit of work I might add, a lot more then I had thought it would be but I'm learning a lot and enjoying my experience.
I've also in addition to my half marathon adventures decided to run in a Paul Mitchell sponsored Triathlon. I had run one a little over a year ago and loved every minute of it. I especially loved the training and being outdoors. After I broke my finger, just before the race, I got a little side tracked in my training but I've made my way back to the sport and I've signed up for my next race. This race distance is slightly longer then my first race. I'm hoping to do well and represent Paul Mitchell well.
I think that's about it. I know it's been a long time since I updated. There are a lot of updates on the way. I'm still getting the hang of my school schedule, training schedule and seminar schedule. So bare with me. Hope everyone had a great holiday season and you are off to a great 2008 thus far. I look forward to seeing everyone at this year's tournament events as well as the various other events we have planned and scheduled. Keep checking back for updates and such. Until next time...
Lauren
November 23, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I hope everyone had a good one. I spent much of Thanksgiving and the day afterwards getting myself in order for the holiday season. My first semester in Graduate school is slowly but surely coming to an end (Thank goodness). I must say that initially it was not at all what I had expected or wanted but it is, I think, proving to be the right choice for me right now. I am currently in the process of research for a Road/Tri bike for next season's races. I took the 2007 season off because of my schedule and finger training for multiple things was a lot harder then I thought it would have been. But in 2008 I look to hit the training as well as competitive Triathlon circuit down here in South Florida hard. I've added a few new LINKS that I've recently become huge fans on in the site's section. So go and check those out. Some are Martial Arts related some are not.
With the holidays just around the corner I have added the VHS' back to the ONLINE STORE as well as some other Holiday Blow out specials. The VHS videos are limited and the sale will go until Midnight December 24. International shipping is available. If you have any questions please feel free to e-mail me.
I am setting up my travel schedule for 2008. My school schedule will allow me to do a lot more traveling next semester so I am going to take full advantage of this. I will have my tournament schedule posted in the coming weeks, most likely just after Finals.
Have a great holiday season. Enjoy the new links, the updated online store and all the updates to come during the holiday season and into the New Year.
Lauren
September 5, 2007
It’s been a crazy couple of weeks and its about to get even more insane. One of my students’ Dads has proposed a challenge to prepare for the Diamond Nationals… Essentially it’s all or nothing for the next five and half weeks to prepare for the Diamonds. It looks to be a good bonding experience and training experience, as the parents are encouraged to participate with their children. Day two of training was today and so far feeling good.
If you missed the video sale of the VHS’s of my Rock Solid series its never too late. I still have some left and will be periodically placing them up for sale during the next few months. However, if you did miss the VHS sale the DVD’s are still very much available. I am working on some other merchandise for the Holiday season. We are hoping to get this project done around Thanksgiving if not sooner. As soon as they are done I will have them posted in the store available for purchase.
I will be in Massachusetts next week for a seminar at Paul McCoy’s Action Martial Arts in Auburn and KC Godin’s Premier Martial Arts in Haverhill. I am setting up privates at both locations prior to the scheduled class times. If anyone is interested please e-mail me before Wednesday September 12, 2007. I have a lot of seminars coming up in the next two months. Trying to stay busy training and between tournaments even with school very much in session. Check out my updated CALENDAR to see where I will be going and when.
I added all the pictures from my travels to Old Quebec City and while hanging out with my instructor Master Greg Silva in Mesa, Arizona. I tried to take pictures this time on my trips. Not much of a picture taker on a normal basis but I’m getting a bit better. Lots and lots of updates all at once but still plenty of work to be done and lots of updating left to do. Keep checking back as we progressively get everything up and working. Hope everyone had a great/safe Labor Day.
Lauren
August 23, 2007
Back in school, this time around for my Masters in Business Administration. I took the summer off, did a few seminars and a few tournaments but mostly R&R and I, for lack of a better term, did not enjoy it at all. My mind works so much better when I have things to do, places to go, people to see and above all a schedule I have to abide by on a daily basis. So to say the least I'm potentially one of the few students who couldn't wait to go back to school.
I have been playing with some more videos and quite a few pictures from a few of the trips I took this summer. I will have them loaded by the end of the weekend if not sooner so keep checking back. Some of the pictures I took turned out totally amazing and are from various places I've traveled so far this year.
Although school has started I'm trying to keep up with my training and traveling schedule. I have a lot of things planned for September so check out the calendar in the next few updates, as I will be updating my calendar as well. Also, I am setting up privates for next weekend while at the Capitol Classics. I'm excited for the tournament and seeing some old faces.
If you have not taken advantage of the VHS sale you have one week left. This will be the last week they will be on sale for purchase. After Labor Day they will no longer be available on the site. I have some other really cool merchandise that I am working on and hope to have up very soon. So keep checking back for all sorts of updates and if you have yet to go back to school yet, then enjoy what's left of your summer. Otherwise, see you in DC.
Lauren
July 12, 2007
I’ve added a video to the videos page from the World Series of Martial Arts. This video is courtesy of No Gravity and is of the Weapons run offs. There are a few other videos that I have yet to capture from additional tournaments this year that I am working on. I am taking my GMAT’s for graduate school next Thursday and trying to get back into the swing of training for the race in October until the test is over it has taken some of my spare time.
The Battle of Atlanta is in three weeks; aside from getting myself ready I am trying to juggle a couple other projects that will also be happening that weekend. Look forward to seeing everyone in a few weeks.
Lauren
I’ve also added some pictures from my weekend in Orlando. I am a huge Simpson’s Fan. There have been a few seven eleven’s around the country that have turned into Kwik E Mart’s to promote the movie. Have fun looking at my fun filled day at the Kwik E Mart and make sure you go see the Simpson’s Movie…opening July 27, 2007.
July 10, 2007
Summer is just about half way over. This past weekend was the US Open, which essentially means here comes part two of the tournament season. From this point forward is the time to train for the Diamonds and start playing with new ideas to implement for next year.
I have once again decided to compete in the Triathlon in October. I am training this year to beat last years time and score among the top 3 in my category. After that I have set a new goal of competing in January in the Miami ING half marathon. I’m not much of a runner but eventually I would like to compete in the Ford Iron Man and then in Hawaii in one of the most prestigious Iron Man’s. I really like the concept of racing against the clock instead of being judged by someone else. That isn’t to say that I don’t like when people tell it how they see it… but racing against a clock is so objective there really is no grey area. Racing and training last year gave me such a sense of pride and something to strive for that people, including myself, didn’t think would be possible but it was awesome to finish and I’m really excited to get back into it.
As for this year’s US Open… it was incredibly big and very well run. I met some great people from Australia and hope to attend their event in October of 2008. I have a great deal of refining to do over the next few weeks to get ready for the Battle of Atlanta. There will be a whole new set of people to compete against there and no one can be sure what kinds of obstacles and challenges may arise before, during or afterwards. Although I did not win the ISKA weapons title this year it was great to be on stage with the men. It’s been a huge challenge as a female especially in a male dominant sport to stick with the guys and I’d like to think in being able to make it on stage although not coming out on top just being there made some kind of a statement. I did however, win the Women’s Forms ISKA title as well as Overall Forms Grand championship. It was truly an indescribable feeling to be able to defend the title for a second year in a row. Mindy Kelly and I once again went head to head. She’s always been a great competitor and truly a motivator to get me going when I get lost so it was good to be on stage with her going at it again for a second year in a row.
Otherwise, all is well. Resting up from the weekend and then heading out to the Battle of Atlanta in a few weeks. I am going out a bit early and staying for a little while after to do Seminars and Privates. I am really looking forward to it. Afterwards it’s off to Arizona for a few more Seminars, maybe some R&R, and some intense training in the blistering sun and heat of Arizona.
Lastly, before I go… I just want to remind everyone that the VHS tapes are on sale ONLY through the summer. Once summer is gone as are the VHS specials. Supplies are limited so if you are interested check out the store to order your copy of Volumes 1-4 today. Hope everyone is having a great summer and staying safe. Keep checking back for all kinds of new updates.
Lauren
July 2, 2007
SUMMER BLOW OUT SALE!
For the rest of the summer I am selling my Rock Solid Series on VHS for $15. This is at a considerable discount from the DVD and has the exact same material. If you are interested in purchasing the videos hurry and buy them soon while supplies last.
I am also currently working on a couple of new upgrades for my calendar and a few new pages. I have some important school stuff coming up and the US Open is this weekend so I’ve been rather busy getting ready for the US Open and slowly but surely getting my school things for the fall completed. If you are coming to the US Open I look forward to seeing you there. Please keep checking back as I am trying to get these calendar changes as well as the additional pages available for viewing before the US Open. Hope everyone is having a great summer.
Lauren
June 7, 2007
It’s been a really long time since I’ve updated. I know I’ve promised and promised again but life just keeps getting in the way. Go figure. Who would have known becoming an adult would get in the way of so many other things. This spring was crazy besides tournaments and everything martial arts wise going on I also graduated from College.
On May 4, 2007 I graduated from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Education in Exercise Science and Health Promotion. I decided a few weeks before graduation that I would return to school in the fall for my masters in Business Administration. So I’m taking the summer completely off before going back to school. Unofficially, I’ve been off for four days (today being the fourth day) and I’m going out of my mind. I like to stay busy so as of today I’m once again starting my triathlon training for a race either in September or the race I ran in October last year. I will also be competing next January (quite a ways away) in my first half marathon. I saw a good friend of mine complete the Miami ING half marathon this past year in January and was so inspired I told her I would do it with her in 2008, so one more thing to start working on. The goal is to run the Ford Iron Man in Tampa somewhere in the next year or two. It generally takes about 18 months to prepare for a full on triathlon, but I think I’m up for the challenge.
Although I say I’m taking the summer off that really is not what I’ve had in mind nor is it what has been happening up until this point. Since graduation minus about a week I’ve been home a total of 50 hours. I have been on the road and hope to get back out there in July and August doing seminars, demonstrations, and performances. I just recently was out in Philadelphia doing a performance with Action Karate at the Philadelphia Soul game. I had a great time and it was a different experience for me. I’ve done Miami Heat demos and things of that nature but never had I done a performance at an indoor football game. It was awesome getting to see something different and I got to meet John Bon Jovi part owner of the Philadelphia Soul.
I’m home for a few days then it’s off to Orlando instead of Kentucky for the United Professionals National Convention. After that it’s two solid weeks of training and preparing for the US OPEN.
I have finally gotten my STORE store up and all of my current Rock Solid Century videos are available. I’m working on various different products to also put up in the store as well as some renovations on the actual site. I have a few additional videos that I am putting up from recent tournaments and I’m working hard to take more photos when I go away to include those on the pictures page. A lot is going to be changing with the site so please check back frequently and enjoy the renovations and the updates. Let me know what you think of the changes on the site. Hope everyone has a great summer and keep checking back for updates.
Lauren
December 7, 2006
Hey everyone! I have one more final exam on Monday (December 11th) and then I am done with school for a month. This is the final stretch. In May of 2007 I am expecting to graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Exercise Science from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. I'm quite excited.
This spring to round out the last of my studies I will be doing an internship within the field. I'm quite excited about my adventures in the spring. I am still waiting on a few things to finalize where I will be doing my internship but I will post any and all information as soon as possible.
Hope all is well with everyone. I have posted some of the dates for the events I will be attending next year. This is really just a rough/first draft. There are still a few tournaments that have not posted dates for their events next year and seminars that have not been firmed up as of yet. But hopefully next year will keep me really busy and constantly on the go.
I am also planning on doing more triathlons next year. I've decided that my first event for next years season will be March 25 at a local park called CB SMITH. I'm quite excited to get back into a training regime again. I've been somewhat out of the loop with my finger injury and having to suspend any and all physical activity that may cause vibrations to go into the finger or sweat to get into the pinhole sites. Which reminds me I will be posting pictures of what my finger looked like Pre-During and Post surgery sometime in the next week, so that everyone can get a better idea what the last six weeks have been like.
Thank you for your continued support and visiting the site. I am looking forward to 2007 and the opportunities it has to bring. Keep checking back for more information and updates. Now that school is over (for a little while) I will be updating much more often.
Lauren
November 24, 2006
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! I got my online store up and running (finally). I now currently have six Bo titles and two forms titles. The four new titles (two bo and the forms) are not currently available through my online store or via century. As soon as they are available As soon as I can I will make them available to you through LAURENKEARNEY.COM. I have posted a few old time videos of myself on YOUTUBE.com. Click here to see some of the videos I have posted on YOUTUBE.
School is almost over for me. I have two more weeks and then I will be done with all but one test. I'm quite excited. Back in October at the Diamond Nationals I broke my finger (as I found out later) fighting Diamond Ring winner Sue Lomasney. I had to have surgery to fix the broken finger, which has forced me to slow down somewhat. I'm waiting on the four pins they had to put into the bone to keep it aligned to come out before posting before and after pictures.
Once school is over I am hoping to have a little more time to play with a lot of old footage I have from over the years and work on a new sampler from PAST to PRESENT. Keep checking back for more video and photo updates as well as some other things in the works. Thanks for your continued support and have a great Holiday Season.
Lauren
October 26, 2006
Please let me know what you think of the site and its slow and steady progression. Until after the race when I post my results... Have a great rest of the week and weekend. Continue to check back for all kinds of video and photo updates as well as the final production of my online store.
Lauren
I've updated my links just a bit as well as my calendar. There are quite a few really good places on the internet to go to get really good demonstration music so I've included one of the many DJ's who is very well known for customizing music for NASKA Competitors. There are CD's available for purchase as well as if you are interested in customized individual mixes.
Otherwise, things have been very slow in getting this site updated. I was on the verge of finishing all my videos and updating the video section as well as adding to some of the effects of the site when my personal computer became infected with quite the virus. Thankfully my dad spent many long weeks, and countless hours trying to save as much as possible without infecting more disk space or just blowing everything away. I think we've got everything now and so with school over and the summer very much just beginning the site should be continuously updated within the coming weeks. Be on the look out for videos, samplers, pictures, links, etc.
The Battle of Atlanta is in three weeks and then it will be off to Canada for some R&R. Hope everyone is enjoying their summer and training hard. Till the next update be sure to stay tuned.
Lauren
I unfortunately will not be in Boston this weekend however, I will be away from home. Good Luck to those who are attending the New England Open, wish I could be there but hopefully next year. My next event will be the Bluegrass Nationals, June 9 and 10th in Louisville, KY.
After taking a few days off from the hectic school schedule I had last semester and before starting the summer semester I've been doing my best to fill the summer up with as many things as possible. Taking on some new challenges that came to me from out of the blue and with the coming months new personal endeavors will certainly be in store. The video section will be done very soon. I have mapped out all the video footage I plan on putting up just trying to get the best possible quality up. That's about all for now. Hope everyone is training hard and enjoying the beginning of the summer.
Lauren
