Donald Miskel

Christian Martial Arts, Rank and Promotion

What I do want to discuss is the difference in rank and promotion between a Christian martial arts organization and a secular one. The...
Donald Miskel

Martial Arts Ramblings . . .

Thank you for listening to the martial arts rambling of an old man. I appreciate your patience. Like many my age my martial arts...
Donald Miskel

You give your opponent an idea what to expect.

I tried some iron palm training back in the day with my praying mantis (kung fu) instructor at the time. He didn’t go in...
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

Becoming A Man

Becoming a man doesn’t happen by accident. It isn’t by coincidence or happenstance. It is a choice and it requires constant conscious effort. It...
Donald Miskel

Pit Bull Kung Fu

Many systems of kung fu were developed by mimicking various animals. maybe I should create a style of American kung fu. Maybe I’ll call...
Donald Miskel

Teaching Beginners . . .

I had almost forgotten the joy of taking the uninitiated and educating them in the way of the warrior from the very beginning.
Still a Mother . . .

Still a Mother . . .

Still a Mother . . . okay, martial artists, I got your attention. The clean cut folks out there are probably envisioning an article...
Donald Miskel

Dishonor in the Martial Arts

Most of you who read this know who I am and you know my reputation. You may not all like me or agree with...
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

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

Sand Fu: Building Without the Proper Foundation

Yeah, I know. I can almost hear you complaining, “Sand fu, here he goes again with those ridiculous titles”. If you’ll be kind enough...
Donald Miskel

Martial Art Snobbery

Our nation was built out of protest of class and cast systems. One class being better than another and such similar ideas. We are...
Donald Miskel

Keyboard Kumite: The Act of Cyber Bullying

These days I am seeing a new type of bully. They're called cyber bullies. I consider them bullies of the first magnitude. Over the...
Donald Miskel

Spirit Boxing

The line between a journeyman or practitioner and a master practitioner is a fine one. As one advances into the dan ranks he'll begin...
Donald Miskel

The Martial Arts Police

Who made certain of us the martial arts police is a mystery to me, but some of us seem to have assumed that position. I...