Knowledge, Faith, Benevolence, Courage and Severity
In Tae Kwon Do, there are five tenets. These are guiding principles. They are Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control and Indomitable Spirit. In my school...
Loyalty to the Nation
“I shall have loyalty to the Nation, Sir!”
It is how every martial arts class begins, when you train in Tae Kwon Do. We do...
The Effectiveness of Taiji in Combat
In my previous articles, Earning a Black Belt and The Sparring Dilemma, I discussed how mastery of the martial arts involves learning how to...
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...
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...
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...
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...
INSTRUCTION in Judo and in Life
'Nothing under Heaven is more important than education. The teaching of one virtuous person can influence many. What has been well learned by one...
Martial Arts Training is a Practice in Balance
Training became a practice in balance, as I learned not just the techniques of martial arts but also how to live.
Martial arts training tests...
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...
Strength and Power in The Martial Arts
Before I get into this discussion, let me define several words (and principles) that I will be trying to expound on.
Strength: Physical power. (Muscle...
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...
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...
The Spiritual Aspects of the Martial Arts
Spiritual Aspects of Martial Arts Are Coming Out of the Closet
The martial arts are often misunderstood by John Q. Public. Terms like karate, jujutsu,...
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...
A Kaleidoscope of Movement and Feeling
Alan Sims performing the form from Chen Xin's book.
The late Bruce Lee was and still is admired by many for his martial arts ability...
