The Coming Winter
Uncertainty No one can predict with any certainty what may happen this coming winter. I think that one can safely say that, as far as Canada is concerned, there will probably not be another COVID-19 wave due to the high vaccination rates. On the other…
Back in Action!
Man, am I happy or what? I am back in action by teaching private lessons for the first time since December! As soon as Ontario entered Step One of its re-opening plan, I emailed my clients, offering them the opportunity to start training again. Several…
It’s On Like Donkey Kong!
Ontario announced today that they would start re-opening the economy on Friday, June 11th. Based on my reading of the provincial guidelines, I can teach private lessons. IT’S ON LIKE DONKEY KONG! LET’S GO! Because the province is beginning to distribute 2nd doses, last fall’s…
Friday Recommendation #3
Before you delve into Sensei Ando’s 25-minute podcast about Bruce Lee’s famous quote, let’s refresh your memory first by watching this clip. If you are not able to view this video, click here. I have to admit that I have always been a big fan…
Friday Recommendation #2
In December, I came across this podcast by Iain Abernethy, in which he discusses the differences between martial arts, fighting, and self-protection. He posits that losing the distinction among the three leads martial arts instructors astray. If you are not able to view this video,…
There Are No Fucking Secrets!
Recently, I read through a martial arts forum where a discussion on secret techniques was taking place. I did not join in the discussion as I was busy with errands. Also, I did not want to go down the rabbit hole with those convinced of…
Am I Crazy for Writing A Book?
Yes, you read that right! I am writing an e-book on martial arts training tips and FMA concepts. At some point, it will be self-published and sold through Gumroad. How did I decide to do this? Before the pandemic, I was teaching Modern Arnis classes…
Forget About Winning or Losing
When folks roll on the mat or do stick free play, why do so many focus on “winning” or “losing?” The fact of the matter is that you’re going to win some and lose some. Instead of getting hung up on who prevailed, just focus…
Post Lockdown Thoughts
During these unprecedented times, martial arts instructors have to think about their short term futures, after the lockdowns are gradually eased, and we return to teaching. But, first, what is the definition of “short term future” in the context of these times? For me, the…
Solo Training
Many of us cannot train with our martial arts classmates and friends during these extraordinary times. Since I have confined myself at home, I have done a fair bit of solo training, including, but not limited to, bodyweight and martial exercises, solo stick exercises, Shotokan…
