Knowledge and Judgement in the Martial Arts
Knowledge and judgment comes from experience. Experience comes from good or bad judgment regarding life situations, which leads to evolution over time. That’s how...
The Tao in Jujitsu
What is the Tao?
Master Okazaki wrote in his Esoteric Principles "...To perfect one's character one must be grateful for the abundant blessings of Heaven,...
Taijiquan Memories
These are my taijiquan memories from 2003, when I took my first, and probably best, trip to San Francisco. I was able to afford...
Martial Arts Lineage
When any two serious martial arts enthusiasts meet, the conversation will inevitably turn to martial arts lineage, and to these questions: Who do you...
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...
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...
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...
Forging the Sword – Body Mind Spirit
We are triune in our being. We are body mind spirit. The wise martial artist will be holistic in his approach, considering his whole...
Martial Thought
Thought is not uniquely human, but it is unique in the level of thinking power that mankind possesses. Man is a reflective and thinking...
Draw Him A Cat
A rich man, fond of felines, asked a famous Zen ink painter to draw him a cat. The master agreed and asked the man...
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...
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...
Perfect Practice Makes Perfect
There are certain names that are associated with the development and promotion of the martial arts, names such as Sosai Masutatsu Oyama, Kyokushin karate;...
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...
Accepting Funakoshi’s Challenge
My favorite Gichin Funakoshi quote is: “Everything you encounter is an aspect of karate: find the marvelous truth there.”
By Thomas A. Newnam ~ Did...
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....
