Category Archives: Philosophy

Philosophy

How a Jedi Stays Safe on the Subway

Posted on May 14, 2013 by

I recently saw a few clips on the news and the Internet that really grind my gears. This guy is oblivious . . . and this guy is just plain silly! I don’t mean to mock the victims of these … Continue reading →

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Three Quick Tips on Starting a Martial Art (as Presented by Bruce Lee)

Posted on March 6, 2013 by

I’ve been teaching martial arts informally for a long time, and I’ve been running my own programs at Gracie Farmington Valley since 2011.  I encounter new students all the time with various levels of experience in the martial arts.  I’m … Continue reading →

Posted in Inspirational, Instruction, Jiu-jitsu, Karate, MMA, Philosophy | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Poetry in Motion

Posted on November 13, 2012 by

I generally consider this a family-friendly blog, but please indulge me this PG-13 rated post. (It’s really not that bad!) First, a story. Teaching high school English is my day job, and we recently held an assembly on how to … Continue reading →

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Lineage in the Martial Arts (Paternity Leave)

Posted on October 10, 2012 by

Lineage in the martial arts is a very important and often contested issue. Some believe the authenticity of your chosen art is only valid if you’re training under the Grand Master’s direct descendent. It seems that if your teacher is … Continue reading →

Posted in Jiu-jitsu, Karate, Philosophy, Updates | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

In Defense of Kata

Posted on July 12, 2012 by

Here’s a simple fact: some people like practicing katas (forms), and some people don’t. You can delve into this debate just about anywhere martial arts are discussed in gyms or on the Internet. MMA and BJJ guys think they’re a … Continue reading →

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The Gift of Humility

Posted on June 27, 2012 by

I was recently talking with  fellow martial artist David Gallo of CT Wing Chun Academy about how we teach our classes.  We both agreed that tradition and structure are important, but so is being friendly and approachable.  He mentioned that … Continue reading →

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The Three Main Katas

Posted on February 18, 2012 by

As Uechi-Ryu/Shohei-Ryu students know, Master Uechi brought three katas to Okinawa from China after returning to his homeland.  We tend to focus on these katas more than others for good reason: they are the foundation of our style, and everything … Continue reading →

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The Gift of Martial Arts

Posted on December 31, 2011 by

Giving Thanks As we’re wrapping up the season of giving, and 2011, I’m feeling a bit reflective.  First off, thanks for helping to make the site bigger and better than it was last year!  We’ve about doubled readership, and our … Continue reading →

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Guest Post: Sensei Connie Flynn

Posted on November 21, 2011 by

It was fun to write a guest post on the Ikigai Way blog last week.  I thought I’d return the favor to you.  Here’s a short piece written by Sensei Connie Flynn of ZenQuest Martial Arts Center in Lenox, MA. … Continue reading →

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What type of martial arts school is best for you? POLL

Posted on October 13, 2011 by

Here’s the follow up poll to last week’s post.  Let us know what you think!

Posted in Instruction, Opinion, Philosophy | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment