So there is this idea that adding a sports competition element to the martial arts can actually hurt or undermine the efficacy of the self-defense aspect. I’ve heard variations of this argument from multiple sources. You hear this argument mostly from Krav Maga people and old-school Karate guys, so most people who compete in MMA,Continue reading “Combat Sports vs Self-Defense”
Tag Archives: combat sports
Meditation on Mental Elasticity
One of the best compliments I’ve received in martial arts in the past few years came from a Jiu Jitsu brown belt at my gym. We’ll call him Juan since that’s his name. I’ll paraphrase as well as I can: “You are constantly learning and improving. I’ve rolled with a lot of guys your ageContinue reading “Meditation on Mental Elasticity”
How to Choose the Right Martial Arts School
So you are thinking about getting involved in martial arts. Great! But where do you start? By what method do you judge a potential martial arts academy, aside from its reviews on Google or Yelp? Well, lucky for you I am a big ol’ fight nerd with years of experience. In my life I haveContinue reading “How to Choose the Right Martial Arts School”
Reasons NOT to do Combat Sports
Oh hey everybody. A while back, I wrote an article about my reasons for doing martial arts. Typically, I use the terms “martial arts” and “combat sports” interchangeably. However, most people associate the term “combat sports” with specific types of martial arts, such as Muay Thai, Boxing, Wrestling, Jiu Jitsu, MMA, etc. which are theContinue reading “Reasons NOT to do Combat Sports”
Original Artwork – Oni Nerd
Oh hey everybody. Since the Oni is fairly common in martial arts imagery (along with dragons, tigers and for some reason koi fish), I combined it with some common nerd stereotypes. Anyhow, in another life I was kind of an artist. I’ve been reviving that muscle group. I’ll post a few more of these, andContinue reading “Original Artwork – Oni Nerd”
Remember to Breathe
You may notice that I generally conclude my articles with something along the lines of “happy training, and don’t forget to breathe,” or a variation thereof. The Implied message is both as simple as, yet deeper than, it sounds. Taken at its most basic meaning, it is a simple reminder to breathe. It is throughContinue reading “Remember to Breathe”
The Benefits of Gratitude
“Bowing is an expression of gratitude and respect. In effect, you are thanking your opponent for giving you the opportunity to improve your technique.” – Jigaro Kano So, yeah. Themed seasonal blog post this time, but a worthy topic nonetheless. My grandfather once told me that when he wakes up each morning, he meditates onContinue reading “The Benefits of Gratitude”
Gear Maintenance Guide
Over the years I’ve used and abused all sorts of martial arts training gear. I’ve wondered why the velcro on my hand wraps or fight shorts won’t stick anymore. Or how my rash guard started unravelling. I’ve also accidentally dyed a gi pink before. I’ve done a lot of dumb things when it comes toContinue reading “Gear Maintenance Guide”
Xu Xiaodong: A Modern Martial Arts Hero
Bullshido: martial arts instruction that is fraudulent, inept or otherwise not worth trusting (from a portmanteau of bushido and bullshit) Perhaps I am an idealist, but I am of the conviction that integrity is an essential, core tenant of being a martial artist. In Muay Thai, we spar to stress test our skills against live,Continue reading “Xu Xiaodong: A Modern Martial Arts Hero”
Should You Compete in a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Tournament?
Short answer, probably yes. But obviously it behooves you to understand the level of hard work and sacrifice involved: preparing through rigorous training, conditioning and diet. Or the financial investment as well, since tournaments aren’t free, and you may need to travel and/or take time off of work. And of course, the fact that youContinue reading “Should You Compete in a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Tournament?”
Of Health and Hedonism
In my early 20s, the pursuit of pleasure was one of my primary motivators. The majority of weekends, I was out looking for adventure, whether that entailed getting high as fuck at a concert, drunk as fuck at a house party, or doing hallucinogens in the forest with a good friend or three. I alsoContinue reading “Of Health and Hedonism”
Martial Arts vs Combat Sports
I tend to use the terms “Martial Arts” and “Combat Sports” interchangeably because in my mind, they are. I realize there are purists out there who get weirdly pedantic about that. “Wrestling and Boxing aren’t martial arts.” Yes, they are. I don’t care, dude. They are. Generally it seems like this distinction is important toContinue reading “Martial Arts vs Combat Sports”
Strangle Buddies 