Donald Miskel

The Rank Side of Rank in Martial Arts

In my very long involvement in the martial arts I have seen many trends come and go. Some were beneficial some less so. Even...
Bow Before Sparring

The Traditionism of Budo: Character in the Martial Arts

What behavioral attitude should we want our students to adopt? How do we expect them to conduct themselves at home, in their schools or at work?
Donald Miskel

Martial Arts Honesty and Integrity

With all of that being said I will admonish the up and coming masters and those claiming such rank to exercise honesty and integrity. On...
Masters

No Martial Arts Masters Here, Just Ordinary Men

A Buddhist friend showed me a video featuring some Tibetan yogis. These were people whom she greatly admired (some were her teachers). She saw...
Byron Mantack

Accountability in the Martial Arts

I submitted this article because there has been a disturbance in the force and I feel this is being caused by a lack of...
Brett Denison

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...
Resolution Group International and Judo

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...
Martial Arts Titles and Rank

Dangers of Self Proclaimed Masters

Besides the potential harm expected from training with self proclaimed masters is that these individuals may be dangerous if their reality is challenged... "Learn secret...
Mike Sullenger

Rank in Martial Arts

This past June (2011) I traveled back to Germany with my family after being absent for 23 years. The occasion of our last visit...
Christine Baeza

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...
Byron Mantack

Martial Arts Instructor Accountability

We all expect martial arts instructor accountability,  but have you noticed that, more often than not, allegations of misconduct, inappropriate sexual behavior, and improper...
Donald Miskel

Fade to White: Rank and Position in Martial Arts

You might recognize the title of this article as a play on an old theatrical phrase. After the end of a scene or at...
Donald Miskel

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...
Ronnie Colwell

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...
Kenshiro Abbe Sensei and Jigoro Kano Sensei

Origins of the Colored Belt System, My Thoughts

The most popular theory of the origins of the coloured belt system is that it was originated by the father of Judo himself `...
Donald Miskel

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...