So why "kobudo"? For many this is a specific reference to the Okinawan weapons arts, but its more literal tranlsation is "old ways". To me it is at the heart of what much of traditional martial arts training should be. At the center of those old ways is a functional fighting art that stresses not only technical skill, but mental discipline, strong character, and a sense of personal responsibility. Notice, there is nothing in there about "winning tournaments". It is not that compeition is not valubale, but it is not the focus of a fighting art, and that seems to be lost on many these days. What was once a discipline focussed on building character as well as fighting skill has in many instances become nothing more than a means to acquire trophies, medals, and recognition. It is at the very least a strong contributing factor to the move many others have made to a "combat style". Unfortunetly that often means nothing more than fighting without the mental aspects and character building of the art.

For some, and it seems more and more these days, this is not what they are looking for in a martial art. Given the competitive nature of America, outlets for the benefits of competition are endless. Given the marketiing of the day and the explosion of sport karate and fighting systems both are plentiful. For many though that is not enough. It is the path to traditional training that holds more interest. This Website will strive to assist those in heading that direction.

As I continue to publish articles dealing with the firearms and tactical world the desire to express my obervations and experience over almost 40 years of martial arts training continually crosses my mind. As a passion and not a profession it is more important to me the value of these arts is stressed than their margetability. After much study, and looking at what is in the magazines these days the best way to accomplish this seems to be a newsletter. It will be my intention at least to publish an article a month on this site that deals with traditional arts.

As a part of what I do the chance to tour the country and train presents itself. Those journey's and learning experiences will be covered. To kick things off there will be a link to my path. This is as much to establish my background as anything else, and provide readers with my perspective. But it serves to demonstrate what a life long dedication to traditional martial arts looks like as well. Given time I hope to grow this section of my website into much more, but only time will tell there. For now this is just the start of another journey centered on the "the old ways", and I hope you gather some use from it.

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