In today's martial art world, it seems the type of arts that get the most attention are the sports schools like MMA (Mixed Martial Arts), Tae Kwon Do and JuJitsu schools. I have found that although many of these schools have students (and instructors) that are technically and athletically quite good, it saddens me to see some of them have lost the essence of the martial way. I realize this isn't all martial arts schools, but I have seen a trend that has lead many martial artists away from the true meaning of karate do.

The Martial Way, also called Budo, means "knowledge as a way to improve ones life and the life of others." Budo is a way of living and a way of dying.

WARNING

For Senior Black-belts & Adult Students Only

Parental discretion is recommended.

In his book, Meditations on Violence, on the subject of Sudden Acts of Violence, Sgt. Rory Miller says,

"... skill at fighting is the least likely to affect your survival in a sudden assault. It's better to avoid than to run; better to run than to de-escalate; better to de-escalate than to fight; better to fight than to die.

One of the main challenges around training is know when to do what for how long. Please understand that martial arts is a time expensive activity and because of that people like me who have chosen to abandon the normal to train sometimes ask for more then our students can give (because they have lives outside of the dojo). So with you working peoples in mind here are some tips on how to priorities your training outside the classroom.

1. Movement

This has been an amazing year for me. Even with a run of bad luck I wouldn't have my life any other way. It is a good time to be a Martial artist, we are both the historians and scientist of unarmed combat.

With a little imagination the simple rules that govern the interaction between two fighters can be used in all kinds of problem solving exercises.