A Day at the AKA Grand Nationals

I competed yesterday at the AKA Grand Nationals, the longest-running martial arts tournament in the U.S., in Chicago. I placed first after performing Kanku Sho in a division of two, the non-NASKA men’s 18-29 Japanese/Okinawan forms. The NASKA division had 13 competitors. Not being a registered member of the NASKA circuit and never having looked seriously… Continue reading A Day at the AKA Grand Nationals

Taekwondo Grappling Techniques: An Eye-Opening Read

Over the past couple months, and for the past several summers, I have been working with my karate instructor either individually or in small groups to decode some of our karate forms in order to find their hidden applications. Our katas, he says, are our libraries of knowledge. Only recently has it dawned on me… Continue reading Taekwondo Grappling Techniques: An Eye-Opening Read

How to Stay Inspired After Reaching Black Belt

Several months ago, I posed a question to my Facebook friends about what martial arts topics they wanted me to cover. Slowly but surely, I’m making my way around to each of them. My friend and former colleague Jeff Tillett asked me my thoughts on staying inspired after black belt. This list is by no means… Continue reading How to Stay Inspired After Reaching Black Belt

Review: The Way to Black Belt is Great for Students, Advanced Ranks and Instructors

Whether you’re a brand-new martial arts student or seeking promotion to any level, Lawrence A. Kane and Kris Wilder’s The Way to Black Belt: A Comprehensive Guide to Rapid, Rock-Solid Results is a great resource. The authors include a wealth of information, including quotes from other martial arts instructors and students, for students who are… Continue reading Review: The Way to Black Belt is Great for Students, Advanced Ranks and Instructors

A Brief History of Okinawan Karate

I’ve studied Okinawan karate for nearly a decade, though interestingly enough, I’ve focused mainly on the movements. Only within the last several years have I made a pointed effort to start digging deeper to discover the roots of my art. The history and culture surrounding the martial arts, and especially Okinawan karate, are as interesting… Continue reading A Brief History of Okinawan Karate