A Resolution Is A Promise To Yourself

Most of us have made new year’s resolutions before in the past. Some we kept and others were swept aside. As a lifelong martial artist I feel integrity should always be an annual standing goal. Integrity, to me, is simply doing what one says that they will.We have all made promises , yet failed to keep them, even with the best of intentions. This year, like every year, I have reassessed my...

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High Energy Martial Artists + Jujitsu = Successful Jujitsu Clinic 1/2/10

Today the American College of Martial Arts of Burlington, N.C.  hosted a Jujitsu Clinic. It was attended by martial artists from varied backgrounds and experiences. Participants ranged in age from 16 to 57 years old. There were white belts to green belts to various degrees of black belts in several styles. Some drove three hours to attend; some drove 30 minutes, and some came across town.  It...

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The Ability to Listen

Robert Frost said “You are educated when you have the ability to listen to almost any thing without losing your temper or self-confidence.” That can be deemed true in almost all things especially when one martial artist is talking to another. That is why one of our training hall rules is: When talking about the school to students from other schools use care and caution so you will not...

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A Martial Artist’s Christmas Carol

Some version of Dicken’s “Christmas Carol” is featured on any television station that your remote takes you to during the holiday season. This epic is a timeless story with wonderful values and morals. It reminds me of my own martial arts journey—past, present, and future. In my past I see myself, my accomplishments, and my missed opportunities. I see myself as a young...

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The Most Significant Belt – The White Belt

As an instructor, I have taught  thousands of students. Yet only a small percentage attain black belt status.  One may think that black belt is the most significant belt – but in my opinion, the white belt is. As a student comes in as a novice, that is the most crucial time in their training. Within those  first few weeks, they will find out if they have what it takes within themselves...

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