You can cut the air with a knife because of the “tension” in the room. Everyone was working hard. Lessons being learned and absorbed. The “tention” was great.No, that was not a misspelling. An idea was being batted about as we discussed excess tension. We are trying to get away from the word “relax”. That […]
So much “tension” in the room Read More »
Alright it’s not a blog but I’ve finally put together my reading list for koryu folks, or folks just interested in the koryu take on martial arts. What is koryu? In general, Koryu literally means “old flow” and is used in Japanese to refer to old styles, schools, or traditions (not necessarily only in the martial
Koryu Reading Lists Read More »
The following comes from my vendor Tozando. As I don’t have a link to directly refer folks to the following thoughts on “polish”, I still want to give full credit to them. Yes, I wish they had a direct link to a blog so more could enjoy and learn from the thoughts they share. Thoughts
Ahhh…. The coveted Black Belt. Everyone says they want one. But few are willing to put in the work to earn one. Advancing in rank is a step by step process. One should come in the door the first day ready to make many small steps. It takes time. There is no magic. A question
KSKD Rank Advancement Read More »
The following information was copied from a news letter from Tozando , the martial arts equipment supplier in Japan. The Face of the Japanese Sword was sent in an email to me on August 23, 2024. I was unable to find a direct link to the article, so others could find it for themselves. The
The Face of the Japanese Sword Read More »
As I find articles of interest, I will add them to our blog posts for others to see. When the blog is not my own, I always include a link to the original article. This will allow the reader to see further information provided by the original source. Be careful. These Rabbit Holes can getcha!
Caring for Wooden Weapons Read More »
In Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, Socrates tells Glaukon about an imagined scenario by way of illustrating his argument. In this scenario there are imagined people who are born, raised and who die in a cave. They are made to watch what amounts to a shadow-play on the back wall of the cave. They are
Shadows and Light, Kata and Combat Read More »
Some new students or parents ask how long it will take to learn karate and be a black belt. This blog is for those who see the black belt as just any other degree, certificate or achievement stepping stone. Karate is more. Karate is a way of life. A life where you get to know
A Way of Life – Karate Read More »
Power of a Beginner? How can that be? They are a beginner afterall and don’t know anything. However, The Beginner’s Mind is such a wonderful thing! It is the first of the Five Minds – Shoshin. Everyone is in such a hurry to “master” techniques or any particular subject. They seldom take the time to
Power of Being A Beginner Read More »
I started training martial arts in 1979, but this past Saturday, July 29th, 2023 at the Bluegrass Games was only the third tournament I’ve competed in. My first art was Tang Soo Do, a Korean kicking-heavy style that I trained in for about 2 1/2 years, but I never competed for reasons I’ll explain later.
Don’t Stop – Tournament Musings Read More »