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...
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...
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...
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!...
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...
Thou shall not kill . . .
You have heard the commandment, "Thou shall not kill." With few exceptions, however, most major modern translations, and all Jewish translations of the original...
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...
A Tribute to My Brother – Alfred Sims Jr.
I, Alan Sims, am writing this as a tribute to my late brother Alfred Sims Jr., known affectionately as "Toby" to friends and acquaintances.
Our...
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...
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....
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...
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....
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...
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...
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...
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...
