Still a Mother . . .
Still a Mother . . . okay, martial artists, I got your attention. The clean cut folks out there are probably envisioning an article...
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...
Key mind sets and attitudes in advanced martial artists
What are some of the key mind sets and attitudes to be found in advanced martial artists?
"What you do speaks so loudly that I...
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...
Brother to Brother (or Sister)
Martial arts isn't one-size-fits-all—people train for different reasons. Realistic training means understanding and respecting those differences.
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...
Fighting For You Life
Let’s talk about fighting. I’m not talking about kumite. I’m not talking about MMA. I’m not even talking about self defense. I’m talking about...
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...
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...
Do or Jitsu?
You are a martial artist, I understand. Tell me, what do you study; a "Do" or a "Jitsu"?
Everyone who studies a martial discipline isn't...
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 Sensei
The relationship of a Sensei to the dojo is very difficult to define, as it encompasses many varying aspects of life. The Sensei must...
Lethal Weapon (The Deadliest Weapon in the Martial Arts)
In your training and preparation for battles don’t forget about developing your greatest weapon, your mental capabilities. Use your brain!
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 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,...
