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]
I have written about the Talibong, the Gununting, the Karambit, and a few other blades of the Philippines. This article will introduce a few more of the more influential blades of the islands. The Philippines is a nation known for its rich cultural diversity, beautiful landscapes, and a history [Read More]
A Sensei by Any Other Name Martial Arts Teachers and Their Titles Chris Himmel Martial arts instructors have long had a variety of titles associated with them. Depending on the school, style, and country of origin words like Sensei, Tashi, Shihan, Kyoshi, Hanshi, Sifu, Laoshi, and Sigung could be [Read More]
Being a Mom in the Martial Arts I give credit to Larry Davis for first sparking my interest in training martial arts. His show ‘n’ tell in fourth grade was his karate picture (he was doing a full center split!). Wow, did I think that was so cool! Of course, [Read More]
Martial Arts Associations & Legitimacy Formal Introductions I had been training in Shotokan Karate for well over 20 years when I received an invitation to attend a small dojo in the suburbs of Vancouver, Canada. It was the early 1990 ’s and I had just returned from Japan, having trained at [Read More]
I’m a reader, and, as part of my dedication to Martial Arts, I like to hear what other people are saying and doing. I like hearing new bits of history and different takes on the philosophy and methods of teaching and training. In the Martial Arts world, we are fortunate [Read More]
In theory, it may seem simple to listen to someone. In practice, it requires one to be humble and quiet in any internal dialogue, to be present in the moment, and to listen genuinely. Although it may be harder for some than others, it is essential to listen with kindness [Read More]
Early days The early days of Mixed Martial Arts were a grappler’s playground. Wrestlers and BJJ wizards dominated the scene, leaving traditional martial arts, with their emphasis on striking, seemingly stranded on the fringes. But the martial arts landscape is an ever-shifting terrain, and tides have turned. More than just [Read More]
From Non-Traditional Karate To Traditional Karate To Business Karate Corporate Career vs Personal Development I was sitting at my desk at the Main Branch of the Commercial Bank where I was recently promoted to an Assistant to the Commercial Lenders, trying to make sense of the pile of papers [Read More]
Understanding the Differences between Bokator & MuayBoran Exploring Bokator’s Legacy: Bokator, a treasured Cambodian martial art, carries a rich history fraught with adversity. Nearly wiped out during the Khmer Rouge era, it found resurgence under the tutelage of Grand Master San Kim Saen. Today, his school in Phnom Penh [Read More]
When I was walking out of the Dojo after my Sandan testing my head was full. I had already gotten my results and I was successful, but I had the same feelings that any sincerely dedicated Karate devotee would have: Where could I have done better? Did I scrape through [Read More]
I normally write almost exclusively about the business side of the martial arts industry and do so in order to stay out of the many controversies that make up the various styles and “ways” of the genre. I did write about my own personal martial arts evolution, which was not [Read More]
In the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), George St-Pierre, often referred to as GSP, stands as a shining example of how traditional martial arts can be seamlessly integrated into the modern sport of MMA. Throughout his illustrious career, St-Pierre showcased the effectiveness of traditional martial arts techniques, blending them [Read More]
In traditional martial arts such as Muay Thai, Kun Khmer, Lethwei & other SEA disciplines, the decision to select the perfect weight class is not merely about numerical scales; it’s a profound exploration, akin to the essence of the martial discipline itself. Whether you are an experienced practitioner or a [Read More]
Martial arts schools have long been revered as centers for personal growth, physical fitness, and self-defense. However, in today’s rapidly changing world, these institutions face new challenges and opportunities. One way to navigate this evolving landscape is by embracing intrapreneurship—a concept that empowers individuals within an organization to act like [Read More]
Out of the many words to describe martial arts, sincerity is one of the most essential. In this day and age teaching sincerity could be one of the hardest tasks we face. I find the best way to teach anything is to lead by example. Sincerity in martial arts training [Read More]
The world of martial arts is a vast and intricate tapestry, woven together by countless threads of tradition, culture, and discipline. Among the myriad styles and techniques that have emerged over centuries, Praying Mantis Kung Fu stands out as a unique and formidable system with a rich history. We [Read More]
Copyright © 2026 | WordPress Theme by MH Themes