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
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
Blog: Martial Arts Philosophy, Kung Fu and Zen
Martial Arts Philosophy The legendary founder of Kung Fu is also the man credited with the invent of Zen (Ch’an) Buddhism. Bodhidharma was said to have traveled to China from India and began teaching the monks at Shaolin temple in the
Blog: Aikido Part 2
The instructor demonstrated an Aikido technique with very little explanation (none of which I understood), and we went to work. My first partner was also my favorite partner that I practiced with all week. He was an older man who
Blog: Aikido Part 1
When I left Michigan to come to open a martial arts school in Los Angeles five years ago, I knew I’d be busy. It might be a long time until I could travel for an extended period. So, I decided to
