Donald Miskel's Perspective

Donald Miskel shares his perspective on marital arts and more in his articles on USAdojo.com.

Donald Miskel

The Difference Between a ‘Do’ and a ‘Jitsu’

Not very original and bordering on plagiarism but that’s me in spades. I’m a bad mutha (shut your mouth!) but I’m talking about Donn...
Donald Miskel

Renshi, Shihan, Hanshi (Oh My)

There are teachers, sensei and masters out there in every shape size and variety. They teach some of anything and everything an aspiring martial...
Donald Miskel

Why Not to Fight

I’m a minister and a pastor. I’m not supposed to advocate violence, yet I teach combat. I have on occasion taught the rare self...
Donald Miskel

Realistic and Practical Martial Art

If a system is a practical martial art, it must be lean, simple and incorporate natural movement. Complex techniques are nice for demonstration but...
Donald Miskel

Ushi Deshi: Students of the Heart

In my fifty five plus years of studying, researching and teaching the martial arts I have had only a few personal, closed door students....
Donald Miskel

White Belt Karate for The Black Belt Fighter

White belt karate perfected to black belt level is karate at its efficient best. Let’s get back to real karate. Leave the esoteric stuff...
Donald Miskel

Training In The Nojo

I learned what I know of focus, form and function in the dojo, but I learned to fight in the streets; in the nojo. No,...
Donald Miskel

Western Bushido: A Christian Warrior

Some concepts don’t seem to go together. This phrase is an oxymoron at first glance. Bushido is a principle, a philosophy, peculiar to feudal...
Donald Miskel

Zen And Makiwara Training

When I was training we spent a lot of time in conditioning the weapons. We worked on the makiwara training for hours, often until...
Donald Miskel

Kung Fu of the Mind: The Mental Aspects of the Martial Arts

In our last discussion, I spoke on the subject of Spirit Boxing. In this article, I would like to discuss Kung Fu of the...
Donald Miskel

Being a Grandmaster isn’t so Grand

Those of us that are still somewhat active at this age know that being a Grandmaster isn’t so grand. A lot of age and...
Donald Miskel

Facing the Challenge of Self

In this journey there are many roads that we walk at different junctures of our lives. If nothing else, we learn that in this...
Donald Miskel

Disagreeing Is Only Human

My brothers and friends, please let this old man take a moment of your time and intrude into your day to day doings. Any police...
Donald Miskel

The Black Dragon Fighting Society Has Come of Age

I absolutely adore children. Next to women I think that children are one of God’s best inventions. Infants, babies, toddlers and children; I love...
Cane Master Canes

Don’t Overlook the Lowly Stick or Cane

Let me encourage you as you blaze your martial path to not overlook the lowly stick or cane. You’ll find that the stick or...