We held our first Combative Tactic Camp on the weekend of March 3-4 on the beautiful Ott family ranch. Camping and wonderful scenery set the stage for a solid fourteen hours of training in knife, stick, joint locks and open hand striking. We all had a great time and covered a ton of material. Everyone was fried and happy when it was time to come home!
On New Year’s Eve, we held our annual Shugyo, or ritual purification. The training was tough, but everyone survived and we welcomed the New Year with sweaty smiles! Happy New Year everyone!
Centuries ago, it was discovered that rubbing metals on dark stones such as slate left visible streaks of color. The color varied depending on the purity of the metals. This led to an explosion of commerce because now people had the ability to standardize the value of metals and thus establish consistent methods for pricing goods. These dark rocks became known as touchstones.
Today, the term is used to describe a reference point, a means of establishing value. In my life, I have found my martial arts training to be a touchstone. continue reading…
One of the things that I have always loved about training is the cathartic effect it has. I can be in the worst mood, and all I need is a good hour of solid training to purge the strong emotions that are dragging me down.
At least, this was what I thought was going on. continue reading…
We held our first Neigong intensive on Saturday the 20th. With three hours to work, we were able to explore the material of the current Neigong course more deeply.
Neigong Intensive 02.20.10
In this second of a two part series on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS), I will focus on the Oriental Medical (OM) model for this syndrome. continue reading…
Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS), or the achy pain that you feel for the days following training, is something with which we martial artists are constantly working. As a syndrome, DOMS typically appears 24-72 hours after a workout–particularly after training that is new in focus and intensity. DOMS describes stiff, sore and sometimes swollen muscles and is often accompanied by a temporary loss in strength and/or endurance. The pain experienced with DOMS is different from the sharp, sudden-onset pain that is more indicative of an injury.
This posting is the first in a two-part series on DOMS and will focus on the Western perspective. continue reading…
Many martial arts programs specialize in either the martial or the artistic. The former concentrates primarily on function, eschewing techniques and training methods that don’t create quick and effective prowess in a fight. The latter focuses more on style, placing a premium on the beauty and athleticism of form. Pyon Moo Do firmly places a foot into both of these perspectives, teaching an appreciation for both form and function. continue reading…
For most of us, our concept of testing comes from school. We studied for tests that we not only passed or failed, but also for which we received detailed grades. The consequences of these grades could have a significant impact on our experience at school (and home, depending on parental involvement). The tests were designed to evaluate how much we knew and their results opened, or restricted, our options for future achievement.
At TMAA, testing is very different, both in intention and practice, and is separated into two types: tests for stripes and tests for belts. The purpose of this posting is to help students and their families develop a better understanding of how we run testing at TMAA and why, so that they can better understand how to prepare and how to interpret the results. continue reading…
As a student in our Dojang, you know that you attend classes at Traditional Martial Arts Academy. But do you know the name of what you are studying? continue reading…
