My Perspective

My Perspective shares the personal perspective of different martial  artists and others on martial thought, philosophy and more on USAdojo.com.

Donald Miskel

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...
Pekiti Tirsia Group Photo Camp 2006

Us vs Them Mentality in Martial Arts

When I started training in the Pekiti-Tirsia system in 1975, I was 14 years old. It very quickly became a major part of my...
Christianity and Martial Arts

Are Christianity and the Martial Arts Compatible

During almost 30 years of martial arts ministry, I have had the honor to use the martial arts to share the Gospel of Jesus...
Donald Miskel

Martial Arts Ramblings . . .

Thank you for listening to the martial arts rambling of an old man. I appreciate your patience. Like many my age my martial arts...
Alfred Sims Jr

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...
Donald Miskel

Brother to Brother (or Sister)

Greetings to my fellow Dragons and my martial art brethren. This is a letter to our fraternity but also to any and all that...
The Sensei - Tahoe Mountain Fitness

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...
Donald Miskel

Promote Peace: Harmony and Unity in the Martial Arts Community

Anyone who knows me knows that I promote peace, harmony and unity in the martial arts community. Since the martial arts became popular in...
Donald Miskel

Understanding the Roots of a Martial Arts System

Everything has to start somewhere. Everything that is to stand must have a foundation. Nothing exists in a vacuum. I’m real big on finding...
Donald Miskel

The Warrior: I Am A Martial Artist

The Warrior I am a martial artist Dedicated to my cause If confronted with aggression I will answer without pause Some people feel that I am dangerous That I am...
Thou shall not kill . . .

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...
Honor in Judo and Life

HONOR in Judo and in Life

Virtue is the fount whence honor springs. ~ Christopher Marlowe (1564-1593) A salient feature of the samurai’s code of conduct was honor. Usually regarded as...
Shan Monks

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....
Donald Miskel

The Black Dragon Fighting Society, Origin and Operations

The Black Dragon Fighting Society can be traced back through Chicago to Japan; From Japan to China; From China to Mongolia. The IFAA Black...
Always Benchmark

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...
Donald Miskel

Is There Life in the Martial Arts After Old Age?

I have been on this martial art journey for about sixty one years. Since I didn’t start at birth most of you would have...