I’m very excited! Tomorrow is a big book launch day for my friend, Matthew Apsokardu! I had the honor and privilege to be invited by Matthew Apsokardu to read his new book, Tales From the Western Generation. I didn’t know what to expect because personally I am not much of a historian when it comes… Read More Book Review: Tales From the Western Generation by Matthew Apsokardu
We got a new dog last week from the animal shelter. He’s a cute yellow Labrador Retriever mix and is around six years old. This, after my daughter, begged for months that we get a family dog that she could take care of and love. Buddy is a great dog and very affectionate. Recently, however,… Read More Connecting the Dots Between Love and Martial Arts
In the boxing ring or during sparring matches, it may not seem like it, but there are many fighting decisions to be made. The problem is that time in the ring progresses so quickly that it is difficult to think and act and decide what technique is best for the situation at hand. A fist… Read More Fighting Decisions
A martial art has many moments of simplicity. A simple breath. A simple movement. A simple thought. One step forward. A block. A punch. A sway of the arms in a circular motion. A tilt of the head. A glance of the eyes. Anticipation. Patience. Focus. On its own, each simple measure is weak. When… Read More Simplicity
Last year I went on a cruise and had a great time. I tried everything, ate too much, and enjoyed some sun. On the last night of the experience, however, I became sea-sick. I had to take some medicine and miss dinner. I spread out on the bed with a wet towel over my head.… Read More Finding Balance on Unsteady Ground
“I don’t have anything to look forward to.” About ten years ago, I woke up that way. I had four children and after a trying for a couple of years for a fifth, I finally realized that it just was not meant to be. For whatever reason, four was going to be it. My ambition,… Read More Willful Warrior
1. Being a Know It All Please, please don’t walk into any martial art school thinking you already know it all. If you’ve had other training, that is fantastic! Anyone who already has the basic concepts is well ahead of the game. But, guess what? Every school and program is different. What took you two… Read More 15 Mistakes to Avoid in Your Martial Art
What’s in the depth of your soul? What would you be like without it? Would you be like a robot just going through the motions? Expressionless? Stiff? Non-emotional? Passionless? Disinterested? The soul to which I am referencing is the one that leads and guides you through life. You might identify it as a calling or… Read More The Depth of Your Soul
When I was in college in the early 1980’s, I lived in an apartment during the summer months. On nice days, I would open the windows, feel a quiet breeze flow through, pull out my guitar and write a new song. I was alone, so it didn’t matter how loud or how well I sang.… Read More Sing Your Life Song
Here are some common questions I am asked about martial arts and my typical responses. 1. Am I too old to learn a martial art? You are never too old, my friends. Some have tried my class and thought it was a little too demanding. Perhaps that is true, but until you try something a… Read More 10 Martial Art Questions Answered
