What is Traditional Karate?
The title of this article is "What is Traditional Karate?" And that may seem like a strange question for a traditional karateka to ask!...
Don’t Overlook the Lowly Stick or Cane
Let me encourage you as you blaze your martial path to not overlook the lowly stick or cane. You’ll find that the stick or...
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...
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...
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...
Shan Monks in Exile: Seeking Basic Human Freedoms
The young Shan monk told me that the first time he came to Thailand he came illegally, to study Pali, the ancient Buddhist script....
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...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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....
1st Tang Soo Do Seoul Forum: Technology and Transparency in the Martial Arts
I was asked to speak at the World Moo Duk Kwan General Federation’s 1st Tang Soo Do Seoul Forum in Korea. I was invited...
