Hi, Everyone:  After discussing names and other options with readers, I present to you the first draft of our new website.  I hope you like it!  You should see a new, broader focus on collaboration on this blog and a wider emphasis on different styles, health, training, and nutrition.   Please leave a comment providing further suggestions on what you’d like to see!

Also, here is our new mission statement.  It should sum up the direction this site will take in the next few months.

“Moai Martial Arts is devoted to the development of mental, physical, and spiritual vitality, enabled through martial arts training and knowledge, that is shared by a community of open-minded individuals.  We can use this site to work together for our common good.  Please join us in our pursuit by contributing comments and content!”

Here’s a quick vocabulary lesson comprised of a few neat words I’ve learned lately.

1. Moai (moe-eye) – In Okinawa, these small groups are the original “social networks” in which people meet to share interests, experience, and to support one another emotionally (and financially) through good times and bad.  I hope this website can function like a moai in spirit, if not in a monetary sense.

2. Yuimaru (you-ee-mah-roo) – is the concept of reciprocity and working for the common good as expressed in Japan.  It’s something that seems to be missing in a lot of what we can consider “martial arts culture” right now, and we need to make it a priority.

To these ends, Moai Martial Arts is now seeking content.  If you’d like to write an article, post a review, or promote a website, please send me an e-mail (moaimartialarts@gmail.com) to get started.

Also, notice the RSS feeds on the right.  Take a look at all the great martial arts news and information that’s out there!

There is are many more changes and and new features to come.  Again, thank you so much for a wonderful first year of blogging.  I hope year two grants us new learning and an even closer friendship!