"There is a natural order to all things. The shape of the mind will lead to its obvious conclusion. East, West, North or South. Climbing Mt. Fuji will result in passing the summit. Walking further will result in meeting more peaks and valleys. There is much to enjoy and discover.”
~S.F Radzikowski
As a martial arts instructor, or school, or especially if you're representing an authentic Japanese "koryū" you have a responsibility for safety.
If you are a …
You only have a little bit longer to live. The end is coming, whether in the most violent or quietly unexpected way; it is coming. …
I would like to express my thoughts on the concept of mushin no shin — commonly known as mushin (無心) It is different from munen. …
Some Japanese schools or individuals wish to capitalize on the ignorance of non-Japanese martial artists or gaijin (foreigner). If a Japanese 'koryu' is asking you …
Don't be in love with your weapon.
Don't be in love with your uniform.
Don't be in love with your training.
剣禅一如 The sword and zen are one. The mind of zen is an important consideration for the swordsman. The sword is the mind and the …
Budo values reflection and compassion. When these are not present it is hard to develop the heart and character for deeper study. The heart or …
Maai 間合い
Combative spacing or maai is important to investigate early on and come to understand. In weapons combat it is essential. Although at some point …
Joe is a bit of a jerk.Joe joins a dojo.Joe practices martial arts for 12 years.Joe is still a jerk.
We've all met Joe. At least …
It is difficult to wind through the brambles and thorns of life. It is impossible to escape from the drawing of blood, both metaphorically and …
鬼は外! 福は内!
In our house we dont use beans to chase out the demons, we use swords.
Just having a little fun during setsubun. I wish everyone …
When practicing bujutsu we should always work on being centered. For non-practitioners, it is also important to have a sense of center. Both types of …
Learn the sword or budo and learn of yourself. Learn about yourself to learn budo. We can learn about ourselves by practicing the art of …
You can jump and twirl around and whip about your sword as quick as you want. If you aren't applying grounded techniques with your body …
Kenjutsu (剣術) is the Japanese art of the sword. It is one of the four central martial arts (bujutsu) of pre-modern Japan. The two primary …
Respect is a two-way street, however, how many people are driving recklessly?
"If you want respect, you have to give it", or "Respect must be earned", …
Practicing and Studying
There are two main words used about practicing and learning in martial arts. Generally, we wouldn't say, I do martial arts, but rather …
I am often thinking about how to learn bujutsu productively. The efficiency of body and mind is vital in the classical arts that I study …
I heard a student say, "If I don’t do any kind of training every day, I feel a strong sense of guilt." When I heard …
Someone asked, “What value is there in martial arts training?”
I reflected, what do I value in martial arts? Why do we practice? I have been …