NEWS & UPDATES

The Beauty of the Grand Canyon is the result of conflict between earth and water.

Conflict is often defined as a struggle or clash between opposing forces, a state of opposition between ideas and interests. However, it is important to approach conflict with humility, recognizing that it is not inherently negative or something that should necessarily be avoided. Just as the majestic Grand Canyon is a result of the conflict between earth and water, conflict is an integral part of life and nature. To shy away from conflict is to shy away from life itself. In today’s world, the term “conflict” is frequently mistaken for “belligerence.” When you share an idea or thought and someone responds with aggressive hostility, that is not true conflict but rather belligerence. Engaging in belligerent behavior is something that should indeed be avoided. Whether we

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What will you rely upon to define reality?

In life, things are often not what they seem. In order to determine truth or reality, right or wrong, good or bad, we all have a set of God-given tools. So, what tools do you rely on the most to make sense of things? Your eyes, your ears, your emotions, your instincts, or what you believe to be common sense? Your eyes can deceive you. Your ears can be lied to. Your emotions can trick you. And your instincts and common sense are dependent upon all three of those things. So, how do we know what is real and what is true? The answer is to maintain a balance of all three aspects of self: mind, body, and spirit. Emotions, for example, have their place.

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Confrontation is a necessary part of life.

No More Confrontation seems to be the mantra of the day. Confrontation has become a negative word. Yet confrontation Is inevitable. It is a part of everyday life. You face confrontation when you have to buy groceries at exorbitant prices. You face a confrontation at the gas pump. You face confrontation with what your children are watching online and what they are learning at school. You can bury your head in the sand, but you still cannot escape it. You can pretend it doesn’t exist, but it does. Confrontation is not necessarily a bad thing. Confrontation brings about change. The key is to confront challenges and obstacles wisely. To develop a battle plan that doesn’t feel like you are in a constant battle, although you

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A Holistic Approach to Physical and Mental Well-being…

Karate-Do, a traditional martial art originating from Japan, is more than just a physical discipline. It is a comprehensive practice that embraces the integration of mind, body, and spirit. Through its unique training methods and philosophy, Karate-Do offers practitioners a holistic approach to self-improvement and personal growth. At its core, Karate-Do emphasizes the development of physical strength, flexibility, and coordination. Practitioners engage in a wide range of exercises and techniques that enhance their physical prowess. From fundamental stances and strikes to intricate katas and sparring drills, the training is designed to cultivate a strong and disciplined body. The repetitive nature of these exercises not only builds muscular strength but also enhances muscle memory and reflexes. However, Karate-Do goes beyond the physical realm and delves into

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The Wolf, the Eagle, and the Dragon

The Wolf, the Eagle, and the spirit of the Dragon. These creatures are represented throughout the Bushido dojo… Only a few creatures in the animal kingdom mate for life. Among them are the wolf and the eagle. Together, they represent loyalty, honor, and kinship above all things. The focus and tenacity of the eagle and the cunning and fierceness of the wolf embody the spirit and wisdom of the dragon. Bushido is characterized by its code and is symbolized within these creatures. Kinship is a powerful aspect of human nature that must be built upon the mutual commitment of kindred spirits. Should a member of your pack break the vows that embody that commitment, you must sever the bond for the sake of the pack.

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The Sociopath Next Door

How to defend yourself from a Sociopath? If you take the concept of self-defense seriously, you must consider all threats that might cause you harm. As a martial arts practitioner and instructor in a small community, I can get to know my students and the parents of my students on a personal level. By doing so, I’ve had an opportunity to recognize how many people and families have been dramatically affected by a sociopath in their lives. So, I thought I would write this article on how to recognize a sociopath and defend yourself against one. Images of some crazed serial killer often come to mind when you hear the word sociopath. Therefore, people will often overlook the presence of a true sociopath because they

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America is at War!

America is at war! Many are unaware of this war because it is not being waged in a conventional manner that we typically recognize. War, unfortunately, is a part of human nature. Yet, centuries of warfare have taught that spears, guns, and even bombs are not the most effective and efficient way to win a war. Social media opened the eyes of those who would go to war against us and gave them the most potent and effective tool to wage war. This tool could devastate cities, as seen in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, Chicago, and many other cities, yet leave little or no trace of who perpetrated the attack. It is quite brilliant! A few wealthy individuals have realized that if they can

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A Parents Job

I Love the US Constitution. However, it is NOT the US Constitution that keeps America strong. It is our VALUES that keep us strong. Most would agree that our country, in recent years, has been in decline. Yet, the words of the US Constitution have not changed or faltered. All that has changed are our American values. Therefore, the solution to our woes is to instill, and rein-still where necessary, those values that made us great. Evil people will either find loopholes to circumvent the US Constitution, or they will misrepresent the Constitution to use it against the people for personal gain. No time in history demonstrates this more than what we are experiencing now. The solution must come from the parents, from cities large

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We Stand for the Pledge

I LOST SIX STUDENTS LAST WEEK… Because at the Bushido dojo, We Stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. A woman came to our dojo to sign her six grandchildren. She loved our training hall and was impressed with what we teach until I asked for our “Warrior of the Day” to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. She called her children off the mats and said she did not believe in the American Flag. I told her that this is a free country and that not standing for the Pledge of Allegiance is the right of a free citizen. However, as the owner of my dojo, I also have the right to set the testing standards for my students. And one of those standards

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