Instead of teaching you that you are invincible, a real martial artist learns you are anything but all powerful. You can be hurt, and worse, you can hurt someone unnecessarily. You have to be able to instantly measure a situation and come to a solution, and live with your choices.

That’s a sort of guide for life in general.

Trying not hurt anyone, making choices, and living with them.

As the years have gone by, the actions of the martial arts have become a kind of moving meditation. In the system I practice, which I founded some years ago, based on all my years of studying martial arts, I practice the moves and teach. It clears the head. It keeps the body flexible, improves endurance and balance.

Balance in martial arts is essential, as it is in life. And not merely physical balance. Life balance. Moderation.

Practice keeps me in touch with my father who first introduced me to martial arts. It keeps me in touch with my various instructors. It keeps me in touch with pain and pleasure, the sorts of things life deals you. It’s important to understand pain may not be craved, but it is often received. As I always say, “life is just full of little disappointments”.