Blog Feed: Cook Ding's Kitchen

We attach ourselves to things and thereby cause no end of aggravation and pain for ourselves.I stumbled across an article from which I've posted some excerpts below, that is well worth reading. The whole article may be read here.What are you willing

Master Zhou: The Man, The Artist, The Teacher

Published on 2012-12-30 07:00:00

Jonathan Bluestein's guest post, The Versatile Whip, has proven to be one of the most popular here at Cook Ding's Kitchen of all time.Jonathan has agreed to write another guest post, this time telling us a little more about his teacher Master Zhou, w

Putting it All on the Line

Published on 2012-12-27 07:00:00

I admire people who are willing to put it all out there, leaving nothing behind. Not in just a martial arts sense either. To me, the willingness to put it all out there is the one of the characteristics of true art.That's what I like about mixed mart

Merry Christmas

Published on 2012-12-25 07:00:00

First of all, I'd like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.Next, I'd like to thank and congratulate everyone who participated in the Inaugural Advent Challenge.Finally, I'd like to entertain you with Bruce Springsteen and the Cool

Tang Dynasty Poems, #47: An Old Air

Published on 2012-12-24 07:00:00

The Tang Dynasty was a high point of culture in ancient China. Especially esteemed were poems.

Studying the Way Through Swordsmanship

Published on 2012-12-21 07:00:00

This video is truly a work of art.From the description of the video:"A fascinating look into the mental predisposition of the highest ranked kendo practitioners.Harder than becoming a lawyer or a surgeon in Japan is becoming a 8th dan Kendo Swordsma

A Kung Fu Carry Out

Published on 2012-12-18 07:00:00

I've been running my blog, Cook Ding's Kitchen since 2005. I've recently decided to take some of the reoccurring themes and put them together in an eBook.Take a carry out from Cook Dings Kitchen.Now, at Amazon for the Kindle.(No Kindle? Free Kindle A

When More is Better

Published on 2012-12-15 07:00:00

Forms, kata, fist sets are more than simply sequence of techniques strung together. They are training methods and teaching tools among other things.Many martial arts have two person forms. It adds another dimension to one's training to have a live bo

Who Needs Fiction: F(l)light Club

Published on 2012-12-12 07:00:00

A friend sent this article. An excerpt is posted below. The full article may be read here. What I want to know is what about those kung fu trained flight attendants?!Fight on Chinese flight caught on cameraBy Ed Flanagan, NBC NewsBEIJING – Passenge

Incredible MMA Knock Out

Published on 2012-12-09 07:00:00

Before we get to the knock out, how are you doing with the Advent Challenge? If you haven't joined, it's not too late to start...He never saw it coming ...

Form the Habit of Training

Published on 2012-12-06 07:00:00

Have you ever noticed how difficult it is to form a good habit, but how easy it is to lose one?Below is an excerpt from an article from Zen Habits on working out. I believe it is as applicable to martial arts training as to anything else. The full ar

Lightning

Published on 2012-12-05 09:49:00

A flash of lightningIlluminates the PathThen darkness again

Not Just For The Japanese

Published on 2012-12-03 07:00:00

White Boy Sumo!Now that's what I'm talkin' about!

The Inaugural Advent Challenge

Published on 2012-12-02 07:00:00

Today begins the season of Advent in the Catholic Church. It is a time of waiting and preparation for Christmas. Advent begins four Sundays prior to Chistmas and ends on Christmas Day. Advent lasts for a little over four weeks.As a warm up for the Le

The Costs of Becoming a Daoist Immortal

Published on 2012-11-30 07:00:00

OK, so you've achieved your goal of attaining immortality through the Philosopher's Stone, or maybe some super secret qigong. You're going to live longer, much longer.* * * *So how are you going to support yourself? I don't think that I want to su

Be Like Water

Published on 2012-11-27 07:00:00

Anderson Silva is the dominating fighter in Mixed Martial Arts. Below is a documentary about Silva entitled "Like Water." Enjoy.

Digital Sabbath

Published on 2012-11-24 07:00:00

The Mrs and I were having dinner at a neighborhood bar not too long ago when we noticed that the pair of young women at the table next to us weren't speaking to each other at all, but were both engrossed in their respective smart phones. It struck us

Happy Thanksgiving!

Published on 2012-11-22 07:00:00

Happy Thanksgiving. I think that this is my favorite holiday because it is so family oriented, and it's just been in recent years that the commercialization (Black Friday) has been creeping in.The fellow in the picture isn't a turkey, thank God. It's

Dao De Jing #45: Quiet

Published on 2012-11-21 07:00:00

The Dao De Jing is not only one of the main roots of Philosophical Daoism, it is one of the world's great works of literature. A free online version may be found here. In the meantime, below is verse #45, Quiet:45. Quiet Great perfection seems incomp

Hara Kiri: Death of a Samurai

Published on 2012-11-18 07:00:00

A friend sent me this review of the movie, Hara Kiri: Death of a Samurai. An excerpt is below. The whole review may be read here.'Hara-Kiri': A Samurai's Bluff Hides A Revenge Plotby Mark JenkinsJapanese cinematic extremist Takashi Miike is known for

In Pursuit of Mastery

Published on 2012-11-15 07:00:00

“Cook Ding was cutting up an ox for Lord Wen-hui. At every touch of his hand, every heave of his shoulder, every move of his feet, every thrust of his knee-zip! zoop! He slithered the knife along with a zing, and all was in perfect rhythm, as thoug

The Versatile Whip

Published on 2012-11-12 07:00:00

Jonathan Bluestein who, when he is not contributing a guest post to Cook Ding's Kitchen (for which I thank him very much!) practices Xingyiquan and the more rare Piquaquan. He recently traveled to China to for some advanced training in Piqua.Mr. Blue

The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald

Published on 2012-11-10 07:00:00

On this day in 1975, the Edmund Fitzgerald was lost in Lake Superior.

Tang Shou Tao Xingyiquan as Practiced in Taiwan

Published on 2012-11-09 07:00:00

Here is some old footage of the Tang Shou Tao school of Xingyiquan as practiced in Taiwan.

Xingyiquan Qiang (Spear)

Published on 2012-11-06 07:00:00

I previously made a post on The King of Chinese Weapons, the spear.

The Laughing Buddha

Published on 2012-11-03 07:00:00

The following is an excerpt from an article on Wikipedia. The full article may be read here.Budai (Chinese: 布袋; pinyin: Bùdài), pronounced Hotei in Japanese,[1] Bố Đại in Vietnamese, is a Chinese folkloric deity. His name means "Cloth Sack

Halloween

Published on 2012-10-31 07:00:00

The Smithsonian Magazine, in it's October issue, has an article on Vampires in New England. You can read it here.Here are more interesting articles from the Smithsonian Magazine: The Witch of the Hamptons and Witches of Halloween Past.Here's a clip f

Traction

Published on 2012-10-28 07:00:00

I'm not a writer. In my own small way, I practice martial arts as a budo. Yet I find many of the articles posted at Steven Pressfield's blog (the author of The Legend of Bagger Vance and Gate of Fire) to be speaking directly to me. Below is an excerpt from a recent post, "Traction." Enjoy. Please pay a visit.TractionBy Steven Pressfield | Published: October 10, 2012The last two weeks we’ve been talking in these posts about buckling down and hitting a groove. By that I mean finding and achievi [..]

Happy St. Crispin's Day

Published on 2012-10-25 07:00:00

In Henry V, William Shakespeare has the king give his men one of the best speeches ever the night before the Battle of Agincourt. The battle took place on Oct 25th, which is the Feast of St. Crispin. The speech therefore, is known as the St. Crispin's Day Speech.You'll recognize parts of it. It is from this speech we get the phrase "... we few, we happy few, we band of brothers"Enjoy.

Vintage Karate Video

Published on 2012-10-22 07:00:00

I love these old videos. This is a karate demonstration in Japan from 1958. That would make most of the participants in their late 60's and into their 70's now. I wonder how many of them stuck with it?The video is from The Martial Arts Videos website. Please pay a visit.

Raking the Leaves

Published on 2012-10-20 15:09:00

Raking the leaves.Imposing an order,Leaves or me?松

The 48 Laws of Power, #4: Always Say Less Than Necessary

Published on 2012-10-19 07:00:00

One of my favorite books on strategy is The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene and Joost Elffers.

Birthday post 2012

Published on 2012-10-16 07:00:00

Today is my birthday. Won't you help me to celebrate?I'm 55. 60 is within sight. I'm halfway to 110.The oldest daughter is doing well. She's been working for the same company for nearly two years. Some months ago, the division of the company she works for was sold to another company. There have been some changes, and her position was eliminated. They kept her on though, and let her look for another position within the new company and she found one. It turns out to be a promotion to boot!The youn [..]

Japanese Sword Documentary

Published on 2012-10-14 08:34:00

Here we have a documentary from National Geographic on the Japanese Sword. Enjoy.Samurai Sword

Too Busy to Train

Published on 2012-10-11 07:00:00

How many times have we told ourselves that we're too busy to train? We're too busy to ...

The Art of Intent

Published on 2012-10-08 07:00:00

Below is an excerpt from a book which was published at Fast Company Magazine.

Who Needs Fiction: Another Warrior Poet

Published on 2012-10-05 07:00:00

A few months ago, I made a post about Cameron Conaway, who was formerly a MMA cage fighter and an award winning poet.Here is another one from the pages of the news. Below is an excerpt. The full article may be read here. Have-a-go poet floors moped mugger with karate kicksJustin Davenport, Crime Editor27 Feb 2012 A 60-year-old poet karate-kicked a mugger to the ground as he tried to flee with a woman's handbag.Neil Gevisser, who learned the martial art in his native Sou [..]

One Who Practices

Published on 2012-10-02 07:00:00

Philosophy practiced is the goal of learning. - Thoreau At Weakness with a Twist, there was recently a post about living a "martial arts lifestyle" and what that might entail. The article may be read here.I've also posted an excerpt some time ago, by the author Steven Pressfield on Developing a Practice. What do you think? I’m interested in your comments. It's not hard to practice. What isn't easy is becoming one who practices. I'm not thinking so much about a "professional" martial artist [..]

Fight Club!

Published on 2012-09-29 07:00:00

A friend sent me an article from which I've posted an excerpt below. The whole article may be read here.Fight club reawakens and channels veterans' warrior spiritIn a sweaty, loud San Diego gym, veterans train in mixed martial arts, fighting each other and the demons they brought home from Iraq and Afghanistan.SAN DIEGO — Todd Vance — Iraq combat veteran, bar bouncer, and social-work major at a local university — is lecturing two dozen of his fellow veterans on the techniques and joy [..]

Cardinal Richelieu

Published on 2012-09-26 07:00:00

Cardinal Richelieu was the foreign minister for France during the tumultuous 17th century. His diplomatic maneuvers laid the groundwork for the modern European state.

Snake vs Crane

Published on 2012-09-23 07:00:00

In the foundation stories of several martial arts, most notably taijiquan, a story of a fight between a snake and a crane figures prominently and is symbolic at several levels. At Pennine Tai Chi, there is an article about the Snake and Crane from which I've posted an excerpt below. The whole article may be read here.

The 300 Tang Dynasty Poems, #46: On a Gate Tower at YuZhou

Published on 2012-09-20 07:00:00

The Tang Dynasty was a high point of culture in ancient China. Especially esteemed were poems.

Judo in MMA

Published on 2012-09-17 07:00:00

Mixed Martial Arts is what Donn Draeger and Jon Bluming were doing decades ago. A friend sent me an article from which I've posted an excerpt below. The whole article may be read here.Ronda Rousey and other MMA fighters widen their arsenalsThe former Olympic bronze medalist and Strikeforce women's bantamweight champion incorporates judo into her effective attack.August 07, 2012|By Lance PugmireAt its birth, mixed martial arts were a competition of fighters from different disciplines — boxing [..]

Paleo Media Diet

Published on 2012-09-14 07:00:00

I discovered an article on a tech website that I found interesting. An excerpt may be read below. The full article may be read here.My Paleo Media DietTurning off, opting out, and disconnecting to save my brain for the things I really want to use it for.by Jim StogdillI've been on a train to New York City for about 20 minutes and it just occurred to me that I haven't checked Twitter today. In fact, I sat on a bench in the station for 30 minutes without even touching my phone. I watched people [..]

Fighting Black Kings

Published on 2012-09-12 07:00:00

In 1975, several Americans trained to take part in the First World Kyokushin Karate Tournament in Japan. This was documented in a classic film entitled The Fighting Black Kings. It is available on Youtube in it's entirety right here.Below is the commercial for the film.

Guo YunShen and his Xingyiquan

Published on 2012-09-08 07:00:00

Below is an extract from an article that appears at Hsing-I Martial Arts Institute, operated by Sifu Mike Patterson, one of the senior teachers of Xingyiquan in the US today. The full article may be read here. Please pay Mr. Patterson's website a visit. "The Tiger Fist" According to Master Wang Shu-Jin, one day Kuo Yun-Shen was sparring with a master of another style. In the course of the fight he was too forceful in his use of Peng Chuan; his opponent began to spit blood, and died. Because of t [..]

The Yoshinkan Aikido of Ando Tsueno Shihan

Published on 2012-09-05 07:00:00

Ando Tsueno Shihan is one of the senior instructors of Yoshinkan Aikido.

The Mind of the Dragon

Published on 2012-09-03 07:00:00

“The heart of the study of boxing is to have natural instinct resemble the dragon.”

Journal of Asian Martial Arts

Published on 2012-09-01 18:06:00

This notice was posted at Talking Chen Taijiquan with David Gaffney. Please pay a visit.

The Dragon of Echigo

Published on 2012-08-30 07:00:00

In Chinese mythology, the Dragon and Tiger are forever in contention. So it would be appropriate that the Tiger of Kai, of whom I've posted about before would have a long time adversary known and the Dragon of Echigo.Below is an excerpt from the Wikipedia article on Uesugi Kenshin, thd Daimyo of Echigo province and a legendary general. The full article may be read here.Uesugi Kenshin (上杉謙信?, February 18, 1530 – April 19, 1578) was a daimyo who ruled Echigo province in the Sengoku peri [..]

Who Needs Fiction:Japanese Love Hotels and Justice

Published on 2012-08-27 07:00:00

A friend sent me this article, which is a review of a book, Lovesick Japan: Sex, Marriage, Romance, Law. By Mark West. An excerpt is below. The full article may be read here.Waltzing into bedrooms and brothels A new book on love and the law in Japan Jun 2nd 2011 | from the print edition Lovesick Japan: Sex, Marriage, Romance, Law. By Mark West. Cornell University Press; 259 pages; $29.95 and £19.95. Buy from Amazon.com

Article on Jin

Published on 2012-08-24 07:00:00

Over at the Forum for Traditional Wu Tai Chi Chuan, there is an article about the meaning of Jin (Power) in martial arts. Below is an excerpt. The full article may be read here. About jin-power Written by Ma Hailong, translated by Dr. Lukas KasendaIn everyday spoken Chinese, jin is used as meaning power or strength. Used as a term in relation to the theory of Taijiquan it has two aspects: the understanding of internal training and power. These aspects are closely related and cannot be separa [..]

Dao De Jing #44: Contentment

Published on 2012-08-21 07:00:00

The Dao De Jing is one of the great treasures of world literature. It is also one of the foundations of philosophical Daoism. An online version of the Dao De Jing may be found here. Below is #44: Contentment.44. Contentment Health or reputation: which is held dearer? Health or possessions: which has more worth? Profit or loss: which is more troublesome? Great love incurs great expense, And great riches incur great fear, But contentment comes at no cost; Who knows when to stop Does not continu [..]

Color in Chinese Culture

Published on 2012-08-18 07:00:00

Below is an excerpt from at article at Wikipedia. The full article may be read here.BlackBlack, corresponding to water, is a neutral color. The I Ching, or Book of Changes, regards black as Heaven’s color. The saying “heaven and earth of mysterious black” was rooted in the observation that the northern sky was black for a long time. They believed Tian Di, or Heavenly Emperor, resided in the North Star.The Taiji symbol uses black and white to represent the unity of Yin and Yang. Ancient Chi [..]

You Hit Like a Girl

Published on 2012-08-15 07:00:00

I found this clip on a martial arts forum. Enjoy.If you like this one, you might like "Women's Self Defense, circa 1947."

Warm Summer Night

Published on 2012-08-12 07:00:00

DrivingDown a dark roadOn a warm summer night.One hand on the wheel, the top downCruisin'松

Three Components to Learning Traditional Japanese Martial Arts

Published on 2012-08-09 07:00:00

Below is an excerpt from an excellent article that was posted at The Classical Budoka. The full article may be read here.It started off pretty innocuously. A student in a friend’s koryu martial arts class asked what kind of influence Shinto, the nativistic Japanese set of beliefs, had on their training. My friend composed a lengthy email about the subject, asking me and another peer for further comments.

The Left Turns of Life

Published on 2012-08-06 07:00:00

I came across this some time ago on the internet. I don't remember where it originally appeared.Here is a story of an aging couple Told by their son who was President of NBC NEWS.

Wu Quan Yu, the Founder of Wu Style Taijiquan

Published on 2012-08-03 07:00:00

A friend sent me an article that is at Smiling Tiger website, which is run by Joe Crandall, a senior Chinese Martial Arts teacher and noted translator in the Bay Area. The article is a translation of one that ran in a Chinese martial arts magazine. The full article may be read here. An excerpt appears below. Please pay a visit to read the original.

Wu Xing Painting

Published on 2012-07-31 07:00:00

Below is an excerpt from an article at Wikipedia. The whole article may be read here.As an aside, I had previously mentioned a book entitled Effortless Action: Wu Wei as a Conceptual Metaphor and Spiritual Ideal in Early China, by Edward Slingerland.

Change Your Mind

Published on 2012-07-28 07:00:00

Philosophy practiced is the goal of learning. - ThoreauThat's one of my favorite quotes. What is the point of studying any sort of philisophy if you don't attempt to apply it in your daily life.For years now, I have been practicing at night; or at least after work once I get my "stuff" around the house done. Even though my kids are gone though, I find myself just busier and busier.The result has been that by the time I've been getting around to taking car of my self, it's been a 50/50 propositio [..]

Martial Arts and Golf

Published on 2012-07-25 07:00:00

Steven Pressfield is a well known author who wrote The Legend of Bagger Vance, Gates of Fire and many other well known books. Below I have an excerpt from his blog. The full post may be read here.The Professional MindsetBy Steven Pressfield | Published: April 11, 2012Have you ever wondered why so many CEOs and high-achievers (including sports superstars like Michael Jordan and Wayne Gretzky) are so taken with the game of golf? It’s not just because they get to wear white belts and plaid pan [..]

Martial Arts Training Prohibitions

Published on 2012-07-22 07:00:00

Along the way, I've been admonished that we shouldn't practice in the wind or if it's raining, or a dozen other things. When I've asked why, the best answer I ever got was "Chinese medicine reasons."Franklin Fick of the Spirit Dragon Institute has a series of articles enumerating the training prohibitions and most importantly, explaining the reasoning behind them. You can find the series of blog articles if you click here.Please pay a visit. Enjoy.

The 48 Laws of Power, #3: Conceal Your Intentions

Published on 2012-07-19 07:00:00

One of my favorite books on strategy is The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene and Joost Elffers.

The Real Meaning of Kiai

Published on 2012-07-16 07:00:00

Over at the Martial Art Terminology blog, Charles James Sensei wrote an excellent article on the meaning of Kiai. Below is an excerpt. The full article may be read here.Let me being my feelings on this term/character/ideograms, kiai is not a battle cry or spirit shout in the sense westerners feel it is a loud expression of spirit and effort where effort is the louder the shout the greater your effort and supposedly spirit level. There is so much more than this when defining and understanding [..]

Women's Self Defense Blogging Carnival

Published on 2012-07-14 07:00:00

As a follow up to the Anti Bullying Blogging Carnival, today I'd like to announce my support for the Women's Self Defense Blogging Carnival. Click on the logo below and you'll be directed to a jumping off point to many articles on Women's Self Defense, hosted this time by the BunKaiJutsu blog. If you would like to contribute to future blogging carnivals, you can sign up for email notices at Traditional Tae Kwon Do Techniques.

The Feminine Form

Published on 2012-07-13 07:00:00

The feminine form is nature's greatest work of art. A friend sent me this video. It is simply amazing. Enjoy.

Bagua Zhang and a Musical Interlude

Published on 2012-07-10 07:00:00

Before getting to the music, I just saw where Kent Howard over at the Wang Shujin Bagua Zhang blog has announced that a new DVD is available to accompany the book Wang Shujin's Bagua Linked Palms.Speaking of videos, it turns out that a feature of Blogger which I didn't know about is that all the videos that I've posted here have been collected in one spot on Youtube. Check out Cook Ding's Kitchen on YouTube!Now to the music ...An entertaining cover of a clasic:A couple of songs from the Kill Bil [..]

The Struggle to Learn a Martial Art

Published on 2012-07-07 07:00:00

"Hold on to the hard things and your mind will open." - Kushida Sensei

Happy Fourth of July!

Published on 2012-07-04 07:00:00

Happy Fourth of July!

Staying Behind

Published on 2012-07-01 07:00:00

Below is an excerpt from the Japan Subculture Research Center blog. The full article may be read here.The article concerns the state of affairs in Fukushima.

The Standing Death of Benkei

Published on 2012-06-28 07:00:00

Below is an excerpt from an article at Badass of the Week. The full article may be read

Anniversary Post - 7 Years of Cook Ding's Kitchen

Published on 2012-06-25 07:00:00

Today marks the 7th Anniversary of Cook Ding's Kitchen.According the Blogger statistics, this blog has had over 120K hits. IceRocket tracks over 20,000 blogs and Cook Ding's Kitchen has been solidly in the top 1000 for months now.

Solo Training in Martial Arts

Published on 2012-06-23 08:00:00

This topic was suggested by my friend at The Dao of Strategy. Please pay him a visit.When I was a young man, marginally employed with few adult responsibilities, there wasn't much difficulty in figuring out how I should practice. I was able to attend every class my main teacher taught (3 classes a day, 3 days a week) as well as train at a satellite dojo ( 2 classes a day, 2 days a week). In addition there were monthly seminars and what not. Come to think of it, I don't think I did any training o [..]

The 300 Tang Dynasty Poems, #45: A Traveller's Song

Published on 2012-06-20 07:00:00

The Tang Dynasty was a high point of culture in ancient China. Especially esteemed were poems.

Happy Father's Day

Published on 2012-06-17 07:00:00

Six Harmonies and Eight Methods Boxing

Published on 2012-06-15 07:00:00

A friend pointed this out to me. The website where this can all be found is right here.The "Big Three" internal martial arts styles are Taijiquan, Baguazhang and Xingyiquan. There are other internal styles though. One of those is Six Harmonies and Eight Methods Boxing. Below is an excerpt from the website alluded to above.A Brief Discussion of Liu He Ba Faby Xiaoling LiuThe Beginning of the Liu He Ba Fa Form

The No Name Daoist

Published on 2012-06-12 07:00:00

This is basically a replay of a post I made back in 2005. It's about a Zen story that I've always enjoyed.A long time ago, before there were blogs, on line communities existed by means of mailing lists. One of these was a list called Tao-l. The topic was Taoism, and I still have fond memories of the banter and poetry that enlivened that community.There was a phase when members began signing their posts with Taoist sounding names. As I couldn't think of one, I started signing my posts with [..]

Something Special Going On ...

Published on 2012-06-09 07:00:00

Mr. Patrick Parker is the proprietor of the Mokuren Dojo in Magnolia, Mississippi as well as the Mokuren Dojo Blog, one of the most widely read martial arts related blogs on the internet. Mr Parker studies, teaches and practices his budo in a quiet corner of the state and has built up something I think is quite noteworthy. He is also rumored to be the nephew of Mary Parker.Mr. Parker was kind enough to write a guest post for Cook Ding's Kitchen. Please pay his blog a visit. Enjoy.Rick-san was ki [..]

Santi Practice in Xingyiquan

Published on 2012-06-06 07:00:00

Mr. Franklin Fick is the proprietor of the Spirit Dragon Institute. On his blog, he made a good post on the importance of practicing the Santi stance in Xingyiquan training. I've reposted below, and the original may be read here. Enjoy. Please pay a visit.Why is San Ti Shi important in Xing Yi Quan?San Ti is at the same time the most fundamental aspect of Xing Yi Quan and also advanced training. This seems like a contradictory sentence. In the West we have a hard time equating something that is [..]

The Duellists

Published on 2012-06-03 07:00:00

Ridley Scott, the famous director, brought us such great films as Alien, Gladiator and Blade Runner. His first film is of particular interest to martial artists, The Duellists.From Wikipedia:In Strasbourg in 1800, obsessive duellist Lieutenant Gabriel Feraud (Harvey Keitel) of the French 7th Hussars nearly kills the nephew of the city's mayor in a sword duel. Under pressure from the mayor, Brigadier-General Treillard (Robert Stephens) sends Lieutenant Armand d'Hubert (Keith Carradine) of the 3rd [..]

The Terra Cotta Warriors

Published on 2012-05-31 07:00:00

In the current National Geographic (June) Magazine, there is an article on the Terra Cotta Warriors. The article is about how they would have been painted and actually looked. You can read the article online here, and see a short video.

One Night

Published on 2012-05-28 19:41:00

One Night is a single from a new space rap record by Apeface and Crumplezone entitled Escape to Mizar 5. The 16 track album is due out this summer and will feature a 12 page comic which will tell the story behind the music.To find out more, here are some links:Mediafire - One Night SingleMediafire - Entire recordSoundcloudTwitterFacebookiTunesSpotifyLadies and gentlemen, I give you One Night:

Good Aikido Demonstration

Published on 2012-05-25 07:00:00

I have a lot of trouble with aikido demonstrations. For the audience to be able to see what is going on, the demonstrator usually needs to use very large, slow techniques which look fake. You also rarely see the uke making hard, fast attacks. If he does, it makes it more difficult to respond with a large slow technique that can be seen.Having said all of that, here’s an aikido demonstration that I really like. The uke is making attacks that we can identify with, and shite is responding in kind [..]

Kushida Sensei Passes Away

Published on 2012-05-22 07:00:00

Dao De Jing #43: Overcoming

Published on 2012-05-19 07:00:00

The Dao De Jing is one of the great treasures of world literature. It is also one of the foundations of philosophical Daoism. An online version of the Dao De Jing may be found here. Below is chapter 43: Overcoming.43. Overcoming Water overcomes the stone;Without substance it requires no opening;This is the benefit of taking no action.Yet benefit without action,And experience without abstraction, Are practiced by very few.

Old Dogs

Published on 2012-05-16 07:00:00

After 16 1/2 years, we're had to euthanize our beloved dog Annie. In people years, she'd be about 90. She's had issues over the years as she's aged: blindness, deafness, an injury to one of her legs from a fall; but inspite of it all, she was full of life every day.She had a bad decline over the weekend and we had to take her in. Always, right to the end, she was a good dog.We'll all miss her very much.Our house seems so big and empty without her in it. I never realized how many little ritual [..]

Traditional Roots

Published on 2012-05-13 07:00:00

I remember back when I was a kid that the “Korean Karate” guys were considered the tough guys on the block. Sadly, the reputation of Taekwondo has suffered. In general, modern Taekwondo isn’t what it used to be.Still, there are a few teachers out there who follow a traditional approach, have a deep root in the strengths of Taekwondo practice and yet are keeping up with the times.One of these is Mr. Colin Wee. Mr. Wee was kind enough to write a guest post for Cook Dings Kitchen which you’ [..]

Developing YOUR Martial Art

Published on 2012-05-10 07:00:00

I ran across a quote recently. I regret that I'm not sure to whom I attribute it: "When you learn this stuff, you try to get the essence of the tradition first, but then later modify your practice so it works for you. You still pass down the tradition because it is a good way of training, but after a certain amount of time, your practice must become your own." I am a believer that once you learn something thoroughly, it YOURS. Not some organization or chief instructor; YOU. Further, as you advan [..]

Karate Applications

Published on 2012-05-07 07:00:00

Over at Martial Views, the author has posted a couple of stories about how two of his students have applied what they learned in Karate outside of class. Below is an excerpt. The full post may be read here....Stories like this are meaningful because they illustrate how valuable karate practice can be. Marge's case was extreme; her life was at risk and she had no choice but to resort to the jutsu or technical aspects of karate to protect herself. Thank god she's alright, and I've been given g [..]

Learning Resources

Published on 2012-05-04 07:00:00

It's been my experience that anyone who has been studying well, anything is always trying to determine if they are going about their study in the most efficient way possible. That question leads us to areas such as learning theory and resources.Below is a guest article by Estelle

Japanese Martial Arts Terms

Published on 2012-05-01 07:00:00

Martial Art Terminology is a blog which is growing into quite a glossary of Japanese martial arts terms. With each term, the kanji is given along with the definition and some additional thoughts by the author. Please pay a visit.

What is the Way?

Published on 2012-04-28 07:00:00

Today we have a guess post from Tai Chi Nomad, who studies and practices Taijiquan in Singapore. Please click on the link and pay his blog a visit.What is The Way? I'm certainly no expert on this. I don't read much classics on Taoism, but I encounter enough of it as it is so ingrained in the Chinese culture. But I digress. What exactly is The Way?> if you think you know The Way, you don't. That is as elusive as it can get. I personally do Tai Chi. I understand the paradox that Tai Chi teaches. F [..]

Who Needs Fiction or Bad Strategy?

Published on 2012-04-25 07:00:00

Walt at A Plainly Hidden View sent me this. Below is an excerpt. The full article may be read here.You know the oft quoted maxim from The Art of War by Sun Tzu, "Know yourself and know your enemy and you will be victorious in 100 battles" or something like that? The collory is not to pick a fight with someone who's capabilities you don't know.This reminds also reminds me of a story about Kushida Sensei under whom I studied Yoshinkan Aikido (his martial art is now known as Yoshokai Aikido) when I [..]

The 48 Laws of Power, #2: Never Put Too Much Trust in Friends; Learn to Use Your Enemies

Published on 2012-04-22 07:00:00

One of my favorite books on strategy is The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene and Joost Elffers.

Aikido in 1935

Published on 2012-04-19 07:00:00

Jeff over at Fitness at 50 sent me this video. It's the founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, in 1935. Enjoy!

An Example of Strategy #3 from the 36 Strategies: Borrow a Sword to Kill Another

Published on 2012-04-16 07:00:00

Below is an excerpt from a recent news story that can be filed under an example of Strategy #3 from the 36 Strategies: Borrow a Sword to Kill Another. The full article may be read here.What this strategy means in essence is to get someone else to do your dirty work, while you enjoy the benefit.Amazon to Cut E-Book Prices, Shaking RivalsBy DAVID STREITFELD | New York Times

Anti Bully Blogging Carnival

Published on 2012-04-15 07:00:00

Today Cook Ding's Kitchen is happy to take part in the Anti Bully Blogging Carnival undertaken by Colin Wee's blog, JoongDoKwan TaeKwonDo.I am reposting an article from last year that had to do with bullies, which can be found below. Please click on the button above and follow the link. From there you'll find links to many other blog posts on the subject of bullies and what to do about them.An article recently was published by Yahoo from which I am posting an excerpt below. It has to do with kid [..]

Women's Self Defense Seminar April 14th in Auburn Hills MI

Published on 2012-04-13 07:00:00

The Martial Science Center in Auburn Hills, MI will be conducting a Women's Self Defense Seminar.

The Aikido of Endo Seishiro

Published on 2012-04-10 07:00:00

Some videos of the beautiful budo of Endo Seishiro, 8th Dan.

The 2012 Lenten Challenge is Over!

Published on 2012-04-07 07:00:00

The 2012 Lenten Challenge is over! How did you do?

Wings

Published on 2012-04-06 07:00:00

Geese alight on pondConfusion of Wings and WavesA sudden stillness松

The Last 10th Dan in Kendo

Published on 2012-04-05 07:00:00

Moriji Mochida was the last man to be awarded the 10th Dan in Kendo.

The Path of Aloneness

Published on 2012-04-02 07:00:00

From a Wikipedia article.The Dokkodo (独行道 Dokkōdō; "The Path of Aloneness" or "The Way to be Followed Alone" or "The Way of Walking Alone") was a work written by Miyamoto Musashi (宮本武蔵) a week before he died in 1645. It is a short work, consisting of either nineteen or twenty-one precepts; precepts 4 and 20 are omitted from the former version. It was largely composed on the occasion of Musashi giving away his possessions in preparation for death, and was dedicated to his favo [..]

2012 Lenten Challenge Update: Approaching the Finish!

Published on 2012-04-01 07:00:00

We're nearing the finish of the 2012 Lenten Challenge.If you haven't participated, why not rededicate yourself to your practice for this last week? If you began, then stopped for some reason, why not finish strong?I've had my challenges these past few weeks and adapted. I feel strong and my head is clear.

Whole Body Power

Published on 2012-03-30 07:00:00

I found the video clip below at The Rum Soaked Fist. The video demonstrates just how powerful whole body power can be.

Authentic Xingyiquan

Published on 2012-03-27 07:00:00

I recently received my copy of Authentic Xingyiquan by Gong Zhong Xing, translated by Franklin Fick.Mr. Fick is the proprietor of the Spirit Dragon Institute and has translated the book from one of his teachers into English. “Authentic Xingyiquan” is available both at Shen Long Publishing and Amazon. Mr. Fick was kind enough to take the time to provide a little more information to the readers of Cook Ding’s Kitchen.Could you tell us a little of your background?I was born on the island of S [..]

Ba Gua Zhang Double Headed Spear

Published on 2012-03-24 07:00:00

A friend send me this. The double headed spear seems like a natural fit for a BaGuaZhang fighter, doesn't it?

The 300 Tang Dynasty Poems, #44: A Song of a Pure Hearted Girl

Published on 2012-03-21 07:00:00

One of the worlds' literary treasures is an anthology of the greatest poems of the Tang Dynasty of China. The Tang Dynasty was a high water mark in culture in ancient China and poetry was especially esteemed. The 300 Tang Dynasty Poems may be found here. Below is poem #44: A Song of a Pure Hearted Girl. 044 Meng JiaoA SONG OF A PURE-HEARTED GIRL Lakka-trees ripen two by two And mandarin-ducks die side by side. If a true-hearted girl will love only her [..]

Nearly Spring

Published on 2012-03-20 07:00:00

Of greendreams in winter,thawed brooks purl anew.Phantom sunflowers touch the skyWaking.松

The Core Principle

Published on 2012-03-18 07:00:00

Over at The Classical Budoka was a terrific post about the meaning of the techniques we practice in martial arts training. The meaning, the core principles. Below is an excerpt. The full article may be read here....Or, let’s say you’re in an aikido workshop and there’s some 50-plus people in attendance, with varying skill levels. You explain a kote-gaeshi technique. The guy grabs your right wrist with his right hand, and so you throw him down. The riai? Well, the guy is grabbing you so [..]

Choose Your Parents Wisely

Published on 2012-03-15 07:00:00

Eat, Drink and be Merry. Below is an excerpt from an article that appears at CNN.Com. The full article may be read here.(CNN) -- As Dorrie Aber-Noyek enters the cafeteria at Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood, Florida, the staff bursts into a round of "Happy Birthday." It's her 104th birthday, and the chef has made one of her favorite dishes, chicken Alfredo. Hugs are given, congratulations offered and then the hospital's CEO, Zeff Ross, cuts the party short."At one o'clock, Dorrie has [..]

2012 Lenten Challenge Update

Published on 2012-03-14 07:00:00

We're a few weeks into the Lenten Challenge and I wondered how everyone was doing with their practice? If you've fallen off the wagon, then get back on! It's as easy as that.For myself, the last few weeks have been a challenge. Overhauling the main bathroom in the house has been a late winter project. It's been quite a workout climing up and down ladders, etc.; however the results have been worth it. I'm not as young as I used to be and am a little beat up as a result. Keeping with the Lenten Ch [..]

Single Palm Change

Published on 2012-03-12 07:00:00

A friend sent me this. The core practice of Baguazhang is circle walking. The foundation of all the techniques is the Single Palm Change.Jet Li doing some Baguazhang in his movie, "The One":Here is a video of some Bagua changes with motion sensors attached:

Fighting as Religion

Published on 2012-03-09 07:00:00

I had previously posted about Cameron Conaway (author of Caged: Memoirs of a Cage Fighting Poet), a mixed martial artist and award winning poet. Mr. Conaway was kind enough to write this guest post for Cook Ding's Kitchen.When I read this, the idea that resonated with me was that through a very different path, he's coming around to some of the ideas which animate the practice and ideals of Budo, not unlike Nick Evangelista's The Inner Game of Fencing. I also thought it was a timely post during [..]

Slicing Stuff With a Sword

Published on 2012-03-06 07:00:00

I Stumbled onto this video. I thought it was pretty interesting. It was originally posted here.

100 Years

Published on 2012-03-03 07:00:00

Today is a very special day to me. My late father would have been 100 years old today. Happy Birthday, Dad.My Dad was born in 1912, the same year that Arizona became the 48th State. He fought in WW II, lived to see a man on the moon, the introduction of the personal computer and hear his favorite music on CDs before he died.He was the oldest son of Polish immigrants and was born in Detroit, Mi. His father died when he was 12, leaving him to be the man of the house. Twelve year olds were a lot mo [..]

The Learning Process in Japanese Martial Arts

Published on 2012-02-29 07:00:00

Over at the Classical Budoka, there is an excellent article on the learning process in Japanese Martial Arts, embodied in the phrase "Shu, Ha, Ri." Below is an excerpt. The full article may be read here.Sooner or later, the practitioner of nearly any kind of Japanese budo (martial Ways) will hear the term “shu, ha, ri.” It is a way to describe the learning process of a traditional art or craft.The concept, on one level, is really quite simple. On another level, it can be very deep. I had be [..]

The Evolution of Mixed Martial Arts

Published on 2012-02-26 07:00:00

Below is an excerpt from an article that appeared in The Economist, on how Mixed Martial Arts has evolved over the years. The full article may be read here.Competition in mixed martial artsUltimate trust-busting championship Oct 7th 2011, 6:52 by T.M. IN 2000 the United States Congress passed the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act, a law that sought to protect boxers from unscrupulous promoters and sanctioning bodies. Because boxing has no single governing organisation and its fighters are not [..]

The 2012 Lenten Challenge Starts ... Now!

Published on 2012-02-22 07:00:00

The 2012 Lenten Challenge Starts ... Now!Mr. Luo DeXiu performs the pre heaven forms of his Gao style Baguazhang:

Dao De Jing #42: Mind

Published on 2012-02-20 07:00:00

The Dao De Jing is both one of the world's great works of literature and one of the foundations of philosophical Daoism. A free online version of this timeless classic may be found here. Below is chapter 42: Mind.42. Mind The Way bears sensation,Sensation bears memory,Sensation and memory bear abstraction,And abstraction bears all the world;Each thing in the world bears feeling and doing,And, imbued with mind, harmony with the Way.As others have taught, so do I teach,"Who loses harmony opposes [..]

The 2012 Lenten Challenge

Published on 2012-02-17 07:00:00

Every year, I throw out the Lenten Challenge to my martial arts buddies. It has nothing to do with Christianity or religion. We are simply using this time as a convenient reminder to rededicate ourselves to our training. It’s kind of hard to miss either Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras, the last day before Lent, which is also Paczki Day!) or Easter Sunday (Bunnies, candy, colored eggs; that stuff). Several of us have been doing this for years now.The challenge is this: from Ash Wednesday [..]

Happy Valentine's Day

Published on 2012-02-14 07:00:00

Who Needs Fiction: The Stalled Dragon

Published on 2012-02-13 07:00:00

A friend sent me an article from which I placed an excerpt below. The whole article may be read here.Plan for Bruce Lee museum in Hong Kong stallsMin Lee, Associated PressTuesday, June 28, 2011Hong Kong -- Efforts to build a Bruce Lee museum in the late kung fu movie star's hometown of Hong Kong have been stalled again.Fans have been calling for an official tribute to the screen icon for years. Their hopes appeared to be answered two years ago when the Hong Kong government and the owner of Lee [..]

Brightness of Snow

Published on 2012-02-11 07:00:00

It snowed! What does fresh snow make you think of? Haiku, of course!Samui fuyuShiroi meigetsuYukiakariCold winterWhite full moonBrightness of snow松

Low Tech Innovation

Published on 2012-02-10 07:00:00

I love stories about using low tech in innovative ways. Below is an excerpt from an article, which may be read in full here. Below the excerpt is a short video on the same topic.Off-grid lighting found in filled water bottlesJoni NorthamThe world is not getting smaller, but is becoming more full of life – humans to be exact. Increasing demands for water, shelter and electricity are issues that are not going away in the near future. With this in mind, a new solution has been found to meet th [..]

Daoist Immortality

Published on 2012-02-07 07:00:00

As philosophical Daoism changes into alchemy, the search for an Elixir of Immortality became the Holy Grail. Perhaps modern science isn't that far away. Below is an excerpt from a recent new article. The whole thing may be read here.Who wants to live forever? Scientist sees aging curedMon, Jul 04 14:39 PM EDTBy Health and Science Correspondent Kate KellandLONDON (Reuters) - If Aubrey de Grey's predictions are right, the first person who will live to see their 150th birthday has already been bo [..]

Yoshinkan Aikido Video

Published on 2012-02-04 07:00:00

Takeno Sensei is one of the top ranked instructors in the Yoshinkan style of Aikido.

Hara

Published on 2012-02-01 07:00:00

Walt posted this over at a Plainly Hidden View. Below is an excerpt. The whole post may be read here.Upright, firm and collected -- these are the three marks of that posture which is typical of the Japanese who knows how to stand, and taken together, show the presence of Hara.Modern man in his self-assurance holds too strongly to what he believes is his by his own efforts. Not only does he not hesitate to attract attention to himself but he even emphasizes his "persona." This means that he [..]

Beginning Anew

Published on 2012-01-29 07:00:00

Another excellent article at the Classical Budoka. An excerpt is below. The whole article may be read here. Martial arts isn't about organizations or styles, but the people who study, teach and practice them.For several years, I didn’t have any formal connections to any iaido organization. Since the death of my main iai teacher in Japan several years ago, things got weird real fast in the home dojo, and the local kendo/iaido group that my club once happily worked with also got weird on us. [..]

The Gangs of Chinatown

Published on 2012-01-26 07:00:00

A friend sent me this article. An excerpt is posted below. The full article may be read here. Check out the rest of the tabs.# SAN FRANCISCO'S CHINATOWN TRIADSIntroductionThe streets of San Francisco Chinatown seem like a regular tourist spot to most people. People gather there to eat, shop, or just sightsee. All this is very common in the daytime, but during the night, it’s a completely different scene. If you ever go to Chinatown during the daytime, you most likely see a lot of old Chinese p [..]

Published on 2011-07-04 07:00:00

Happy Fourth of July! I've posted this video before, but I really like the song. Enjoy.

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