Martial Arts Education

Last month we talked about the differences between ballistic (bounce) stretching and static (slow) stretching. Bouncing is not a good idea as it can result in inadvertent injury. “Dynamic” stretching like high leg lifts are OK if you warm up first and use moderate velocity while swinging your leg. (Go back and read last month¹s ...

I want to reiterate that most people can do these exercises with no problems. Since modern research has proven that there can be harmful effects for a minority of people, however; it is important that fitness professionals (and if you are a teaching Black Belt, then you qualify) take a conservative approach and utilize only ...

As I opened my martial arts school one day, unlocking the door and turning on the lights, I began the routine work that led into a routine day. Classes began and ended as usual and, except for a birthday party for one of the kid’s classes, the day would have passed like any other. We ...

Someone recently asked me to cite the 12 points that I thought were most important to understand the correct mental attitude during a self-defense situation. Here’s my answer.1. “Trust your gut.” If you have any doubt, then there is no doubt-something ain’t right. 2. Perfect intention is more powerful than perfect technique. If you have ...

Without a doubt, I would not be who I am, where I am, doing what I do, without the powerful influences of Grand Master H.U. Lee and Chief Master Richard Reed

[Editor’s Note: This column presents the text of the third and fourth pages of the formal, color invitation that Master Corley presents to his students who are invited to his school’s Leadership Training program. It reflects his thoughts on the pursuit of mastery. Read and use whichever parts you like…and be sure to walk the ...

Twelve months ago, I sat down to begin writing a column for this magazine, a column about philosophy and how it relates to business. And at the time, my son had just been born and things were changing in my life. Up until that point, while running my business, I would get caught up with ...

The secret about fitness that no diet guru or so-called “weight-loss expert” wants you to know is that there is no one answer to fitness. You must understand this important factor when developing your martial arts fitness course because it’s the key to a successful fitness program for your students. Many of you are probably ...

Using the Intention to Serve to be a Great Leader   You don’t have to work on leadership. What you work on is your spiritual intent. Not in religious terms, I’m not telling people what religion to believe. The basis of a plant, whether it is going to live or die, is in the roots. ...

Part 2 of a Six-Part Series on Using Kata (or Form) For Martial Arts Development In the classical school, we should have processes in place to train normal people to be able to do unique and powerful things. These skills should be centered on martial abilities and not dance or gymnastic abilities…and these should not ...