Martial Arts Myths
The martial arts myths that really irritate me the most revolve around fighting and self-defense, and students regularly ask me about these. I've listed...
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....
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 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...
The Truth About Martial Arts Training in Japan
The following observations are from the late Arthur Tansley, the noted martial arts photographer who lived in Tokyo for many years.
Note: Words like sensei...
Veterans Seeking Psychiatric Help
Here is an excellent question I received about a recent tip, saying that, "A suck it up and drive on" ethos has great survival...
Father’s Day Thoughts: What He Taught Me Paid Off
I want to share with you my Father's Day thoughts. My father, Donald Miskel, is crazy, but what he taught me paid off. Crazy...
How A Disaster Disarmed America, Or Was It Something Else?
There is no doubt that Mother Nature is a formidable opponent. Her beauty and her wrath can change on us in a moment’s notice...
Kumite: A Learning Experience
From Time to time, BLACK BELT learns of unusual events or occurrences in the martial arts; events that-either because of their nature or because...
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...
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...
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...
Tomoe Nage; Eastern Throw, Western Craze
Anyone who has ever seen an old west fistfight staged for a movie or TV series has probably seen a scene in which one...
Heartbreaking News: Max Pallen, Jr. Has Died
A Note From Jordan Pallen
On behalf of the Pallen Family, I would like to thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. My brother,...
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...
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...
