Welcome to The Martial Arts Muse!

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Where inspiration strikes.

Are you a martial artist looking for inspiration?

Here you will find creative ideas and solutions to help you teach your classes or seminars, navigate your own learning and promote your martial art.

CHECK OUT THE MOST RECENT POSTS:

  • The Weird Guys (and Gals) of Martial Arts (Part 2): The Good Weirdos - The post celebrates the unique individuals in martial arts who contribute to a vibrant training environment. It highlights various "good weirdos," from the obsessive nerd to the lifelong white belt, emphasizing their positive impact on the community. These characters enhance the experience, making martial arts feel like home and encouraging everyone’s growth.
  • The Weird Guys (and Gals) of Martial Arts (Part 1): The Bad Weirdos - Martial arts often attracts individuals with unusual behaviors and motivations, leading to awkward training sessions. From those overly focused on mystical elements to those obsessed with unrealistic combat scenarios, this environment can become uncomfortable. Additionally, favoritism from instructors may alienate less skilled students, creating an unwelcoming atmosphere for growth and inclusion.
  • Slipping, Bobbing, Weaving & Other Small Victories - The transformative experience of transitioning from karate to kickboxing emphasizes the moment a skill becomes instinctual. Through consistent training, the I learned to move fluidly, shifting from rigid blocks to dynamic evasion. This journey highlights the importance of subtle progress in martial arts, celebrating the instinctual mastery achieved amidst chaos.
  • Am I Worthy? The Quiet Doubt Behind Every Belt Promotion - I’m sure most of you know the feeling, even if you’ve never named it: impostor syndrome. That restless knot in your gut that says, Any minute now, they’ll realize I have no idea what I’m doing. It’s that quiet dread that your success, your skills, your rank—whatever you’ve worked for—might be built on sand. Most people brush up […]
  • The Problem with Modern Karate Bunkai and Oyo - Bunkai and oyo, the essential study and applications of kata in karate, often lack practical effectiveness, confusing practitioners. Many sessions detach from real fighting dynamics, leading to ineffective techniques. To improve, karateka should focus on understanding fundamentals, training with resistance, respecting other arts, and valuing practical application over tradition, ensuring relevant and effective self-defence training.