Why do you study the martial arts?  That is a question you should ask yourself, and ask your potential instructor.  The answers to this question should be compatible if you are going to study with this person.

There are many reasons for studying the martial arts, but here are some of the most common:

"I want to be able to defend myself."

"I want to feel better about myself." (confidence, self-esteem)

"I want to develop more self-discipline."

"It looks really cool."

"I want to have the physical abilities of a martial artist."

"Because my parents told me I have to."

"I want to learn how to use weapons."

"I want inner peace."

"I want to be able to teach and make lots of money."

"I want to be a blackbelt."

"I want to be a more effective officer, soldier, etc.)

and so on...

So, these generally fall under a few categories: Ego, Behavior modification, philosophy, Vocation, and Fitness. 

Quite often it is a combination of a few of these. 

I was recently asked about my "lineage" and how our belt "system" works.  I always hate this question because it comes from minds that already have a preconcieved notion about how it should be.  Invariably it is also some armchair martial artist or McDojo blackbelt that has at best a couple of years training and wants to point out the flaws in my system.  Just ask what the flaws are and I will save you the time. I have been training, studying, and teaching for over 30 years now.  I know full well what our strengths are and the weaknesses left to address. 

Therefore, if you truly want to know what our system is about it would make more sense to ask me my philosophy on the martial arts.

My purpose and intentions are to provide as complete a martial arts experience as an "average" person can handle.  Those that want to specialize in a particular system or become a UFC champ will have to train elsewhere.  The degree of discipline and committment necessary to become one of the greatest martial artists in the world cannot be found in any one school.  Only through ones own sacrifice, and dedication to study would it be possible, and that would still require experience in many, many schools.

When I began my training, I noticed vast holes in areas of combat that were simply not addressed by the system I was training in at the time.  I visited other schools and found that they covered weaknesses in my base system, but they had there own flaws as well.  So I joined classes that had strengths in different areas until I felt I had enough material to deal with any issue at least enough so I could move the fight into one of my opponents weaknesses.

Musashi said, "Have no favorite weapon." I have lived by this maxim as much as possible.  There are areas I prefer over others, but I acknowledge the attributes of those needed and employ them whenever appropriate.

Our system reflects this as well.  Give something a name and it becomes formed and outlined.  So the name I chose was "The Living Arts."  This leaves me a great deal of latitude for interpretation.  I will not be limited by the dogma and doctrine of any system.  I change, and this system is constantly evolving.  Small minds cant handle this, so I dont mention it.  I see something that works or is interesting I try it out.  If it sticks, it becomes part of our curriculum.

Art is fluid. It fits to the shape, time, purpose, and intent of the moment.  My art is the same.  It is TKD, BJJ, Wing Chun, Arnis, Tai Chi, Kung Fu, Karate, Boxing..... etc. And it is none of these.  It is whatever I want it to be. As it will be for you when you let go of the box you put it in and allow it to become.

Tournaments a a great opportunity. I really reccomend everyone participate in the upcoming events.  It helps to see where you are at in your training to compare and contrast your skills to your peers in the martial arts community.  It is difficult to do this in our school because the people you train with know what you do and are (hopefully) progressing with you. 

Quite often, you will see the same people year after year at these events. This gives you a sort of measure to evaluate your progress.

You may also see something that will inspire you to try a new style or weapon.  This helps to keep the martial arts interesting and avoid stagnation.

I wish to keep people updated and thought that a blog might accomplish that.  If you have questions about our system, philosophy, or anything else that might be of interest to others I will try to address that here as well.