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A Lifetime's worth of growth, wisdom and knowledge

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It has long been suggested that by training in the martial arts one can develop increased will, increased confidence, the ability to reduce stress, greater strength, flexibility, increased energy, heightened mental awareness (both focus and memory), the ability to protect yourself and loved ones, increased coordination, and so forth. You need only do a quick internet search or look through the yellow pages of a phone book to see all the espoused benefits of the martial arts. While I find many of the promised benefits to be at least partially true; I do however find that some of the promises are not completely accurate. Unfortunately, this mystique has also brought forth a plethora of charlatans, and “businessmen” interested only in getting rich by “selling the secrete killing art of such-and-such”. Some of these offers and scams are quite obvious and read like the advertisements that at one time appeared in the back pages of comic books. Others are subtler, and much more difficult
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Ethos and techne

I do not count martial arts among my list of hobbies. It is much more than a hobby or simply an enjoyable pastime. In fact, the arts have permeated many of the aspects of my life. However, living in the twenty-first century mandates that I either be independently wealthy (which I am not) or I have a job. My job, in addition to consuming 45 to 60 hours of my time a week, provides for my family and the lifestyle to which we have become accustomed. I am the primary source of income for our family. While it is true that being a software engineer has little to do with the martial arts, my experience in the martial arts do have a lot to do with how I approach my day in the corporate world. The philosophy of the arts provides guidance (hard work, modesty, courage, responsibility, tenacity, experience, and so on). Likewise, being a practicing catholic also guides my activities and provides direction on how I pursue all activities. These two sources of wisdom have become very interwoven in
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The Martial Arts are, at their very core, organized systems and traditions of hand to hand combat

The Martial Arts are, at their very core, organized systems and traditions of hand to hand combat. Aside from the pure military aspects, they are traditionally practiced for a multitude of reasons including: self-defense, health, fitness, enjoyment, competition, as well as mental, physical, and even spiritual growth. As such, many of the activities related to the arts involve a certain amount of risk. This blog is not intended to replace a qualified and trusted instructor, your doctors’ advice, or your own judgment regarding your capability to participate in a martial art or any other physical activity. Consult your health care professional before beginning any kind of exercise or diet program. Obtain a trusted and qualified instructor who can lead you in your martial journey. Listen to your body – you alone know if something hurts and you alone can judge how hard you can push given your unique physical capabilities.
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