Category: Articles

A Theoretical Model of Self-Defense: Bridging Theory and Practice in Response to Real-World Threats By Michael F. Martin

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Introduction Self-defense is often taught as a physical skill – a collection of techniques designed to repel or neutralize a physical threat. While this practical aspect is critical, it only forms part of the broader picture. Self-defense is a complex interplay of psychology, awareness, decision-making, and preparedness. The Self-Defense Theoretical Model seeks to address these … Continue reading A Theoretical Model of Self-Defense: Bridging Theory and Practice in Response to Real-World Threats By Michael F. Martin

Creative Anachronism in Japanese Martial Arts: Preserving the Past Through Practice by Michael Martin

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Creative anachronism is more than nostalgia; it’s the pointed revival of historical practices in the modern world, imbued with symbolic resonance, ritual, and performance. Like costumed historical reenactors staging battles for educational or cultural impact, practitioners of budō, or traditional Japanese martial arts, engage in reenactment through their uniforms, weapons, customs, and values. In the … Continue reading Creative Anachronism in Japanese Martial Arts: Preserving the Past Through Practice by Michael Martin

Uncovering Diverse Career Pathways for Martial Arts Enthusiasts by Michael Martin

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Martial arts, with their deep roots in ancient combat training, have undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving into diverse and multifaceted practices that extend beyond the battlefield into modern sports, recreational activities, and a variety of professional careers. From their origins in ancient cultures such as China, Japan, Korea, and Greece, where martial arts were developed … Continue reading Uncovering Diverse Career Pathways for Martial Arts Enthusiasts by Michael Martin

Implementing Competition-Like Exercises in Aikido Training

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In a recent editorial, we discussed some of the possibilities that can develop after rote kata and renshu training – more specifically, scenario training. Scenario training, in short, is an expanded approach that works to help aikidoka apply what they have learned in kata and renshu training: the basic movements, techniques, and principles of aikido. … Continue reading Implementing Competition-Like Exercises in Aikido Training

Inside Wei Son Do: The Cutting-Edge Martial Art Taking the World by Storm! by Jessie King

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John Morgart Jr. is a rising name in the martial arts world – a Tang Soo Do master turned innovator who created his own fighting style known as Wei Son Do. Hailing from western Pennsylvania, Morgart’s path in martial arts has been marked by early dedication, competitive success, and a drive to blend tradition with … Continue reading Inside Wei Son Do: The Cutting-Edge Martial Art Taking the World by Storm! by Jessie King

Kendo During Japanese American Internment

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Introduction With over 100,000 Japanese and Japanese Americans spread across the ten relocation centers, many communities were fractured, forcing many to either isolate or function in a new environment with new people. According to martial arts historian Joseph Svinth in 2003, “The ties stayed broken” while in the relocation centers, much like their destroyed kendo … Continue reading Kendo During Japanese American Internment

Martial Arts Tourism: A Small Aspect with Big Effects

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Originally written for an International Economic course during my graduate career, the following is a study that explores the relatively unknown field of Martial Arts Tourism. Pinning down exactly what martial arts tourism does for a city, region, or country is more difficult than it may seem, as it flies under the radar of the … Continue reading Martial Arts Tourism: A Small Aspect with Big Effects