Someone Ahead, Someone Behind

Some thoughts on fathers, belief, and becoming.

Sep 5 • Troy Simmonds

1

2

August 2026

My Grandmother's Hands

On settled bodies, nervous systems, and the leadership task hiding in plain sight.

Aug 22 • Troy Simmonds

1

2

The Drop

Marcus could not find the power in his swing. All arm, shoulders first. What happened when I took him off the bat and put the pads on

Aug 8 • Troy Simmonds

4

July 2026

Rough Edges

I found two lines in an old notebook from 2014. I thought maturity meant filing the rough edges down. I was wrong about the edges.

Jul 25 • Troy Simmonds

4

1

The Form

A conversation in the dojo with a thirteen-year-old about a school library, phones at the table, and why he practices kata.

Jul 11 • Troy Simmonds

1

June 2026

The Weight

A boy who has returned from a school camp describes the hill where the weight got lighter. Not because it weighed less, but because something in him…

Jun 27 • Troy Simmonds

2

3

The Size of a Life

On grief, gratitude, and what it means to honour your own life when you have stood next to larger ones.

Jun 17 • Troy Simmonds

7

4

2

The Table

A young man who grew up in the program invites seven boys to dinner on Thursday. He gives them jobs, asks two questions, and lets the room shift.

Jun 13 • Troy Simmonds

8

May 2026

The Circle

A conversation in the dojo with a nineteen year old about circles, squares, and the things you approach but never quite reach.

May 30 • Troy Simmonds

6

1