The Princess Bride (1987) remains a landmark film for its story, humor, and its remarkable depiction of swordsmanship. The duels, guided by Bob Anderson’s masterful choreography, were brought to life through the dedication of Mandy Patinkin and Cary Elwes. The sword sequences demonstrate timing, strategy, and technique that resonate deeply from a martial arts perspective. The blend of authenticity and cinematic flair elevates the film beyond mere entertainment, and instead offers a study in...| Martial Journal
Martial artists is quite an eclectic group of people. There are specialties that each one of us fall into. Some are fighters. Some are about forms. Some are about the training. Some are about the science of body mechanics. Some are healers. Some are philosophers. Some can teach kids. Some [Read More] The post The Power of Martial Virtues appeared first on Martial Journal.| Martial Journal
SUCCESSION PLANNING FOR YOUR MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOL New Focus on Business I recently interviewed Jackson Rudolph, during which we discussed a myriad of topics related to Sport Karate. One of the more intriguing comments he made was that his writing is increasingly focused on the new generation of martial arts [Read More] The post Martial Arts Generational Shift appeared first on Martial Journal.| Martial Journal
♟️🥋 Distraction Strategy 🥋♟️ This article is designed as a follow-up to my “Martial Arts and Chess” article 🥋♟️, building upon the explorations of strategy and discipline already laid out there. Here, the focus sharpens specifically on the Distraction Strategy 🎯 — how psychological 🧠, environmental 🌍, and tactical ⚔️ [Read More] The post Distraction Strategy appeared first on Martial Journal.| Martial Journal
• Focused Scope Rather than a broad Lee biography, the book remains laser-focused on one question: Could Bruce Lee fight in real-life scenarios? This tight lens allows for in-depth examination without dilution.| Martial Journal
John Lowrie: In Martial Arts, the goals are to develop strength, endurance, muscular development, speed, reaction time, etc. It’s possible to do boring repetitive tasks that can improve each of these items but it becomes more fun and the students more eager to participate and spend more time if you can disguise the training as a game provided, of course, that there is a specific goal or skill to be developed.| Martial Journal
Three martial artists from South West Taekwondo Academy (SWTKD) will represent their country on the world stage later this year. Kieran McDermott, 25, Ben Turner, 23, and Elliane Reader, 17, have been selected for the national team. The trio successfully completed grueling try-outs to earn a spot with International Taekwon-Do [Read More] The post Trio set to represent their country at World Championships appeared first on Martial Journal.| Martial Journal
The Staff in Modern Shaolin and Pop CultureToday, Shaolin monks continue to perform breathtaking staff demonstrations, blending traditional forms with acrobatics. These performances attract global audiences and showcase the elegance and discipline of Shaolin Kung Fu.The staff is also featured prominently in martial arts cinema and animation:* Jet Li’s “Shaolin Temple” (1982) introduced authentic staff routines to global audiences. * Kung Fu Panda’s Master Shifu often uses a staff, s...| Martial Journal
How to Self-Regulate(since no one ever teaches us this) Hey there! Ever wonder why no one teaches us how to handle our emotions? Let’s talk about self-regulation – something we all need but rarely learn about…much less practice to the point of mastery. Introduction In a world that [Read More]| Martial Journal
The Book of Water – Timing and Rhythm The book of Water – Timing and Rhythm. Overheard at a karate tournament. Instructor to his student moments before his fight. “I watched this guy’s earlier match; he bounced up and down. When he is in the air, he can’t move. Time [Read More] The post The Book of Water – Timing and Rhythm appeared first on Martial Journal.| Martial Journal
Breathing is something we do automatically, yet ancient traditions have developed sophisticated methods to harness its power for bodily energy, emotional fortitude, mental clarity, overall health of the being, and spiritual growth. Two major approaches stand out in their widespread use and effectiveness: the Dàoist method of inhaling through the [Read More]| Martial Journal
Strategy and Tactics Using the military aspects of Chess to enhance your Martial Arts Chess and its Military Past I first started playing chess when I was 9 years old and by the time I was 13 years old, I had a chess coach, played in several tournaments a year, [Read More]| Martial Journal
When Musashi is speaking from the Book of Water and Spirit, he is talking about your demeanor. Musashi says avoid a reckless spirit or tension| Martial Journal
The Book of Water has an underlying current of avoiding unnecessary movements of flashy displays. The opposite of what you see in the movies,| Martial Journal
Disney’s Mulan (2020) reimagines the legendary Chinese heroine through a grounded, wuxia-inspired lens. When the Emperor of China conscripts one man from each household to join the army, Hua Mulan secretly takes her ailing father’s place, disguising herself as a man. Trained in martial arts from childhood, Mulan uses her discipline, agility, and inner strength to rise through the ranks and ultimately confront a powerful sorceress and an invading army. The film departs from its animated pr...| Martial Journal
The phrase “Time in the Garden” has always been something in my family’s way of reminding us to slow down and rest. Many generations were farmers, but as time moved on and life changed for all of us after the depression and we got jobs in factories and offices, the [Read More]| Martial Journal
Alright, husbands and partners, this is for you. Let me tell you something: being a husband is not easy. And guess what? You’re not perfect. None of us are. But what if I told you that martial arts—the very thing we do to build strength, confidence, and discipline- can teach [Read More]| Martial Journal
The Accountant is a 2016 film starring Ben Affleck and Anna Kendrick. This sentence alone may cause some readers looking for a martial arts film to lose interest – but that reaction is premature. Bill Dubuque, who also wrote the popular TV series Ozark and the sequel to this film, The Accountant 2, writes this film. Gavin O’Connor who has experience directing sports and martial arts films such as Miracle (2004), Warrior (2011), and The Way Back (2020) directs it. The Accountant (2...| Martial Journal
These techniques also help us handle our internal battles. As we age, our harshest critic is often ourselves. Doubt, fear, and self-sabotage creep in. But the same skills apply: shift your perspective, preserve your energy, and respond with clarity. Trusted people around us can also help anchor us when we falter.| Martial Journal
Musashi speaks to the necessity of observation. He addresses the surroundings and the opponent. In this section of the Book of The Ground| Martial Journal
The point of this little article is that there may be no real point in writing it… but I did anyway. That is to say, there will always be Dojos with inexperienced or unqualified instructors, as well as those that promise high standards but deliver low. There will always be [Read More]| Martial Journal
Spring is the time of year for renewal and recommitment. We see this in nature as the trees awaken and flowers bloom. We can follow the lessons from nature and use this season to renew good habits and recommit to our training. Shaolin, a 2011 Hong Kong-Chinese film, echoes these teachings and demonstrates the importance of new beginnings and committing to the teachings of martial morality. I like this movie for many reasons. As someone who practices Chinese martial arts, I love to s...| Martial Journal
The Book of Five Rings. Delve into the philosophy, strategy, and wisdom of Japan's legendary samurai,opening - The Book of The Ground.| Martial Journal
The class really didn’t end in the dojo, as the conversation around the table was all about the training. While the food was amazing, the dojo conversation continued until we were kicked out of the restaurant, where everyone squeezed every last second from Shihan, before we all headed home. I was treated no differently than if I had actually trained in class.| Martial Journal
The ultimate promise of guided meditation lies not in our enjoying isolated moments of relaxation, but in its potential to fundamentally transform how we approach stress, challenges, & personal growth. By training our minds to be more present, resilient, & compassionate, we open ourselves to a more balanced and fulfilling existence. And as our existence goes, so goes the existence of our species.| Martial Journal
Life After Fighting is a 2024 martial arts film set in modern day Australia. I do tend to select films that are set within a historical context or are based on competitions – tournaments, cage fights, etc. – so this film is a little different from what I usually watch. However, this film stars Australian martial artists and actors, and it is set in Australia. This provides a unique contribution in and of itself to the martial arts film genre. It was when I saw that it was written, directe...| Martial Journal
As an avid follower of martial arts business seminars and courses, I have committed myself to attending as many virtual and in-person events as possible. Upon retiring from my corporate management position, I took a deep dive into the current trends in the martial arts industry. After summarizing numerous seminars [Read More]| Martial Journal
Discover why Musashi and Bruce Lee agree that flexibility is key in combat. Learn the importance of adaptability and mastering fluid movements for peak performance.| Martial Journal
The river is flowing now, down to the low valleys where we pursue our Arts. The river is flowing from the high mountain of wisdom we direct our attention to. The mountain to which we bow. Step into the river, dont lose your footing. Enjoy the flow, the power, the life-giving and life-taking awesomeness of a river's power.| Martial Journal
The Martial Arts world and the wider world stand at a crossroads. As our world undergoes unprecedented transformation, we Martial Artists face a crucial choice: consciously evolve our ancient practices or watch them slowly fade into irrelevance. The familiar narrative of the lone attacker in a dark alley no longer serves us in an era of complex threats, digital warfare, & shifting social dynamics. The time has come to ask ourselves not whether Martial Arts can improve the world - they can! - ...| Martial Journal
Explore the imperative of collaboration in traditional martial arts, as we delve into the barriers hindering collective growth, the transformative benefits of collaboration, and the dire consequences of isolation. Discover how embracing collaboration can ensure the continued relevance and vitality of traditional martial arts in an ever-changing world.| Martial Journal
Meditation is the Practice I've presumed for the sake of this article. There are many millions of Practices brought into the light by our modern Information Age - any of which would benefit by an application of APT. Everything in this article applies perfectly well to the whole gamut of Practices designed to heal, nurture, and stretch us. Martial Arts, Poetry, Breathwork, Massage, Physical Therapy, Painting, Music-making are a few that come to mind.| Martial Journal
Developing a meditation Practice can be surprisingly simple and accessible, even for complete beginners. Meditation doesn't require complicated techniques or special equipment - anyone can start. It can be as easy as One, Two, Three. Yes, a meditation Practice can be easily built with the help of a simple counting Practice.| Martial Journal
Practical Zen-inspired Practices might include daily meditation, strolling around the neighborhood after reading a poem while trying to enjoy each breath, mindful breathing when feeling overwhelmed, or simply pausing to notice your inner experience without immediate judgment. These small, consistent acts support the creation of more sustainable transformation than any sweeping resolution is likely to.| Martial Journal
Shared meals are a fine place to break bread with yet more Dàoist wisdom. Rather than indulging in excess or suffering anxiety, worry, and fear over dietary restrictions, a Dàoist practitioner might approach eating as a playful Practice. A Practice of being in tune, of being present with each bite, and appreciating the nourishment. Gratefulness and thankfulness naturally arise from such a Practice. Mindful eating can be its own meditation, a way of honoring one's body and gathering family. ...| Martial Journal
In our fast-paced, information-rich world, it seems that our attention spans are shrinking faster than my paycheck around these gift-giving holidays. Tick tock ticktock go our brains at the blinding and blurring speed of TikTok. And let me tell you, the consequences are quite severe. Let’s take a stroll [Read More]| Martial Journal
The transition from Harder to Softer systems or External to Internal styles also shows others that the aging Martial Artist's willingness to change lives on well into their age of maturity. The Martial Artist truly committed to human study seeks to ripen rather than rot; to become a deep, sweet, & treasured wine rather than a soured vinegar. Our urge to grow, to broaden horizons, to deepen our understanding doesn't have to calcify as we age. It is a remarkable thing to show those following us...| Martial Journal
Indeed, a stance refers to the body's position from the hips down, and the posture does speak only to one's frame above the waist. This may seem a very trivial distinction, but it is, in fact, one of the most freeing realizations I have ever made in my martial career. The idea that any "posture" can be paired with any "stance" unbinds one's martial art completely. When stance and posture are uncoupled, the martial artist can unlock a seemingly infinite combination of techniques and applicatio...| Martial Journal
In either case, barrier or charisma, you're at some point removed from that which you value.In this case, what you value is a regular meditation Practice.Need help valuing meditation?See, the epilogue to this article.| Martial Journal
I normally write almost exclusively about the business side of the martial arts industry and do so in order to stay out of the many controversies that make up the various styles and “ways” of the genre. I did write about my own personal martial arts evolution, which was not [Read More]| Martial Journal
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]| Martial Journal
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]| Martial Journal
From friend to foe, jest to serious accountability, the semblance of humor can be a stark reality. It is a balancing act with many variables.| Martial Journal
Timing in Karate is not always dependant on your opponent. If you control the timing, you control the fight. Practice your timing: fast, faster, fastest, without compromizing form.| Martial Journal
We are the Sensei’s, the Renshi’s, the ones that are there when no one else is. We need to know we are needed and looked up to. I will stay and adapt and keep making a difference for as long as I can. When it is time for me to step aside and hopefully it will be further down the road I want to look back and see my footprint. That I know that I influenced the ones that have come behind me. I will keep loving and living this lifestyle, always trying to help, always trying to get better, alw...| Martial Journal
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]| Martial Journal
As I grew up and life took me on various paths, there was an attitude issue, a lack of knowledge, and a necessary behavior. These components needed to be discussed and experienced. The expectation had to be different. The individual that I was going to spend my life with had to have a different level of integrity surrounding them. In this space, in this understanding, unspoken dreams became a need rather than a want.| Martial Journal
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]| Martial Journal
The main credit goes to Margo’s inventiveness and her ability to apply what she created. Even in her fifties, Margo showed her Judo mastery on the mats. Margo humbly proved herself once again. That’s true girl power!| Martial Journal
This new forced paradigm has now moved the industry to a new form of martial arts business which I call “Plug and Play Karate” … (for example)| Martial Journal
If you are disabled, you must do Martial arts. Martial arts will help you forge your path forward and continue on in your journey of life in every way.| Martial Journal
Over the past many decades of Martial Arts involvement, there really haven't been too many physical items I could point to as something I treasure from my many days of budo training.| Martial Journal
(Budo AI) How Artificial Intelligence will affect The Martial Arts industry Time to Ponder I have read about the new AI ChatGPT or what is now GPT-4.5 and it is obvious that the quality of the material that comes from this new paradigm will reduce (or even eliminate) the need [Read More]| Martial Journal
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]| Martial Journal
RSC: I was doing tea as a hobby and spent most of my time studying of the martial arts. Once I felt I was skilled enough in the martial arts (can you ever really be skilled enough!) I wanted to increase my tea skills. So my original plan was to do 10 years of martial arts followed by 10 years of tea and then 10 years of tea and the martial arts together. But what happened was my martial arts practice kind of fell by the wayside and I continued to devote myself to the way of tea. And now I’m...| Martial Journal
