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...
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...
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...
Sand Fu: Building Without the Proper Foundation
Yeah, I know. I can almost hear you complaining, “Sand fu, here he goes again with those ridiculous titles”. If you’ll be kind enough...
Martial Arts Effectiveness
It is my belief that the martial art has to be tailored to reflect the need of the times we live in. The one...
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...
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...
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....
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!
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.
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...
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...
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...
Training In The Nojo
I learned what I know of focus, form and function in the dojo, but I learned to fight in the streets; in the nojo.
No,...
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...
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...
