Martial Arts for Self-Defense
There are many wonderful reasons to practice martial arts. Learning self-defense, getting a great workout, learning mental and physical discipline, even doing something engaging and fun are all common things people tell me they are looking for when starting in
Blog: The Power of Choice Part 2
Choosing our Emotions Another one of my favorite sayings of Sifu Brown’s is Happiness is a choice. When some people hear this, they think to themselves, wait a minute—happiness is an emotion. So? We choose our emotions. In fact, we choose every
Blog: The Power of Choice Part 1
Choice A fundamental paradox in our experience of life is that of choice. First of all, does choice even exist? Though we all experience the ability to choose, true Free Will may be a myth. With the concept of causality, science
Blog 12: Enlightenment, Martial Arts and Death, Part 2
The Way of the Samurai: Die Daily The Way of the Samurai is found in death….If by setting one's heart right every morning and evening, one is able to live as though his body were already dead, he gains freedom in
Blog 12: Enlightenment, Martial Arts and Death, Part 1
Three Days More (from Zen Flesh, Zen Bones) Suiwo, the disciple of Hakuin, was a good teacher. During one summer seclusion period, a pupil came to him from a southern island of Japan. Suiwo gave him the problem: “Hear the sound
Blog 11: Martial Arts, Toothpaste, the Scientist and the Caveman, Part 2
The Scientist and the Caveman I first heard this idea from Sifu Donaue a few years ago and I loved it. In order to practice martial arts effectively and become great, you have to be part scientist and part caveman. Everybody
Blog 11: Martial Arts, Toothpaste, the Scientist and the Caveman, Part 1
Toothpaste Breathing I basically live at the dojo, so I have a toothbrush and toothpaste here. Otherwise my teeth would fall out. Also, I have great breath because I’m a great partner. The tube of toothpaste that I’m using right now is
Blog: Legends of Kung Fu, Part 2
Kung Fu and the Shaolin Monks Before Da Mo arrived, the monks at Shaolin Temple spent their days hunched over desks, translating texts and sutras. As a result, they were in dismal physical shape. Da Mo found the monks falling asleep
Blog: Legends of Kung Fu, Part 1
Legends of Kung Fu According to legend, Kung Fu was invented at Shaolin temple in China by an Indian monk named Bodhidharma (Da Mo), who also is the founder of Zen. This is his story: Bodhidharma was born the son of the
Blog: New Year’s Resolutions, Part 2
Break it down Rather than focusing on the end result (which can be overwhelming, especially if your goal is substantial), focus on the first step. If your goal is to write a book, begin with the outline, or the first chapter,