Blog: Letting Go and Zen Archery
This year on retreat we did a few exercises designed to help our kung fu and tai chi students experience mushin, or a state of no-mind. One of these drills was something that we’ve never done before: zen archery. To
Blog: Stillness and Movement in Martial Arts
True power is stillness within motion. -Lao Tzu Think about getting on a surfboard. I haven’t been surfing before, but I know this is tough. When I was a kid I stood on a surfboard in a pool, and balancing was
Blog: Legends of T’ai Chi
The internal Chinese martial arts are steeped in mystery. The most widely practiced of these styles is Tai Chi (also known as Taiji or Tai Chi Chuan). Stories of the men who developed their family styles of Tai Chi have
Blog: Super Bowl Momentum Living in the Moment and Martial Arts
I’ve been a little surprised over the last few days when I ask my students at the dojo if they watched the Super Bowl. (They are also probably surprised to hear someone talk about football in a martial arts school).
Blog: Martial Arts Demonstration
Martial Arts Demonstration This Saturday morning we are having a Wushu demonstration. All of our students are invited, and all kids are especially encouraged to come. Demonstrations have been a part of martial arts for a very long time. First of all,
Blog: Action
Last week, the question of the week in the dojo was, “What is a quick decision you made that changed your life?” When I initially started thinking about this, I was trying to remember bad decisions I had made. There
Blog: Martial Arts Discipline
Martial Arts Discipline I have practiced martial arts every day for 16 years. It’s pretty much the only thing I’ve done every day besides eat, sleep, and meditate (I’ve probably skipped a few days of brushing my teeth and showering). When I
5th Self Defense Seminar
Best use of a clinch in a self defense situation. Standing arm bar knife defense Listening to Sifu at the end of the self defense seminar.
2016 Kids Grappling Tournament
2016 Kids grappling tournament participants Pulling the guard Passing the guard Scissor sweep and defense against full mount Position change Start to full mount
Blog: Patience, The First Way of Becoming Great at Martial Arts
Patience: The First Way of Becoming Great at Martial Arts From Budo Secrets by John Stevens: An ardent young man petitioned a master swordsman to accept him as a disciple. “I’ll act as your servant and train ceaselessly. How long will
