My Perspective

My Perspective shares the personal perspective of different martial  artists and others on martial thought, philosophy and more on USAdojo.com.

Traditional Battles Effectiveness: Traditional Martial Arts Versus Reality Fighting

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...
Bob White sharing virtues of the Pyramid of Success

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

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...
Donald Miskel

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...
Michael Sullenger

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...
Donald Miskel

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...
Donald Miskel

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...
Judo: Maximum Efficiency

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....
To lead people, walk behind them. Lao Tzu

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...
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...
Donald Miskel

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...
Montagu Quote

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

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

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

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,...
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...