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Category Archives: Philosophy
Why I Don’t Trane UFC
I generally don’t disclose my lifelong interest in martial arts to my English classes. The inevitable conversation ensues: You do karate? Why are you a teacher? You should fight in the UFC! After all, if Kevin James can do it, so can … Continue reading
Passion and Warfare: How to Stay True to Your Fighting Spirit
When I was a teenager, I was sort of obsessed with guitarist Steve Vai. His wild, fiery rock and roll playing is outrageously technical, and, some say, a tad overwrought. But his craziest runs are often balanced by quieter, thoughtful … Continue reading
Posted in Commentary, Opinion, Philosophy
Tagged Alicia Keys, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Gichin Funakoshi, karate, martial arts, Steve Vai
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How a Jedi Stays Safe on the Subway
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
Posted in Commentary, Opinion, Philosophy
Tagged Jedi, martial arts, Obi-Wan Kenobi, robbery, star wars, sucker punch, tich nhat hahn
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Three Quick Tips on Starting a Martial Art (as Presented by Bruce Lee)
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 bjj, Bruce Lee, instruction, ion, iu-jitsu, karate, learning, martial arts, mma
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Poetry in Motion
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
Lineage in the Martial Arts (Paternity Leave)
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 family, karate, lineage, martial arts, tradition
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In Defense of Kata
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
Posted in Karate, Philosophy
Tagged Anderson Silva, bjj, Georges, Jon Jones, Josh Waitzkin, karate, Kata, martial arts, mma, shohei-ryu, St-Pierre, The Art of Learning
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The Gift of Humility
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
Posted in MMA, Philosophy
Tagged Anderson Silva, David Gallo, Ed DeCosta, Georges St-Pierre, Jean DeCosta, Joe Carta, martial arts, Rex Kwon Do, UFC, Ultimate Fighting Championship
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The Three Main Katas
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
Posted in Karate, Philosophy
Tagged Kanbun Uechi, karate, Kata, martial arts, Okinawa, sanchin, shohei-ryu, Uechi-Ryu
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Moai Martial Arts 
Taking Care
Given the state of the world in 2020, I’ve been thinking a lot about care lately—for self, for others, for society, for the planet. This thinking, perhaps paradoxically, lead me to think of martial arts. Continue reading →