Eastern Martial Arts Study vs Western Religion
As a Christian and a martial artist, I am intimately familiar with the tension that exists between Eastern martial arts study and Western religion....
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...
Always Benchmark
It was one of the great takeaways from my MBA program. Whatever you’re setting out to do, don’t reinvent the wheel. Look at what...
Balance the Warrior and the Yogi: What is a Righteous Fight?
Perhaps you’re more enlightened than me. But in the event that this article can help you as it has me, I’d like to share...
Mens Rea: Be Mindful of Your Intent
I recently read the following quotation from Edmund Burke, Irish orator, philosopher, and politician (1729-1797): “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil...
British Jujutsu Pioneers
Possession of profound knowledge is of great value.
Katsu Kaishu (1823-1899)
While researching the history of martial arts, I am often impressed by the sustained dedication...
The Warrior: I Am A Martial Artist
The Warrior
I am a martial artist
Dedicated to my cause
If confronted with aggression
I will answer without pause
Some people feel that I am dangerous
That I am...
The Deadliest Man Alive (Getting Over Ourselves)
Personally I think I’m on the deadliest man alive list. My natural ability, my conditioning, my physical prowess and my superior training puts me...
Christians and the Martial Arts
Some have been called war mongers, mystics, heroes and some, just plain old bad dudes. Martial artists have gone by many names throughout the...
LOYALTY in Judo and in Life
Nothing is more noble, nothing more venerable, than loyalty.
Cicero (106 BC – 43 BC)
After having lived in Japan for some time, one comes to...
Martial Arts Mastery Resides in the Basics
It has been a lifelong endeavor for me to truly master the martial arts. I have dedicated nearly 55 years of my life to...
Chris Thomas Martial Arts Enters the 21st Century
Me, blogging! I can't believe I'm entering the 21st century. People who know me, know that I am notoriously lax in using that 1980's...
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...
Renshindo – Proficiency in a Contest
In this segment, I would like to speak some more on the principle of proficiency in a contest, (Renshindo). The primary goals of the...
Building on the Basics
The problem that I have with many of the martial arts that are being taught today, is that they are long on technique and...
A Practical Guide To Fighting Without Fighting
We oft hear the phrase "fighting without fighting" in movies and books. This conjures up ideas from the mystic to the manic. The fact...