My Wu-Wei Story

All my life people have been telling me "you think too much" to which I've usually replied "too much for what?"

This accusation has always seemed indefensible...until now.

Just Say Osu!

For the many years I was training regularly (3-4 times a week) at Koguma Dojo (many years ago) the classes were about 180 minutes long. We spent a lot of time working drills across the floor. They were very repetitive, but whenever anyone complained I remember Sensei David Anderson saying "have you mastered them?" so I never complained. I always tried to do my drills enthusiastically and give energy back to the class.

Rooted In Martial Arts

When I first started martial arts it was in this Shotokon dojo in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. I didn't stay there long, but I learned some valuable lessons there.

One time Shihan had us stand in a rooted stance with one arm held out strong. He called students up to demonstrate. When the first student came up Shihan pushed his arm down showing that he wasn't strong enough. When the second student came up. Shihan pushed his arm to the side.

I thought to myself that these students were weak and I was strong. If Shihan called me up I would show everyone how it was done.

MMA Training: BJJ

Last Saturday I was too sick to take the Standup MMA class at Steve Sohn's. But I had Tuesday off from work so I took the Jiu-Jitsu MMA class.

It was a great class. Sensei Greg teaches this class as well and does a great job demonstrating and teaching a progressive series of offensive and defensive maneuvers.

MMA Training

I started taking an MMA class at Steve Sohn’s Krav Maga Training Center where Eason trains.

I was disappointed when they replaced their parent/child class, but I figure it's a good opportunity to practice.

MMA And The Appeal Of Violence And Violent Competition?

In the recent episode of MMA Nation, Luke was talking about Violence in MMA, and why it is attractive to so many.

So I want to address the question, why do I like MMA and what is the appeal of violence and violent competition?

Violence is simply a reality of life, regardless of to what extent one might try to avoid it. Whether its the possibility of having to defend yourself and your family on the street, to defending your country, to wanting to punch that annoying person in the mug so they'll just shut up. There is just no way to avoid that reality.

Koguma Dojo In The Summer

Sensei David Anderson led Koguma Dojo classes in the park during the summer. These classes were followed by some promotions.

More pictures below:

Thank You Sensei. Osu!

Sensei,

I'm in Reston, VA as I mentioned the other day.

While I've been here I've had the opportunity to try three different Martial arts classes, Taekwondo, Thai-Chi and Jujitsu. I had many different opinions of all the classes (of course). If you're interested I'll tell you about them in greater detail next time I see you.

In each class I asked the instructor if I could visit their class and told them what my martial arts background is.