Teacher burnout is natural. When I think back to my school years, I remember catching almost every single teacher staring out the window contemplating whether to jump. Or so it seemed. My mother was a career teacher. So was my step-father. And most of their friends. They’ll all tell you how much they loved their…
Category: MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING
Martial arts training tips for students and teachers of martial arts.
Help! My Sparring Partner Is Out of Control!
An out of control sparring partner can cause you more harm than a real-life attacker. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Here are some tips to protect yourself on the mats and on the street. You can read the article, listen to the podcast, or watch a video summary. Stay safe! 🙂 How…
7 Lessons I Learned from Bruce Lee
Bruce Lee got me started in martial arts. But not for the reasons you might think. When I was a kid, I thought martial arts were stupid. Every kung fu and ninja movie I saw on TV was ridiculous. I never wanted to be Chuck Norris, Sho Kosugi, or a young Chinese man wearing robes…
One Trick to Be a Better Teacher of Martial Arts
If you’re a martial arts teacher, I bet this has happened to you. You’re watching a student spar—let’s call him Rodney. Rodney’s not doing well. So, you coach him— “Rodney! Relax, keep your hands up, bend your knees, move, combinations, keep your chin down, pressure!” Then what happens? Nothing. Rodney fixes nothing. It’s like he…
Words of Wisdom from John Hackleman
John Hackleman is a living legend. He’s a master martial artist, founder of his own style—Hawaiian Kempo, founder and owner of the world-famous Pit Martial Arts and Fitness Center, coach and trainer to kickboxing and UFC champions, and a top level competitor in kickboxing, boxing, and no-holds-barred fighting. But forget all that! The reason I’m…
Make Yourself Comfortable–It’s a Matter of Life and Death!
Stop! Before you read this, make yourself comfortable. Straighten your back. Relax your shoulders. Take a deep breath. Here’s why– When you make yourself comfortable, you’re smarter, safer, happier, and more efficient. As an animal, it’s natural to seek pleasure and avoid pain. Yet, how often do we find ourselves, or put ourselves, into situations…
Finish Strong: How To Get Things Done
I admit it–martial artists can be a wacky bunch. Allow me to share an example… One night, during an Aikido class, my teacher demonstrated how to defend against a knife attack. She called up a student and handed him a wooden knife, then gave the cue to attack… The student stuck out his arm, thrusting…