The two most common reasons people decide to take martial arts classes is self defense and exercise. In reality, when training in real martial arts, these benefits may be the draw, but they are really just a side effect. It’s unfortunate that so little is understood about martial arts by most, and the practice is seen [...]
Facing Adversity – A Chance to Rise to New Heights
December 7 by Comments 0
“UNLESS THERE IS OPPOSING WIND A KITE CANNOT RISE.” Chinese Proverb Do not wish for an easy path. Be grateful for the challenges you face. This is how life teaches us. Life will repeat itself until we learn and move on. Overcoming adversity gives us a chance to rise to new heights. The practice of [...]
Knowing, Facing & Overcoming Fear
December 7 by Comments 0
A mother, who already sustained a fractured skull and broken arm after being struck with a cane by a home intruder, proceeds to beat up the bigger stronger man after he knocks her daughter unconscious. Was she afraid? Her only thought was to help her daughter. A fire chief leads 20 injured people and other [...]
Another Shot At The Ego
December 7 by Comments 0
In my early years of martial arts training, I can remember countless times when I would have a hard time in front of my teacher. I would practice daily and feel as though I was coming along very well, but if it was in front of my teacher it was as if I hardly practiced at [...]
Focus Takes Practice
December 7 by Comments 0
When I learned the meditation approach of Master Park, he explained that if you cannot count backwards from 500 to zero without losing track, then you are not ready to meditate. This exercise is known as the “Concentration Exercise”, and it is the first exercise taught for beginners to learn how to control their mind. [...]
The Distracted Mind
December 7 by Comments 0
Accidents do happen, but I would venture out and say that a very high percentage would be avoided if we were more in the moment. How could you cut your finger with a knife while cutting up some food unless you weren’t paying attention? How could you cut someone off and have their car run [...]
Just A Cup of Tea?
December 7 by Comments 0
Few things work so well as an analogy to illustrate how the practice of martial arts, real martial arts, changes lives like the Japanese tea ceremony where attention to the finest details is required. Training in this discipline is considered an excellent approach to refine one’s character. Originally practiced by priests and samurai, it has [...]
Nothing to Gain: Unlocking the Mystery of Meditation
December 7 by Comments 0
There is a saying translated from ancient Sanskrit that says, “As the mind, so the person; bondage or liberation are in your own mind.” There is only one thing in this world that we can strive to control: our thoughts. A controlled mind is a calm mind. It is a mind at peace. What can [...]
Think On This…James Allen
December 7 by Comments 0
You will be what you will be; Let failure find its false content In the poor world, “environment,” But spirit scorns it, and is free. It masters time, it conquers space; It cows that boastful trickster Chance, And bids the tyrant Circumstance Uncrown and fill a servants place. That human Will, that force unseen, The [...]
How To Use Your Will
December 7 by Comments 0
My earliest influences came from learning about patience, perseverance and a strong will. These three virtues are essential for success in anything. The will is the focus of this article. Does having a strong will mean going through life with the furrowed brow and stopping at nothing to get what you want? If your definition [...]
