Always Benchmark
It was one of the great takeaways from my MBA program. Whatever you’re setting out to do, don’t reinvent the wheel. Look at what...
Transition
Eventually I’ll make my own transition. I pray that the life I've lived and the legacy I leave behind will pave the way for...
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...
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...
Thoughts From A Martial Arts Journalist
I consider myself a martial arts journalist and I take my job very seriously. For me, the job of a journalist in the martial...
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...
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...
Martial Arts Training is a Practice in Balance
Training became a practice in balance, as I learned not just the techniques of martial arts but also how to live.
Martial arts training tests...
Becoming A Man
Becoming a man doesn’t happen by accident. It isn’t by coincidence or happenstance. It is a choice and it requires constant conscious effort. It...
Christians and the Martial Arts
Some have been called war mongers, mystics, heroes and some, just plain old bad dudes. Martial artists have gone by many names throughout the...
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...
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...
Pit Bull Kung Fu
Many systems of kung fu were developed by mimicking various animals. maybe I should create a style of American kung fu. Maybe I’ll call...
Being a Grandmaster isn’t so Grand
Those of us that are still somewhat active at this age know that being a Grandmaster isn’t so grand. A lot of age and...
Twenty-First Century Martial Arts
I’m a firm believer of growth and evolution. I’m not talking about the Darwinian concept of evolution but the evolution of growth and change...
