As martial artists, we often go through life and its trials and tribulations without ever putting much thought into how our brain and mind confront and deal with the challenges that we face. There is value in learning how the brain works, particularly how it works under stress.

Stressful situations can range from a child forgetting to do his homework to an adult's all out defense of self. The brain functions, for most of us, the same way no matter what the source of perceived or real…

I was recently asked by a student to expound upon the name and meaning of our system of karate, Isshinryu. These thoughts reflect my own understanding of Isshinryu at this point in my short 15 years of training. They are in no way meant to be a universal definition of what Isshinryu means.

The name of our system is Isshinryu Karate-Do. (一心流), which means “One-Heart…

As we roll in to 2014, I want to thank everyone who is a part of the dojo, and connected to it in some way, for your support during previous year. This was one for the books for my small family, and I think I aged 10 years in 1, but it would have been an even harder ride without your help and support. We were very humbled by your presence and love--from cards and letters to gifts and groceries during our 4 month hospital stay--even to offering up your homes for us to be able to stay close to…