Martial Journal

In the world of martial arts, there exists a rich tapestry of diverse styles, techniques, and philosophies, each with its unique lineage and traditions. Yet, despite this wealth of diversity, there remains a pervasive reluctance among martial artists and schools to venture beyond their boundaries and engage in collaboration with [Read More]

Benny “The Jet” Urquidez, the man credited with introducing mixed martial arts to the world, will have his life story told in a documentary expected to be released in 2025. Already in production, the film is entitled “The Jet” and will be produced and directed by some big names in [Read More]

  In the world of entertainment, Katheryn Winnick stands out as a true warrior both on and off-screen. Renowned for her roles in film and television, Winnick’s journey to success is as dynamic and compelling as the characters she portrays. However, what sets her apart is not just her acting [Read More]

In a world often bustling with noise and chaos, there exists a serene art form that embodies tranquility and balance—Tai Chi and Qi Gong. Every year on the last Saturday of April, people from across the globe come together to celebrate World Tai Chi and Qi Gong Day. This is [Read More]

In 1991, I began my journey in the world of self-defense training in Tiverton Rhode Island on a sunny day in mid-march. My Dad had taken me to my first and only Tee-ball game to play in. On the way home we passed by a dojo that had a sign [Read More]

  From Budo to Chado Bunbu Ryodo – 文武両道 The beginning of a unique Budo Journey It was during my first trip to Japan where I originally met Randy Channell. He was a character larger than life. His intensity, his Japanese martial arts and cultural knowledge, and especially his ‘nominal’ expertise [Read More]

April Fools’ Day is my least favorite holiday, however in the spirit of all things humorous.   In the heart of the Arctic, where the frigid winds howl their lonesome ballad and icebergs dance a timeless waltz, there exists a small patch of land known as Hans Island. A mere [Read More]

Interview with PG Brandon Ricketts of Kali Ilustrisimo conducted by Dean Franco. 1.) Please tell us about the early years of training with your father GM Ricketts and what he instilled in you as far as training. I was exposed to martial arts at the age of 2 years old. [Read More]

Leveraging Modern Gaming Strategies to Maximize Your School’s Curriculum Gamification of Personal Interactions I attended a Martial Arts seminar where the Lecturer mentioned how he had updated his school’s curriculum to create new Sparring Games or Martial Arts Games to provide more entertainment to the students, or as he put [Read More]

(Editors Note, Age should never be a factor in martial arts training. Regardless of when you start your training perseverance is the key.)   A 75-year-old grandmother has earned her black belt in Taekwondo seven years after her grandson asked her to take him to classes – and she decided [Read More]

  I have written about the Talibong, the Gununting, the Karambit, and a few other blades of the Philippines.  This article will introduce a few more of the more influential blades of the islands. The Philippines is a nation known for its rich cultural diversity, beautiful landscapes, and a history [Read More]

A Sensei by Any Other Name Martial Arts Teachers and Their Titles Chris Himmel   Martial arts instructors have long had a variety of titles associated with them. Depending on the school, style, and country of origin words like Sensei, Tashi, Shihan, Kyoshi, Hanshi, Sifu, Laoshi, and Sigung could be [Read More]

Being a Mom in the Martial Arts I give credit to Larry Davis for first sparking my interest in training martial arts. His show ‘n’ tell in fourth grade was his karate picture (he was doing a full center split!). Wow, did I think that was so cool! Of course, [Read More]

Martial Arts Associations & Legitimacy Formal Introductions I had been training in Shotokan Karate for well over 20 years when I received an invitation to attend a small dojo in the suburbs of Vancouver, Canada. It was the early 1990 ’s and I had just returned from Japan, having trained at [Read More]

I’m a reader, and, as part of my dedication to Martial Arts, I like to hear what other people are saying and doing. I like hearing new bits of history and different takes on the philosophy and methods of teaching and training. In the Martial Arts world, we are fortunate [Read More]

In theory, it may seem simple to listen to someone. In practice, it requires one to be humble and quiet in any internal dialogue, to be present in the moment, and to listen genuinely. Although it may be harder for some than others, it is essential to listen with kindness [Read More]

Early days The early days of Mixed Martial Arts were a grappler’s playground. Wrestlers and BJJ wizards dominated the scene, leaving traditional martial arts, with their emphasis on striking, seemingly stranded on the fringes. But the martial arts landscape is an ever-shifting terrain, and tides have turned. More than just [Read More]

From Non-Traditional Karate To Traditional Karate To Business Karate   Corporate Career vs Personal Development I was sitting at my desk at the Main Branch of the Commercial Bank where I was recently promoted to an Assistant to the Commercial Lenders, trying to make sense of the pile of papers [Read More]

Understanding the Differences between Bokator & MuayBoran   Exploring Bokator’s Legacy: Bokator, a treasured Cambodian martial art, carries a rich history fraught with adversity. Nearly wiped out during the Khmer Rouge era, it found resurgence under the tutelage of Grand Master San Kim Saen. Today, his school in Phnom Penh [Read More]

When I was walking out of the Dojo after my Sandan testing my head was full. I had already gotten my results and I was successful, but I had the same feelings that any sincerely dedicated Karate devotee would have: Where could I have done better? Did I scrape through [Read More]