Soke and Smokie
As with many, I have watched the proliferation of Smokies …. I mean Soke, and my thoughts drift back to my first encounter with...
Transparency in Martial Arts
Recently something was brought to my attention that concerns me. The claims of several very recognizable martial artists are being put to question. Apparently...
Martial Arts Frauds Exposed
Fraudulent activity in the martial arts industry has previously been countered by unprofessional mud slinging and frustration from those trying to stop them. Unfortunately,...
What Does a Black Belt Mean
A black belt is a piece of dyed white cotton, but we attribute many characteristics with the attainment of this object. Martial arts training...
The History of the Belt Grading and Ranking in Martial Arts
Grading and ranking in martial arts varies from skill to skill and from style to style although for all of them it defines the...
Chinese Wushu Duanwei Grading System
Introduction to the Chinese Wushu Duanwei Grading System
The Chinese Wushu Duanwei System is a hierarchical system which the Chinese Wushu Association formulated to evaluate...
Women in the Martial Arts
No matter what belt women have around their waist, or what title they hold, they will always be women.
This is a powerful statement that might...
What It Takes To Be A Martial Arts Master
When I was a 3rd degree black belt living in Korea as a member of the Korean Tigers Professional Demonstration Team, I asked what...
Earning A Black Belt
When earning a Black Belt is the ultimate goal, training often focuses solely on learning technique which can lead to a variety of unintended...
America’s Obsession with Martial Arts Titles
A few months ago, I attended a martial arts convention where there were large number of well-known practitioners of all styles, as well as...
Weeding Out the Weeds: Fake Martial Artists
Oh really? One man’s weed is another man’s cuisine. Take the lowly dandelion. Weed? Flower? Pest or foodstuff? Dandelions are used for food in...
Master of the Universe: Ranks in Martial Arts
By Trevor Streets ~ It is an unfortunate aspect in the modern approach to martial systems that we seem to be obsessed with titles and...
Difference Between a Fighter and a Warrior
Today we face a new era in the Martial Arts with very disturbing trends in MMA circles — modern 'gladiators' calling for the taste...
Resolution Group International Training and Judo: Self Development for the Martial Artist
I attended the very first Resolution Group International conflict resolution course back in September 2010. Being the first group to be trained in the...
What Is Judo Rank in the Martial Arts?
Kano no doubt realized, when he popularized the kyu-dan rank system, that it is perfectly natural for humans to seek reward for their exertions....
To Wash Or Not To Wash Your Belt
True or false? The darker the belt, the more training and experience you had. If you washed your belt, your knowledge and spirit would be...