It’s a new year and a new season to get back into your favorite martial art. But what if you don’t know where to start with things like gear or clothing? Josh Henry has created a beginner’s guide to selecting the BJJ rash guard that’s right for you. Happy rolling!
If you would like to contribute a martial-arts or wellness-related article for Little Black Belt, please refer to the guest writer guidelines here.
While this blog has been home to articles about many different forms of martial arts, this is the first weapons-related post! The team at Cakra EDC Gadgets, a seller of self-defense weapons, has provided an informative post on how to responsibly buy and use brass knuckles. Please adhere to your local laws regarding the carrying and use of self defense weapons and related items. For more information on the company, please see the end of the post.
Continue reading “Guest Writer: The Benefits of Brass Knuckles”
My blog is TEN years old! Can you believe it? I began this project as a quiet way to document the life-changing insights I was having about a year into my taekwondo journey. I didn’t tell anyone about it for a few months. Since then it has grown to be a documentation of my journey to black belt and beyond, the inspiration for my 2021 book Kicking and Screaming: a Memoir of Madness and Martial Arts, and home to many guest articles from the larger martial arts world. The blog and the book have pushed me into talking openly about mental illness in the public space, which I’ve done on podcasts, in articles, and even in my workplace.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to read my thoughts and to the other writers and martial artists who have contributed richness and diversity to the blog.
I have been in the business of adult learning for nearly 15 years. I’m always interested to see how our experiences, whether they are related to martial arts, our professional life, or our relationships, help us learn. In this guest post Ashley Mann shares five things practicing Jiu Jitsu has taught her about the nature of learning. My personal favorite from her list: “Comparison is the thief of joy.”
If you would like to contribute a post to Little Black Belt, please review the guest writer guidelines here.
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My amazing guest writers have shared the importance of martial arts training for kids and the benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training in general. This article, courtesy of Griphouse Academy Glasgow head coach Nathaniel, brings together the best of both worlds. Learn more about the great things Coach Nathaniel and team are doing for young students at www.griphouseacademy.co.uk
If you would like to submit a martial arts-related article to this blog, please review the guidelines here.
I’m blessed to have a number of guest writers offer their unique perspectives and expertise on this blog just about every month. When Cindy Villanueva contacted me about sharing her writing, I jumped at the chance. Besides our obvious connection of being female martial artists and black belts, Cindy and I have a lot in common. We both have ties to Texas, we’re authors, and, like me, Cindy has benefited greatly from the emotional and mental aspects of martial arts.
This blog post explores universal truths Cindy has gleaned from her decades of martial arts practice.
Enjoy Cindy’s insights below, and be sure to check out her website and her book, Don’t Fight Mad.
Continue reading “Guest Writer: Seven Important Truths Learned From Martial Arts”
We aren’t all built the same, which means we can’t all employ the same strategies when we spar. I’m shorter than most of the people I fight, so I have to use different tactics than someone taller. My former master was especially good at encouraging me to fight to my body’s strengths, close the distance, and take advantage of using punches and certain kicks. Velin Draogev offers tips and tricks for fighting opponents with longer reach. Read more about Velin’s background and how to access his writing at the end of the article.
If you would like to write a martial arts-related guest post for Little Black Belt, please see the guest writer guidelines here.
Continue reading “Guest Writer: How to Fight vs Opponents with Longer Reach”
While modern, competitive taekwondo has become quite popular, at its core, the martial art is meant to prepare the practitioner to defend themself. How effective is taekwondo?
Guest writer Michael, whose work has been featured on several martial arts and sports sites, explores how taekwondo technique is effective for self-defense.
I’ve personally never had to use taekwondo to defend myself against another person, but one time on a walk I was ready to throw down with an aggressive dog. I was in a fighting stance and everything. Good thing that dog was behind a fence. 🙂
If you would like to be a guest writer for Little Black Belt, please review the guest writer guidelines here.
Continue reading “The Role of Taekwondo in Self-Defense and Personal Safety”
Adam Green from muaythaiinsider.co.uk is back with tips on post fight recovery. While this article focuses on Muay Thai fighters, these are great tips for any martial arts practitioner. As we get into training and competition season, make sure you are healthy, well, and having fun!
If you would like to contribute a martial arts-related post to Little Black Belt, see guest writer guidelines here.
Continue reading “Guest Writer: Post Fight Recovery for Muay Thai”
Recently my partner sent me a video by YouTube comedian Ryan George. In the video, a man who likes to doodle cute little birds for fun in his spare time is bullied and pressured by a #hustleandgrind bro into creating a side hustle-to-full-time business with products, employees, and a full on corporate structure. By the end of the video, both men are older and ready to retire. The hustle bro comments that the artist can now go paddle boarding with son in his free time, which was what the artist enjoyed doing before he started his bird drawing business. The artist is angry and frustrated at time lost. It harkens back to the parable of the fisherman and the businessman. The fisherman, like the man sketching birds, was content with his life. The businessman couldn’t understand why the fisherman wouldn’t follow his promptings to expand his production.
Sometimes a hobby can just be a hobby.
Continue reading “Yes, Your Martial Art Can Just Be a Hobby”
