Martial Journal as part of the whistlekick family is dedicated to the preservation and expanse of traditional martial arts. What better way to do this than with the written word? We want to make sure that everyone knows that they are invited to author their thoughts and methodologies, and all [Read More]
How can we achieve exceptional results while remaining calm and doing the right thing? Why is this important in one’s martial arts training? Does it translate to more opportunities in life? How many times, as coaches, athletes, and peers, have we had that conversation about having the confidence to [Read More]
Traditional martial arts detractors often say the forms are useless, that you should spend more time doing combat and applications. They’re wrong with the first statement and partially right with the second. Forms have their uses. But there’s one criticism that’s true. Sometimes learning the applications from the forms is [Read More]
The Karambit in Filipino Martial Arts: A Masterful Dance of Blades This is by far my favorite weapon in the whole of the Dekiti Tirsia Siradas Arsenal. My folder stays in my pocket as I travel around the US. When we train Karambit in Dekiti Tirsia Siradas we do not [Read More]
Before entering the training area, our virtues begin before the physical training without even knowing it. Depending on style, it’s the training uniform, the belt, bowing, the fist/palm salute…. Then our physical training starts with the basics: stances, punches, and kicks. The physical training transforms into the internal virtues that [Read More]
When pushed to extremes, humans can overcome amazing obstacles. Fueled by nothing but primal emotions, they gain the determination they didn’t have before. Emotions effect everything we do. The performance of martial artists are fueled by many different emotions for better and worse. Anger has shown to be both a [Read More]
The Talibong is one of the favored long blades of Dekiti Tirsia Siradas Kali. Along with the more standard size SGM Tortal has a 36” blade that he would use when he was called upon to dispense justice in the villages. The Talibong is more than just a traditional Filipino [Read More]
Is the Style of Martial Arts I Do Important? What style of martial arts do you train in? Is that relevant? I personally believe the idea of styles is dying out. I think there are much more important questions. Why are you training? What is it you are looking [Read More]
Are the transferable benefits of traditional martial arts becoming too focused on well-being, neglecting the core values that set them apart from other athletes and humans? How can we balance modern desires with the martial components that once kept humility and hope in equal measure? Many have remarked on [Read More]
Apple’s show “Tehran” is not meant to be totally realistic but from both a Krav Maga perspective and an overall realism perspective, it is starting to fail the viewer. Without spoiling too much, in one episode, super Mossad agent Tamar is in on Iran on a mission. She goes [Read More]
Defining Self Defense Every instructor will have their own opinion about self-defense. What is acceptable and what is not? Where they draw the line between excessive force and protecting yourself. And that is OK. Everyone is entitled to their own value or belief system. But when [Read More]
3 Meditations on Chapter 15 of the Dao De Jing 1. I recognize I am dreaming: Quietly, like crossing the bedroom in darkness Attentively, like counting my change Politely, like hugging good-bye Expressively, like water boils to steam Sweetly, like the surprise of foraged berries Willingly, like a [Read More]
Introduction The Shaolin Temple, located in the picturesque Songshan Mountains of Henan Province, China, is a legendary institution that has captivated the world’s imagination for centuries. Renowned for its rich history, cultural significance, and profound influence on martial arts, the Shaolin Temple stands as a symbol of Chinese tradition and [Read More]
The final moments a fighter waits for his fight to start is where the mental game really comes into play. Before a fight, a fighter is left with a lot of time to prepare and it’s up to them to find a way to get in the right mindset and [Read More]
J Hi. One of the things that challenges many people, maybe even most people in martial arts is the distinct difficulty in measuring progress. Yep. With the exception of rank. Correct. And it is why I believe rank is used so frequently. As a yardstick, it’s a retention tool. It’s [Read More]
Ever since the samurai’s were first established in 1185 as japans leading military force, they have been known for there effective style of dismantling there opponents in a brutal but simplistic fashion. So did those tried and true methods of combat that worked in warfare just simply disappear? Along with [Read More]
The Dekiti-Tirsia Siradas System is part of the ancient Filipino combat and survival systems indigenous to the island of Negros in the Visayan Region of the Philippines. This fighting art is very combative with emphasis on impact and bladed weapons as well as empty hand techniques and even firearms. Established [Read More]
Throughout my life, I have learned valuable lessons from the diverse individuals who have crossed my path, whether for a few brief moments, days, or even years, forming a beautiful mosaic of experiences. Sometimes, some people may seem to be only temporary in your training, while others become essential members [Read More]
I am someone who is focused on discipline, order, effectiveness and efficiency. I require my training spaces to be tidy and organized, I place discipline as one of the top priorities of training and I don’t tolerate sloppy work. I work to make the class fun, and I definitely [Read More]
One of the most fundamental aspects of martial arts training involves effective breathing. Proper breathing practice in the martial arts enhances speed, timing, energy generation, and Kime ([key-may], A Japanese term for Focus, envisioning the momentary tensing of every muscle at the same time to project energy force. Many traditional [Read More]
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