I watched a belt test today. By observing instead of running a belt test, I was able to see the test from the perspective of the parents and family members. It was refreshing and eye opening. Instead of pointing out the weaknesses and how a student can improve, or guiding them towards greater skills in the next belt test, I could see and feel the pride, confidence, and sense of triumph. It has been argued that the belts don't matter or that the belts system is flawed. This is somewhat...

We have all heard the expression, "It's cold and flu season. Be careful that you don't get sick!". That very message gives our minds the negative image of bad germs floating around us and puts us on the defensive. How does a germ know what season it is? How is it that when someone gets sick those around them get sick. Does a person that doesn't know that person was sick also get sick? There has been a lot of study done on the power of suggestion and the power of placebos. Believing...

Tai Chi and Qigong are popular internal martial arts, but the study of organs and their relationship to Chi are less known. It can be said that organ meditations is an esoteric art and deserves an explanation. I was first taught the meditations from my Bua Gua teacher, Dr. Michael Guen over a 10 year apprenticeship with him. The organs that we focus on are the heart, the lungs, the liver, and the kidneys. By focusing on the individual organs we can be more self aware and have a deeper...