From our astute and ever-watchful correspondent, Gary Shapiro
Nov
9
2020
9
2020
Apr
24
2020
24
2020
Kung Fu Training: You Always Hurt The One You Love
Over my years of teaching martial arts, I’ve had quite a good time explaining some of the more obscure switches of Kung Fu’s winding pathway: the splits, front and side; gyrating and rolling children, long past their bedtimes; and the fine art of setting things on small altar stacks, then crushing them. And that is […]
Oct
12
2018
12
2018
Adam Hsu on Sparring
In my own teaching, I frequently apply lessons derived from Sifu Adam Hsu’s observations. Having trained with Hsu Sifu, I have had the experience, more than once, of “aha” moments. Sometimes the “aha” was not pleasant, but in every case the thinking was logical and truthful. So it is with great pleasure that I announce, […]
Mar
16
2014
16
2014
Kung Fu Theater: Adam Hsu Shows Weapons
Here’s another memorable entry from that great period on TV when Tat Mau Wong hosted Kung Fu Theater? Sifu would interview a different guest each week and then the teacher would go out on the floor and demonstrate his specialty. If you do remember, here it is. And if you don’t you are in for […]
Apr
10
2012
10
2012
Everything About the Guard Stance Except Guarding
I love to teach the guard stance because it brings the students’ minds into focus on the whole idea of self-defense.
Sep
2
2011
2
2011
INB #24: Modes of Locomotion
The problem isn’t going through the first grade, the problem is being stuck in the first grade forever.
Mar
25
2010
25
2010
The Tao of Retreat
Back and forth, advance and retreat. In the early days of freestyle I often thought that most sparring was an excuse to practice dancing…
Feb
22
2010
22
2010
The Fragrance of Distance
Some ideas challenge us because they are so counter-intuitive.
Apr
2
2003
2
2003
Borrowed Energy
Now here’s the paradox: every night when I come home my cat, Carthage, who has been listening at the door, plops herself down in the middle of the rug, and wants to play. Other than the essential petting the idea of play takes the form of sparring.
