This thought crept into my head this morning. Fear: why is it so debilitating? Why does it hold us back? We let it stop us from doing so many things. Unfortunately fear comes from our basic, primal instincts which makes it very powerful and hard to ignore. Why does fear exist? Perhaps if we can understand […]
Fear: Why does it hold us back? Read More »
Why do women have to be right? It’s a matter of life or death. End of blog. That would be too simple. I have had a thought for some time that was shared with the Dojo. When discussed, there is the approving look which indicates my thought could be correct. Many suggest our behavior, thinking
Why do women have to be right? Read More »
What is Self-Defense: the defense of one’s person or interests, especially through the use of physical force, which is permitted in certain cases as an answer to a charge of violent crime. Self-Defense is a topic that should be covered in every MMA, Krav Maga, Jujitsu or Martial Arts class. It isn’t because most places focus on sport, “fighting” or looking like
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I’ve met some great people in the realm of Karate. A lot of those people are the amazing women I train with. I have my own reasons for studying Karate as I’m sure everyone does. Some of those reasons transcend gender and are equally beneficial regardless of gender. Things like development of character, promotion of
Top 10 Reasons All Women Should Study Karate Read More »
Let’s start with the context of the question: visitors considering joining the Dojo. Many of them have martial arts experience and would like to know if that experience, reflected as rank and/or belt color, can be transferred. A simple yes or no is not a sufficient answer. How about an analogy? Think about a heart
FAQ: Can I Keep My Current Rank? Read More »
Research is never a straight line; my experience with AP Research showed me just how winding the path toward progress can be. It all began one fateful day during a conversation with my father. I remarked that it feels as if people are actively opposing fights for equality. This baffled me, I couldn’t understand why
A Journey of Research Read More »
I’m not doing karate for a black belt. Wait, what? Okay, okay, yes, I want to advance. Yes, I want to improve and become more skilled in my art. Yes, I want to learn. But I’m not doing karate for a black belt. I’m in my third year of karate, and what I’m discovering is
Pride in the Journey Read More »
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 »
I see a six. You see a nine. We are looking at the same figure. A lot of our opinions depend on our frame of reference. Over the past few years I have had the pleasant opportunity to be both a teacher and a student. As a martial artist, I am having the time of my
Frame of Reference Read More »
Everybody loves to say they “think outside the box.” Yeah, cool, but here’s the thing—they always forget you need to build a box to begin with. Trust me, after 15 years of getting punched and kicked (and, okay, doing some of the punching and kicking) in karate, you realize real quick: before you get creative,
Find the obvious. This has been my mode of operation for some time now. At one time I was hesitant with doing so. Someone would have difficulty with a technique. To me it was “obvious” they were stepping with the wrong foot or using the wrong part of their arm. I would let them struggle
This statement moved me the first time I heard it. Until recently I had forgotten where that line came from. Good old YouTube to the rescue!! (One of the rare times I can say that without being sarcastic) Jordan B. Peterson was being interviewed by John Stossel??? Here is the short video: You Learn to
To be Good Requires Strength Read More »