Martial Journal

  What is Budo in today’s fragmented and jaded Martial Arts world? Lately, I have been watching the various consultants trying to convince hundreds of martial arts school owners via remote ZOOM sessions, webinars, and other mediums from throwing in the towel and looking for another career. While the attempts [Read More]

As a disabled person, you have many roadblocks in your life. There are things that people assume that you cannot do. In life, when you reach a roadblock you cannot quit, you need to get around it and move forward. Martial Arts teaches you how to do this. If you [Read More]

Thirty-two years; that is how long it took me to enter my first martial arts tournament.  Now, there are plenty of people who enjoy long fulfilling lives in the martial arts and never once enter a tournament or complete, especially outside of their studio.  Where this became an issue for [Read More]

Okay, then I would say it is time to get back to one of my foundational arts. The title might be a little over the top, but you Gotta Love the buildup Dekiti Tirsia Saradas Kali is a Filipino martial art that has captivated practitioners worldwide with its blend of [Read More]

Favorite Mementos Over the past many decades of Martial Arts involvement, there really haven’t been too many physical items I could point to as something I treasure from my many days of budo training. Memories are one thing, but mementos are something completely separate. For this reason, I would categorize [Read More]

Editors note I vividly recall the exhilaration of our early training in martial arts. Each session was a blend of excitement and challenge, pushing our limits and igniting our passion. The dojo was a haven where discipline met discovery, and every punch, kick, and kata was a step closer to [Read More]

(Budo AI) How Artificial Intelligence will affect The Martial Arts industry Time to Ponder  I have read about the new AI ChatGPT or what is now GPT-4.5 and it is obvious that the quality of the material that comes from this new paradigm will reduce (or even eliminate) the need [Read More]

Kung Fu Legend Wong Fei Hung Wong Fei Hung is a legendary figure in the pantheon of Chinese martial arts heroes. His life and exploits have transcended the boundaries of historical fact to become a cornerstone of folklore and popular culture. Born in 1847 in Foshan, Guangdong, China, and passing [Read More]

Writing for Martial Journal For any traditional martial artist or school owner, the opportunity to share their thoughts, experiences, and feelings about their craft in a publication like Martial Journal holds immense promise. It goes beyond mere exposure; it’s about legacy, connection, and the preservation of ancient wisdom. Firstly, appearing [Read More]

A martial artist has paid tribute to his late mother after winning trophies in a competition. Mitch Hopes took part in the World Tang Soo Do Association (WTSDA) Regional Championship, held in Middlesbrough, UK. He was spurred on to make his mother, Wendy, proud after she died three years ago [Read More]

In the world of martial arts, there exists a rich tapestry of diverse styles, techniques, and philosophies, each with its unique lineage and traditions. Yet, despite this wealth of diversity, there remains a pervasive reluctance among martial artists and schools to venture beyond their boundaries and engage in collaboration with [Read More]

Benny “The Jet” Urquidez, the man credited with introducing mixed martial arts to the world, will have his life story told in a documentary expected to be released in 2025. Already in production, the film is entitled “The Jet” and will be produced and directed by some big names in [Read More]

  In the world of entertainment, Katheryn Winnick stands out as a true warrior both on and off-screen. Renowned for her roles in film and television, Winnick’s journey to success is as dynamic and compelling as the characters she portrays. However, what sets her apart is not just her acting [Read More]

In a world often bustling with noise and chaos, there exists a serene art form that embodies tranquility and balance—Tai Chi and Qi Gong. Every year on the last Saturday of April, people from across the globe come together to celebrate World Tai Chi and Qi Gong Day. This is [Read More]

In 1991, I began my journey in the world of self-defense training in Tiverton Rhode Island on a sunny day in mid-march. My Dad had taken me to my first and only Tee-ball game to play in. On the way home we passed by a dojo that had a sign [Read More]

  From Budo to Chado Bunbu Ryodo – 文武両道 The beginning of a unique Budo Journey It was during my first trip to Japan where I originally met Randy Channell. He was a character larger than life. His intensity, his Japanese martial arts and cultural knowledge, and especially his ‘nominal’ expertise [Read More]

April Fools’ Day is my least favorite holiday, however in the spirit of all things humorous.   In the heart of the Arctic, where the frigid winds howl their lonesome ballad and icebergs dance a timeless waltz, there exists a small patch of land known as Hans Island. A mere [Read More]

Interview with PG Brandon Ricketts of Kali Ilustrisimo conducted by Dean Franco. 1.) Please tell us about the early years of training with your father GM Ricketts and what he instilled in you as far as training. I was exposed to martial arts at the age of 2 years old. [Read More]

Leveraging Modern Gaming Strategies to Maximize Your School’s Curriculum Gamification of Personal Interactions I attended a Martial Arts seminar where the Lecturer mentioned how he had updated his school’s curriculum to create new Sparring Games or Martial Arts Games to provide more entertainment to the students, or as he put [Read More]

(Editors Note, Age should never be a factor in martial arts training. Regardless of when you start your training perseverance is the key.)   A 75-year-old grandmother has earned her black belt in Taekwondo seven years after her grandson asked her to take him to classes – and she decided [Read More]