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The Swing Back to Balance

Over the past fifty years, I’ve witnessed a troubling shift in the world of martial arts. The values, virtues, and principles that once formed its foundation have taken a negative detour. As commercialization, entertainment, and glorified violence took center stage, the true essence of martial arts was pushed aside. What was once a sacred path toward discipline, respect, and personal evolution has been reduced, in many circles, to a spectacle—devoid of spirit, wisdom, or purpose.

This trend has left me increasingly dissatisfied with many of the podcasts, seminars, and event presentations I've attended over the past five decades. While the physical techniques may still be impressive, the heart, the humility, the why—the more profound meaning—are often missing.

And yet, I also understand that nature and the universe move in cycles. There are rhythms and seasons to all things. The pendulum of life may swing far in one direction, but it always returns. I believe we are now living through that return—a swing back to the dawn of old.

I sense a shift in vibration and awareness.

People are waking up. They are seeking something more balanced, more meaningful. A way of living where peace prevails, where love, honor, respect, patience, integrity, courage, and compassion are not only desired but necessary. These virtues are not outdated—they are needed now more than ever.

The negative cycles of the past fifty years have left deep scars. People are fearful, frustrated, anxious, angry, and depressed. When common sense and rational thinking are absent, when truth is distorted and values are compromised, we find ourselves at rock bottom.

Those of us who lived in better times know the difference.

We've seen what a life rooted in principle looks like. We've experienced a world where community, honor, and discipline were taught, practiced, and lived. What a difference fifty years can make.

Now is the time to remember who we are—and why we are here.

We have lived through enough to know better. We've been given the gift of free will, and yet, we continue to make choices rooted in fear, division, and limitation. This can't be the legacy we leave for future generations.

We are capable of so much more.

So I ask: At what point did we give up?

When did we become so disillusioned, so afraid, and so defeated that we stopped rising? When did we abandon honesty, integrity, honor, and self-respect in favor of comfort, distraction, or despair?

Did we believe life was meant to be easy?

Free of struggle, challenge, heartbreak, pain, and suffering?

Life was never meant to be painless. It was meant to reveal us—to forge our spirit and test our truth. Every challenge is a choice. Every trial is a mirror. Life asks us again and again: Who are you in relationship to this?

It's not what happens to you that defines your life. It’s how you respond. It's who you choose to become.

And that is why life is for warriors.

Hardship is the training ground. Adversity is the path. Not to break you, but to awaken you. “Shit happens” not to punish you—but to provoke your highest self to rise.

The time has come to rise again.

Not in rebellion—but in remembrance.

Not in anger, but in alignment.

Let us return to the way. Let us choose love, discipline, courage, and truth—not because they are easy, but because they are right.

The future will not change unless we do. The world will not heal unless we lead it back—through our words, our actions, our integrity, and our example.

Let the swing back begin—with you and me committed to being our best. We can't change others, but we can control and discipline ourselves to be our best.

Feeling Blessed and Grateful.

What Happened to Us?

Over decades of training, I’ve witnessed a significant shift in the world of martial arts. The disciplines that once centered on personal growth, respect, and character development have grown alongside new arenas of competition, spectacle, and self-promotion. This evolution has brought many positive opportunities—more exposure, more practitioners, and new ways to challenge ourselves physically. But I’ve also noticed something subtle and essential shifting beneath the surface.

The core principles that originally inspired many of us—the spirit of humility, integrity, and honor—sometimes seem overshadowed by a growing focus on ranks, titles, and external recognition. This shift isn’t a cause for blame or resentment. It’s a chance for reflection and renewal.

Rather than lament what has been lost, we have a powerful opportunity to reclaim what truly matters. The path ahead invites us to focus less on labels and more on living the values that give martial arts their enduring strength.

Ranks and certificates are helpful guides on our journey, but they don’t define who we are. True mastery lies in how we embody respect, courage, and compassion—both inside the dojo and out in the world.

We can lead by example, showing students and peers alike that character is the ultimate achievement. By creating spaces where kindness and resilience flourish alongside skill and discipline, we nurture a new generation of warriors equipped to face life’s challenges with strength and grace.

Imagine if the foundational values of martial arts—integrity, humility, patience, honesty, and compassion—were taught not only in dojos but in schools and communities everywhere. These principles have the power to enrich lives far beyond their application in fighting techniques.



Teaching martial arts means more than perfecting punches or kicks. It means sharing stories of perseverance and respect, encouraging self-awareness, and fostering a sense of responsibility to others. When we invest in this holistic approach, we nurture individuals who carry the warrior spirit in every aspect of their lives.

A significant part of this journey is learning to be honest with ourselves. That means acknowledging when we fall short, understanding our motivations, and embracing vulnerability. I’ve found that the more truthful I am—especially with myself—the more grounded and free I feel.

Taking responsibility isn't about blame; it's about reclaiming our power to choose our path intentionally. Living authentically allows us to lead with clarity, courage, and peace.

I remain a student, dedicated to learning and personal growth. The title of Shodan reminds me that the journey is ongoing. The warrior's way is not about domination or accolades—it’s about living with honor, serving others, and nurturing the spirit within.

If we embrace this approach, the heart of martial arts will continue to thrive—not in trophies or titles, but in the lives we touch and the values we uphold.

Together, we can foster a future where martial arts is a valid path of personal growth and community strength.