As a young martial artist coming up through the ranks, I really tried very hard to be a tough guy. I thought it was the most important thing. I fell into the whole trap of posturing, of ego and of trying to impress other people. And then on top of that, I fell into the trap of … [Read more…]
This week in our classroom we’ve been discussing the concept of “forgiveness”. Heavy concept, I know : ) But let me share why I consider it a “black belt trait” and why it applies to our martial arts practice. Forgiveness is sometimes seen as this very intense, demanding , even religious concept. I prefer to … [Read more…]
When I was fifteen, two guys approached me on the street in New York. They started a classic street hustle – a lot of quick conversation back and forth, building a story for me, finding a way to hook me in emotionally. It happened very quickly and then it was over. You might not believe it, … [Read more…]
In the Martial Arts, especially in the Jiu-Jitsu community, some people elevate their enthusiasm beyond just eagerness and excitement. They become “fans”. And sometimes it goes even beyond fandom, into another level of fervor and zeal and hero-worship. Sometimes it’s called “being a fanboy“. Gender aside, Jiu-Jitsu has “fanboys”. I know this…because I have been … [Read more…]
We’ve talked before in this blog about the obligation of the senior student in the martial arts. It boils down to making sure that we’re taking care of the newer, junior student. I think you’ll agree with me when I say that there are a lot of reasons to do that, but the main one is to … [Read more…]
Some of the best lessons in training are the ones you get when you least expect them. Yesterday, while training with Sifu Vizzio, he hit me with a zinger. At the end of the session he said – without any context, apropos of nothing – “eventually, everybody’s mask comes off”. I was caught way off-guard. … [Read more…]
I have a very clear memory of Sensei telling the class, “Life is like watching the wake from the bow of a boat. We live it going forward but only understand it looking back.” Last night I was revisiting one of the many tiny ways that I really screwed things up in my marriage. It’s … [Read more…]
Last night I reminded the class that we are practicing Japanese Karate. It’s not American-style Wal-Mart karate in a box. It’s not there to be “consumed”, and you are not a consumer. Moreover, we have a relationship. My job is to show up and give you my very, very best. Sometimes it takes a lot, and sometimes it’s oppressive, and sometimes it’s … [Read more…]
The martial arts classroom is a place of participation, of engagement. It happens both with ourselves and with other people – the training makes that possible. Not to alienate anyone, but if your main way of connecting to another person is through being a professional sports fan – a sidelines observer – it’s pretty limited. By way of … [Read more…]
Don’t become the victim of short-term thinking. It is completely unacceptable for anyone practicing the martial arts to get into a street fight for any reason other than to save your life or a loved one’s life. Avoid it at all costs. The risks are great, the quote-unquote glory is non-existent, and the nonsense can … [Read more…]