Ramblings about the martial arts, training, life and other subjects. That’s why its called “rambling”.
During the recent Midwest Haidong Gumdo seminar featuring Senior Chief Master Marshall Parnell, he talked about making sure that we “look” for the bad guys while doing gumbub (sword forms), He said that most of us look odd when doing it, though. I will agree! The problem is that most modern martial artists aren’t trained […]
If you don’t believe that the way your present everything is important, then think about this… This comes from part of the lecture that Senior Chief Master Marshall Parnell gave during the Fall 2022 Midwest Haidong Gumdo testing & training. The full post is an expansion upon the concept and not completely from Kwanjangnim Parnell. […]
It has been a long time since I’ve actively trained with the Seidokan Aikido organization. Fortunately, I’ve kept many of the lessons. That training has helped all that I’ve done since. The focus on practicing the principles was a big change. The kicking/striking art had focused on application of technique for fighting but talked little […]
Much has been said about the benefits of martial arts for building focus, discipline, confidence, and esteem. These are true but not often illustrated when as a student is promoted. These are artifacts of the holistic personal development taught through the martial arts. The remainder of this article will present and illustrate the personal development […]
Back in the day, while playing high school sports, the coach often stated “You will play the way your practice!” Now, all these years later, is another illustration of that concept. Yes, I know that it isn’t anything new but the timing in finding it is good. I have watched students come to class and […]
Now, I can understand how this can happen sometimes. They don’t know that they don’t know. It took nearly 15 years for me to find out about the Kukkiwon. I had known my organization wasn’t the only “way” as it very sport heavy and hosted awesome tournaments that drew 500+ competitors. I still baffles me […]
“Those who can, do; those who can’t, teach.” This is said to be from the George Bernard Shaw play “Man and Superman” and based on the proverb – Those who are especially skilled in a certain field or area will be able to pursue a career, while those who are less skilled will end up […]
The next martial arts adventure happens July 14-17 in San Antonio! Grandmaster Frankovich will be attending the International Martial Arts Council (of America) National Training Camp and Hall of Fame Ceremony. At the event, he will be teaching a training session on Thursday 7/14 at 1330hrs. While it is listed as Taekwondo, it will cover […]
Starting back in 2005, I have been learning and teaching the Korean sword. This has been an incredible opportunity for me to continue to develop as a martial artist and a teacher. Something that sets my teaching apart from others is the dedication to the lifelong students. It has been a great pleasure to have […]
I’ve seen each several times and have always thought that they were very good points made about martial arts training, but…there is a really LONG distance between these statements! The distance between these is based upon how the technique is done each time. Now, I’ve seen it more often with forms practice. Students will do […]
(From original post – November 2013)*** Sitting here watching “Miracle” for the first time. I know that its one that should have been seen before but I tend to shy away from movies about actual events. Anyway… During the exhibition game of Team USA vs Norway, Brooks hears the players talking about the women in […]
For a very long time I have been pursuing the goal of gaining academic recognition for the martial arts. This goal is to put martial arts above the typical role as a one credit P.E. activity course within the university setting. This was the case as I taught at Hamline University for 15 years. Many […]
Much has been said about the benefits of martial arts for building focus, discipline, confidence, and esteem. These are true but not often illustrated when as a student is promoted. These are artifacts of the holistic personal development taught through the martial arts. The remainder of this article will present and illustrate the personal development […]
Recently, I asked a handful of students and those close to the school what their thoughts were for why they stay with WTMA or have developed the connection to us. Below are excerpts from some of the replies. If you have additional thoughts, please comment or send them to me. “The love and passion you […]
An illustration of good sportsmanship came across Facebook the other day. It talked about the way to handle losing in an athletic event. Too often the focus of our society is winning [in sports] and then trying to carry the attitude into everything else. Sadly, it doesn’t work that way. This constant desire to win […]
This statement is very true! This happens all over the place in physical and intellectual ways. The problem is that too many people are comfortable just coasting along. It takes less work to complete tasks and projects when you’re naturally adept at those skills. It can also be a lullaby convincing you that it is […]
I have been searching for an academic connection for the martial arts for most of my years training. I have had opportunities to teach accredited physical education courses in Aikido (UM-Duluth & UW-Superior) and Taekwondo (UW-Superior & Hamline University). The problem that I came across was the limited view of what the course was supposed […]
I don’t usually use a meme to make a point but… This one fits for martial arts very well. I’ve been teaching for over 35 years now and have seen a wide variety of students come through the door. Not only the typical 8 year old to 70+ year old but the reasons for why […]
One of the biggest responsibilities that a martial arts teacher needs to keep in mind is the development and growth of their students. This comes from teaching students to your best ability. This is a concept that gets lost often. Having a school of 200+ students under the age of 18 is great. If they […]
Understanding that not every person or body is the same and helping to work through that. The love and passion you and your students have. The geekiness we can all be. You allow your students to be their own person.
