Traditional Battles Effectiveness
Traditional Martial Arts Versus Reality Fighting
Back in the 1970s when I began kickboxing, I had to explain to people what that sport was. They...
Seeking Improvement in Life and Martial Arts
Last night in our advanced class I told a story about Coach John Wooden. John Wooden was voted the greatest coach in the history...
Mind, Body, and Spirit in the Martial Arts
It's impossible to completely separate the elements of mind, body, and spirit because we as human beings need the mix of the three to...
Giri: Rising to the Occasion
There are a number of Japanese words that have found their way into the American vernacular through the martial arts. One of the concepts...
Reflections On Martial Arts Studies
Introduction
While talking with two of my newest students a few years ago, I discussed with them various experiences I’d had throughout my years in...
Understanding the Roots of a Martial Arts System
Everything has to start somewhere. Everything that is to stand must have a foundation. Nothing exists in a vacuum. I’m real big on finding...
Is There Life in the Martial Arts After Old Age?
I have been on this martial art journey for about sixty one years. Since I didn’t start at birth most of you would have...
The Mission of Kodokan Judo: Maximum Efficiency
By D. Risei Kano - The Mission of Kodokan Judo - The spiritual aspect of judo is rarely discussed in daily conversation among judo students....
Leaders
To lead people, walk behind them. Lao Tzu
To maintain order in the smooth and efficient functioning of civilized society, it is preferable for one...
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...
No Holds Barred: MMA Versus Traditional Martial Arts
Everyone is talking about MMA versus traditional martial arts and the effects that MMA is having on martial arts schools around the world. Here...
ETIQUETTE in Judo and in Life
‘Civility costs nothing, and buys everything.’ Mary Wortley Montagu (1689－1762)
In boyhood my grandfather once asked me what I wished to be when I grew...
Knowledge and Judgement in the Martial Arts
Knowledge and judgment comes from experience. Experience comes from good or bad judgment regarding life situations, which leads to evolution over time. That’s how...
Mastery in the Martial Arts
Lately events have led me to reflect on the nature of mastery and what it means.
Life can be a humbling experience. I’ve been finding...
Stay Resolute, Calm and Confident Against Your Adversary
It has been my experience in life that, with a few notable exceptions, whenever a bully is confronted with a resolute calm, confident adversary,...
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...