Martial Arts and Culture

A poem by Yu Xin (513-581) evokes some thoughts on training and teaching — the importance of solo practice, the results of different experiments in teaching, why it is best to be cautious before taking on new obligations.

Reflections on researching and writing about inner principles of Japanese swordsmanship and relating those back to philosophical topics.

Tàijíquán, along with Xíngyìquán and Bāguàzhǎng, forms the core of the internal martial arts, distinguished by their grounding in Daoist philosophy and Nèigōng practices.

Reflecting on twenty years of writing on martial arts, the integration of internal principles into classical swordsmanship, and a concluding pilgrimage to Japan.

We examine some features of armed and unarmed grappling and small weapon styles from the medieval period to modernity and draw some parallels and distinctions between them, especially as related to combat sport and contemporary military practices.

Reading the kata of Jikishinkage-ryū through kuzushi — from the hidden order of initiative in tō-no-kata, through the turning point at its capstone, to the close-quarter application of kodachi — framed by the triad of heaven, earth, and man.

Stages of training and how that relates to internal martial arts principles and the organization of older martial traditions.

Last year I began additional training in the union of Yoga and Buddhism offered through Tibet House. A short essay comparing the Astanga of Patañjali with the Buddhist Noble Eightfold path.

Tōsha Dōjō is a small training activity that meets weekly as part of Lonin League in Seattle and is focused on traditional kata practice and free sparring with armor and shinai.

I provide some information on the organization, goals, and overall training context of my efforts at preserving a practice of Jikishinkage-ryū kenjutsu (heihō) and related arts as part of the Gassankan.

The Tàijí, Bāguà and Xíngyì taught as part of Yin Cheng Gong Fa includes an extensive curriculum of jian (sword), dao (saber), and qiang (spear).

On solo practice, free sparring, entering HEMA competition, and the waning intensity of classical martial arts. Reflections on what it means to keep kenjutsu practice alive.

Reflections on a decade of practice in Tenshin Shōden Katori Shintō-ryū and an analysis of what may lie hidden beneath its surface.

A discussion of what constitutes proper training intensity in traditional martial arts.

An important translation of the Tàijí Classics has been published. Highly recommended.

Collected thoughts on the historical influence of Chinese martial arts on Japanese jūjutsu and how they relate to the topic of aiki in Aikidō and Daitō-ryū.

Reflections on a demonstration of Araki-ryū and Tenshin Bukō-ryū at the NAMT 2013 Night of Budo by Ellis Amdur.

A brief discussion of power generation in internal martial arts.