Melanie Gibson General Martial Arts, Guest Writers, Self-Development and Leadership, Training Tips

Guest Writer: What Parents Should Look for When Choosing a Martial Arts School

Article by Master Jaysen Ishida, taekwondo practitioner, dojang owner, and head instructor instructor of 9th Island Taekwondo. See bio at bottom of post.

The greatest benefits of martial arts are not always seen during class. Learning new skills helps children build confidence. Regular practice also teaches discipline and patience. These skills can positively influence how they approach everyday life.

Because every martial arts school has its own teaching style, instructors, and class environment, not every program will be the same. That is why parents should carefully consider these factors. It’s worth knowing what to look for before making a decision.

Here are the key things every parent should look for before enrolling their child.

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Melanie Gibson Guest Writers, Self-Development and Leadership

Guest Writer: Why Self-Improvement Starts With One Consistent Decision

People get into martial arts for different reasons, but I think most practitioners will agree that one of the benefits gained is some kind of self-improvement. For some, it’s gaining confidence when they master a new skill. For others, it is improving their physical fitness. For me, it was gaining control over my mental health problems in an accountable, productive, and ultimately fulfilling and life-changing way. That started with a single choice.

Frequent Little Black Belt contributor Dana Brown shares why self-improvement starts with a commitment and is sustained by consistency.

If you would like to contribute an article to Little Black Belt, please refer to the guest writer guidelines here.

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Melanie Gibson General Martial Arts, Guest Writers, Training Tips

Guest Writer: Cross-Training for Reality: Adding Self-Defense Training to Your Routine

Guest post by Felix Mack at SelfDefenseList.com

Most serious martial artists already cross-train. Lifters add mobility work so old injuries don’t creep back. Sparring-heavy stylists add yoga or tai chi to manage recovery and stay loose between hard sessions. Nobody sees this as an admission that their main practice is failing them. It’s just what a well-rounded training life looks like once you’ve been at it long enough to know your own weak spots.

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Melanie Gibson Guest Writers, Wellness

Guest Writer: Transform Your Home to Boost Health, Calm, and Wellbeing

closeup picture of woman hands holding green house

Hello, readers, and happy Midsummer! While most of my posts focus on specific concepts around martial arts, health and well-being are part of that larger circle of influence around a martial artist’s life. Not only am I a martial artist, (gracefully) aging athlete, and yoga practitioner of nearly 30 years who frequently exercises at home, I’m also a remote worker and homeowner. I spend a lot of time at home, and besides routine maintenance, I try to make sure my home is a healthy, safe, welcoming place to work, play, and rest.

Frequent contributor Emma Grace Brown has outlined some tips on transforming your home into a sanctuary of well-being.

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Melanie Gibson General Martial Arts, Guest Writers, Injury and Recovery, Training Tips

Guest Writer: Adult Martial Artists Can Use This Guide To Protect Their Bodies Over The Years

A female martial artist applies bandages to her knee

About this time six years ago at age 41, I tore my right ACL and ended up having two surgeries to correct it. Eventually I got back to taekwondo, but it took a lot of physical, mental, and emotional perseverance. Injuries, big or small, are a part of most athlete’s lives, especially as we age. To stay fit and strong and do the things we love, there are things we need to consider and be mindful of as we train or recover. This article from Emma Grace Brown includes mindset and practical tips for dealing with injuries in your 30s, 40s, or 50s.

Adult Martial Artists Can Use This Guide To Protect Their Bodies Over The Years

Adult martial artists face a different reality than teenagers and young competitors. Whether you train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, judo, Muay Thai, karate, taekwondo, or another discipline, the way you manage injuries in your 30s, 40s, and 50s plays a major role in determining how long you’ll stay on the mat. A sore shoulder ignored today can become a chronic limitation years later, while a properly managed knee injury may eventually become little more than another chapter in your training journey.

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Melanie Gibson Class Diaries, Guest Writers, Mental Health, Self-Development and Leadership

Guest Writer: What the Mat Taught Me About Great Coaching

by Karina Whamond, Martial arts software

I started training in martial arts when I was four years old. At the time, I had no idea I was also beginning a lifelong education in what it means to be coached, mentored, and genuinely led by someone who cares about your growth.

Over the years I’ve trained in Taekwondo, Wrestling, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I’ve had coaches who changed the way I see myself, and a few who made me want to quit. What I’ve learned from both is that what makes a great coach isn’t just a set of professional skills, it’s a deeply human quality. And the markers of a truly transformative coaching relationship are just as relevant in a boardroom or a one-on-one session as they are on a mat.

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Melanie Gibson General Martial Arts, Guest Writers, Mental Health, Training Tips

Guest Writer: Built to Last: How Adult Martial Artists Can Train Consistently in a Busy Life

Article by Emma Grace Brown. Website: https://emmagracebrown.com/

Quick Guide: How to Start Martial Arts Training at Home – Made4Fighters

Adult martial artists juggle careers, families, social obligations, and physical fatigue while trying to stay sharp in their discipline. Unlike full-time competitors, most adults train around life—not instead of it. The real challenge isn’t how hard you train. It’s whether you keep showing up.

Consistency, not intensity, is what shapes skill over time. A steady rhythm of practice compounds quietly. Missed weeks, on the other hand, create friction that makes restarting harder than continuing.

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Melanie Gibson General Martial Arts, Guest Writers, Mental Health, Self-Development and Leadership, Training Tips

Guest Writer: Another Case of Black Belt Burnout

Article by Will Newhall, Master Instructor and owner of Taekwondo Tutors
MOOTO Korea Taekwondo DO Black Belt Width 5cm Double Wrap Martial Arts TKD Judo Karate (Length 280cm(9.18ft))

If you aren’t aware, the blog owner recently made a post talking about how she is stepping away from doing taekwondo. As a fellow taekwondo martial artist I will say…

I commend her courage, integrity, and self-respect in making this significant decision!

I read her post on the topic and wanted to write about my own experience with black belt burn out as well. While I am currently practicing, teaching, and writing, I too felt burn out. A couple of times actually! I thought I might throw my hat in the ring and talk about my own experience with black belt burn out.

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Melanie Gibson General Martial Arts, Guest Writers, Training Tips

Guest Writer: Create a Versatile Home Wellness Space That Boosts Martial Arts Training

Martial Arts Studio & Home Gym in Garage - Home Gym - Minneapolis - by ...

I have officially stopped going to taekwondo training classes (see the details in this blog post), but that doesn’t mean I’m going to stop training altogether. While I don’t have tons of room in my current home to train, my partner and I have figured out how to make the most of our space. This guest article by Dana Brown shares how to create a safe, functional, and welcoming space to practice your martial art in your home. If you would like to contribute a martial arts-related guest post to Little Black Belt, please review the guest writer guidelines here. 

Create a Versatile Home Wellness Space That Boosts Martial Arts Training

Martial artist homeowners and instructors often want one dedicated space that supports a holistic martial arts practice, but most homes can’t spare a room that functions like a full-time dojo. The core challenge in home remodeling for training is creating a multipurpose wellness space that handles hard sessions, recovery work, and quiet decompression without feeling cramped, fragile, or overly specialized. When flexible training room design is treated as wellness infrastructure instead of a gear dump, it becomes easier to train consistently, manage injuries, and protect mental focus. The goal is a room that earns its square footage every day.

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Melanie Gibson General Martial Arts, Guest Writers

Guest Writer: How Real Is the Katana You See in Anime?

Maki is not here for your nonsense.

Weapons training isn’t a part of every martial art, but practicing martial arts and weapon use can be closely intertwined. Guest writer Zain Ali from the site Kato Katana explains the nuances of a real katana versus what you might see in anime. I’m currently rewatching previous seasons of my favorite anime JuJutsu Kaisen, which is fighting and weapons galore, so this article came across my desk at a great time.
If you would like to contribute a guest article for Little Black Belt, please review the guidelines here.

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