Articles by Francis Cordon

The over abundance of resources easily and freely available through the Internet is a double-edged sword. While it can certainly help us, when used wisely, it also has multiple disadvantages. One of the main ones being how easy it is to fall into the trap of being entitled to judge [Read More]

Listening to What I Already Heard Even though I have been following Iain Abernethy for many years, it was my friend and great martial artist and physical therapist David Wallace who made me aware of this fundamentally important teaching of Mr. Abernethy’s. It was during this fascinating conversation with him [Read More]

“Be a calm beholder of what is happening around you.” ~Bruce Lee Here’s a hypothetical dialogue between two friends. One that, though hypothetical, represents something that happens to every one of us almost daily at work, at home and throughout the various interactions of our day. A: “Let me show [Read More]

The Martial Arts have always been present in my life, as far back as I can remember. As I prepare for my 48th birthday, I sit and ponder on this amazing journey that has been, and continues to be, the Martial Arts. Both the study and training of the Arts [Read More]

In previous articles, I have discussed several reasons why someone may be attracted to training Martial Arts. There are almost as many reasons as people training! However, undoubtedly one of the biggest drivers is the motivation of learning. In my professional environment, I hear this again and again: people are [Read More]

The stigma of invincibility associated with the practice, and worse yet, the teaching of Martial Arts, is a historical remnant that has no place in today’s society and prevents us from being ourselves. The vulnerable full of flaws ourselves that have so much to offer to others when we allow [Read More]

“What I have in my heart and soul – must find a way out. That’s the reason for music.” ~ Ludwig van Beethoven Many years ago, a friend of mine told me that when someone asked Beethoven about the meaning of one of his Symphonies he said something to the [Read More]

Always respects others and their decisions   “What is this guy doing?” The words are said in the privacy of my car, and do not really reach the driver of the vehicle they are aimed at. I am on my way to my regular training session when I say these [Read More]

“That’s not fair!” I can remember my friend’s words echoing in my ears. We had been sparring, full contact. No matter how we started, we tended to get in a clinch and I felt him pushing me back. My body told me, intuitively, to pull back, to go with that [Read More]

“Relax!” As I strive to punch my teacher in the face — at his insistence, mind you — I not only find myself unable, but somehow my body ends up turned away from him, unable to reach him, while he is facing me and punching me twice on the chin. [Read More]