Martial Journal

The Sensei-Senpai relationship is an integral aspect of traditional karate, deeply rooted in the martial arts’ centuries-old heritage. It represents a unique dynamic of mentorship, leadership, and respect that not only aids in the learning of techniques but also shapes the overall character development of a karateka (karate practitioner). To [Read More]

My First Naginata Encounter My Naginata Budo experience is a colorful and ongoing journey and while Naginata was a minor part of my martial arts training it had a huge impact on my Budo awareness. I was at the International Budo University when I first encountered Naginata and it immediately [Read More]

A martial arts school is a pillar for the community and a symbol of how people can be the best versions of themselves. Every organization has a pillar of beliefs that helps them govern themselves and show the outside world who they are deeper than the surface level. Martial Arts [Read More]

From friend to foe, jest to serious accountability, the semblance of humor can be a stark reality. It is a balancing act with all these variables: being self-aware, tackling imposter syndrome, and remaining in control of the environment you are creating. One must lead from the heart, in a sense, [Read More]

“People talk about perfect timing, but I think everything is perfect in its moment; you just want to capture that.”— Eddie Huang David Gilmour’s guitar solo in ’79 on Comfortably Numb was more about timing than anything else. It was a heavy song, and he had a story to tell. [Read More]

I got involved with Martial Arts at the ripe old age of 42. At the time I felt ten feet tall and bulletproof. Fast forward ten years and health issues came into play. Fast forward ten more years and aging came into play. Facing the reality that I could no [Read More]

In the ever-evolving world of self-defense, one tool has stood the test of time – the kubotan. This unassuming, yet powerful, weapon has been a staple in the arsenals of law enforcement, martial artists, and those seeking to protect themselves. The kubotan, often mistaken for a simple stick, is a [Read More]

Sport Karate Business Benefits I met with Jackson Rudolph to discuss sports karate in the Olympics as I had read his Black Belt Magazine article on the benefits of bringing sports karate into your martial arts business. We were able to collaborate on an excellent article on the merits of [Read More]

When I was a child, I had dreams and ideas, just like everyone else. I imagined who I would marry and hoped for a future with someone special. This individual had to be involved in the martial arts, for that was where my life was. Otherwise, they would not understand [Read More]

When I was 5 years old, my mom was picking me up from kindergarten and the student teacher asked if she could speak with her.  She explained that she had thoughts to share. I was asked if I could wait in the hallway for the ride home. Neither of them [Read More]

The Mushin Development Method (MDM) is a revolutionary training protocol that I developed while coaching a variety of non-martial arts movement disciplines. The realization that martial arts instructors often expect practitioners to learn movements and execute them effectively at high speeds, with a poor success rate, led me to create [Read More]

How Best to leverage ChatGPT/AI to write a Martial Arts article Is this the Future of Blogs? I decided to follow up on my Martial Arts AI article by demonstrating the quality of the future of AI articles. With this in mind and seeing I am a huge Sumo Fan, [Read More]

General Kwan: Patron Saint of Kung Fu General Kwan, also known as Guan Yu or Kuan Yü, holds a legendary status in Chinese culture, particularly within the realms of martial arts and spirituality. Often revered as the Patron Saint of Kung Fu, Guan Yu’s legacy transcends historical facts, blending into [Read More]

Martial Journal- Interview with Shihan John Araujo Martial Journal: What made you decide to study Aikido over the other arts that are available to train in? JA: Well when I started back in 1979 I was a young kid about 6 years old and I think at that time there [Read More]

    Girl Power Margot Sathaye By: Andrew Zerling Introduction During Judo competitions many thrown bodies hit the mat and important lessons are learned. Judo came from feudal Japanese samurai warrior hand-to-hand combat on the battlefield, but now Judo is respected as an Olympic sport. Judo is a male-dominated martial art [Read More]

  What is Budo in today’s fragmented and jaded Martial Arts world? Lately, I have been watching the various consultants trying to convince hundreds of martial arts school owners via remote ZOOM sessions, webinars, and other mediums from throwing in the towel and looking for another career. While the attempts [Read More]

As a disabled person, you have many roadblocks in your life. There are things that people assume that you cannot do. In life, when you reach a roadblock you cannot quit, you need to get around it and move forward. Martial Arts teaches you how to do this. If you [Read More]

Thirty-two years; that is how long it took me to enter my first martial arts tournament.  Now, there are plenty of people who enjoy long fulfilling lives in the martial arts and never once enter a tournament or complete, especially outside of their studio.  Where this became an issue for [Read More]

Okay, then I would say it is time to get back to one of my foundational arts. The title might be a little over the top, but you Gotta Love the buildup Dekiti Tirsia Saradas Kali is a Filipino martial art that has captivated practitioners worldwide with its blend of [Read More]