Since writing Teachings of an Authentic Taoist Immortal a few weeks ago, I’ve discovered some newer video footage of the Indonesian acupuncturist and qigong master known as John Chang. [Read more →]

By day, I am a mild-mannered software developer; when darkness falls, I step away from the computer for more vigorous pursuits.  During the past few days, I’ve been moonlighting as a private dick.  My latest case: to find those responsible for the destruction of the Shaolin Temple village, and bring them to justice. [Read more →]

It’s been twenty years since its release, so The Karate Kid is officially cool again. The indie rock band No More Kings has drafted the movie’s original cast members into its latest music video. [Read more →]

Nei kung experts such as John Chang have allegedly spent decades learning how to harness their bodies’ inner chi power. Some of their incredible demonstrations, however, can be reproduced without special training. With a proper setup, most adults can shoot a lightning bolt from their fingertips. [Read more →]

Shield and spear

To the ancient Romans, the concept of a non-violent martial art would be nonsensical. Their literal definition of martial was “belonging to Mars”, the god of war. Modern usage of the term martial arts, however, is hardly related to military strategy and tactics.

Today, most popular martial arts are practiced without arms. Considering this shift in focus, from immediate and practical skills to more abstract and long-term benefits, it is reasonable to ask whether violent destructive potential is still necessary at all.

Is a non-violent martial art worthy of study? [Read more →]

Yekshamesh! Borat says:

In Kazakhstan, the favorite hobbies are disco dancing, archery, rape, and table tennis. In America, there are many hobbies too. I find more. Jenkui.

In the following video, Borat learns:

• Self-defense techniques from Danny Passmore, an 8th dan master of American Street Karate [Read more →]

There is one week remaining in the Best Martial Arts Writing of 2006 Contest.  I am disappointed in the low number of entries so far, considering the dozens of martial arts bloggers I know visit this website.

Please do not be intimidated by the name of the contest.  Take it as an opportunity to promote your own martial arts articles, whether or not they are among the greatest works of mankind.

I am lifting the requirement that your entry was written in 2006; you can submit any posts written before the end of the contest on March 17. [Read more →]

The Secret, a new personal development guide by Rhonda Byrne, is taking the nation by storm. In the last three months, the book has sold almost two million copies, and the DVD has sold one million more. Einstein, Beethoven and Plato knew and used it. Oprah loves it.

What is this “secret to unlimited joy, health, money, relationships, love, youth, and everything you have ever wanted”? [Read more →]

No doubt you’ve heard of Monkey Kung Fu.  But did you know that monkeys practice Korean martial arts too?  [Read more →]

Last week, I attempted to describe one of my favorite lower body warm-up exercises. Online and offline feedback since then indicate that my description wasn’t as clear as I intended.

The particular choreography of this kicking exercise isn’t so important. I recommended it for its general characteristics. To explore those qualities, let’s contrast the exercise with a more common kicking drill: [Read more →]