Blog: Masters of Martial Arts: Chojun Miyagi
When your temper rises, lower your fists - when your fists rise, lower your temper. - Chojun Miyagi Most of us remember with fondness the character of Mr. Miyagi played by Pat Morita in the Karate Kid movies from the 80’s. Most
Blog: Martial Arts after 50
Wednesday was Katherine Macey’s 50th birthday. This came as a surprise to me because, as I told her, I wouldn’t have been surprised to hear she was turning 40. This is partly because martial arts keeps us physically healthy and
Blog: Kindness through Martial Arts and Meditation
When I asked Ms Macey what I should talk about for last Thursday’s meditation talk, she said “kindness”. She said lately she’s been asking herself every day how she can be more kind. I found this funny because Ms Macey
Blog: Undying Spirit of Martial Arts
If you come into the dojo over the next few weeks, you’ll get to see two of my favorite people, Doug and Stephanie. Many of our adult students have had the privilege of practicing with them when they visit, especially on
Blog: Trapped in the Matrix
When I first saw the Matrix in theaters, I was blown away by the great (now somewhat dated) special effects, but moreso by the philosophical implications. It was the first time I remember thinking, this movie gets it. The idea
Blog: True Freedom from Martial Arts and Meditation
Since tomorrow is the 4th of July, the idea of freedom is on my mind. I am especially reminded of the big picture of freedom. As a young country we had to fight for our freedom against an oppressive regime.
Blog: Your Martial Arts Practice is Not for You
There have been a few incidents in the dojo recently. Some have been private conversations, some have been public, and all have been disturbing to me. The reason they bothered me is because I’m not enlightened (yet). There is still a
Blog: The Worst Horse doing Tai Chi
One of my favorite quotes, although talking about meditation, can be applied to Tai Chi and is from Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind by Shunryu Suzuki, It is said there are four kinds of horses: excellent ones, good ones, poor ones, and
Blog: Martial Arts and Embracing Discomfort
A few weeks ago I went back to Michigan to visit Sifu Brown’s school and attend Jeremiah’s Black Sash test. As part of his test, Jeremiah gave a talk about embracing discomfort that I just loved. Jeremiah Savage is, as his name
Blog: Rank in Martial Arts
How do you get a black belt? You find a competent teacher and a good school, begin your training and work hard. Someday—who knows when—it will come. It is not easy, but it’s worth it. It may take one year;
