(Approx 2 minute 10 second read) Let’s start the New Year by addressing (again) something that so many people seem to get wrong, especially on social media. . The increasing use of the word ‘Osu’ (or ‘Oss’, or a million other incarnations) has become strangely common. It’s often used as a catch-all greeting or acknowledgment. […]
Respecting Cultural Context: ‘Osu’: It Isn’t Always Appropriate. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute read) A comment on my recent article where I was pushed into the road while out for a run read: “Well written but your first mistake was not crossing the road in anticipation, but sometimes in life our senses do not tell us.” . It’s a valid observation, but it highlights an
The Road Ahead: The Choices We Make in the Moment. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 35 second read) What does personal protection mean today? Let’s face it, it often has little to do with what happens in most martial arts classes. . If you’re thinking about self-protection and you’ve got no choice but to fight, you need to act. Take control, dominate the attacker, and get out.
The Road Home: Staying Safe, One Step at a Time. Read More »
(Approx 1 minute 45 second read) The beginning of a New Year is a time when many set resolutions and goals, hoping to start strong and make meaningful changes. Yet, so often, these aspirations fall by the wayside. Why? Life gets in the way, and for many, the mental resilience to push through challenges hasn’t
Where Commitment Finds a Home: Dedication. Read More »
The journey in the martial arts, like life, is not just about physical techniques. It’s about the personal growth that comes with the process. When you commit to the path, you’re committing to becoming a better person, day by day, year by year. . It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the demands of others or
The Martial Arts Are Like a Mirror: They Reflect Your Strengths and your Weaknesses. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 40 second read) There comes a point in time, after many years of hard work, teaching, and dedicated training, when instructors begin to entertain the idea of going it alone. It’s a natural progression in any art or profession. After decades of practice and immersion, the question arises: What’s next? . What
The Crossroads of Independence: Breaking Free and Knowing When It’s Time to Go Alone. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute read) Can you remember starting a martial arts class as a beginner? I can, even though it was way back in 1974. . If you’ve never experienced any form of martial art or physical fighting activity, it can feel overwhelming – like stepping into an entirely new world. Starting out can be
The Beginning of Transformation: The Path Ahead Starts Here. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 10 second read) In 1908, Anko Itosu wrote a letter called the “Ten Precepts (Tode Jukun) of Karate” to draw the attention of Japan’s Ministry of Education and Ministry of War toward karate. . One particular point in Itosu’s fourth precept stands out: the importance of the makiwara. “In karate, training of
(Approx 2 minute 10 second read) Someone commented on one of my articles: “So many words for a simple answer”. When did reading take a step backward for so many people? . I understand that times have changed. Many people today seem to prioritize instant gratification – no waiting, no reading, just give it to
(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) Yue Fei, a legendary general from the Song Dynasty, is a figure whose legacy resonates across cultures and martial traditions. . Though Yue Fei lived in 12th-century China, his story symbolizes universal martial virtues. He is remembered for his loyalty, discipline, and moral integrity – principles echoed throughout the
Echoes of Loyalty: The Honor and Discipline of Yue Fei. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) For most people, kata is a solo performance, mostly there to pass a grade. For a practitioner with limited experience, this is an important stage of practice. If you can’t perform the movements efficiently without an opponent, you’ll have no chance of making them work against an aggressive one.
Kata: More Than a Theatrical Performance – A Record of Practical Combat. Read More »
(Approx 1 minute 55 second read) At some point in our lives, we’ve all held grudges. It’s a natural reaction when someone wrongs or frustrates us. But as martial artists, we are taught to rise above our emotions, to channel them constructively rather than letting them control us. Yet, grudges and resentment can creep in,
The True Opponent: Ourselves – The Silent, and Sometimes Not-So-Silent, Enemy. Read More »
