Martial Arts/Expert Profile

Expertise

I can answer most questions relating to the martial arts in general. My special interests relate not only to martial theory, but to training methodology, teaching, sports science, and personal growth through martial arts training. If you are thinking about beginning a martial arts practice or have questions about how to optimize you current training to meet you goals, just let me know.

Experience in the area

I have been involved with martial arts for most of my life. Since 1984, I have practiced and taught a martial art called Taido in America and Japan, and have participated in events all over the world. I began assistant teaching as a teenager and founded the Georgia Tech Taido Club in 1996. I have been training actively in Japan since 2003. In addition to Taido, I have previously studied Judo, Brazilian Jiu Jutsu, Shotokan Karate, Kaikudo, and a few other things.

Organizations

Japan Taido Association

Publications

Taido/Blog, the Finnish Taido Association's "Kamae" magazine, World Taido Federation Homepage and "Taido Times" magazine.

Education/Credentials

BA in sociology, minor English. Additional studies in education, Japanese, and information design.

Awards and Honors

5dan Renshi (5th degree black belt instructor) in Taido.

What do you like about this subject?

Modern martial arts are both arts and sports. There is a lot of potential for personal exploration and expression. From a physical perspective, martial arts practice is primarily a solo activity, but competition typically involves one or more opponents - this is possibly unique among sports.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

I'd love to open a few more dojo and help spread Taido to other areas of the world. Besides that, I plan to deepen my practice of yoga and continually refine my technical skills in Taido.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

There are tons of things most people (myself included) don't know. If I didn't think the martial arts were full of interesting things yet to learn, I would have given them up years ago.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

Ranking politics, the meanings of various belts - these are consistently hot topics. Also number of students in a school vis a vis quality. The histories of various martial arts is often controversial as well. Any activity so steeped in competition is bound to attract controversy.