Every ten years or so, I step down from a respected black belt position and build my way back up from white in another style. It took me a while to understand why. But age, despite what is said, comes with some lovely benefits, such as perspective. Happens that the way up is really what … Continue reading Martial Arts and the metaphor for everything
Against the currents of social media, progress
It’s a normal behavior in everyone’s feed: we post our best moments. But combined with everyone else’s, we create an illusion that no one else struggles, which is the main criticism platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn often get. It’s true to jobs, beauty, travel… everyone seems to be living a life more perfect than yours. … Continue reading Against the currents of social media, progress
The Samurai’s Apprentice
It hadn’t been one year, and the apprentice was already approaching his master. “Sensei, I really want to be a samurai. If I work hard, how long will it take for me to get my sword?” “Ten years,” the master said. The student nodded with all the respect he could summon. ”What if I work … Continue reading The Samurai’s Apprentice
The Supreme Skill of Fortitude
Not sure what's cause, what's consequence. But being raised inside of a Dojo, I always felt that fortitude was the most important emotional skill someone could develop. Because fortitude is the skill of all skills. The thick skin that allows you to face difficulties, learn from them and emerge better. Which applies to anything in … Continue reading The Supreme Skill of Fortitude
MAT NIGHTMARES ARE OFTEN DREAMS YOU MISSED
My last one happened so fast. We were scrambling, my professor and I. Chaos for me. For him, tea time. Then my alarm blares: I know that move. He’s gonna dive, head to the mats and, upside down in the most unnatural way a human should move, will elevate my legs. Somehow, he will end … Continue reading MAT NIGHTMARES ARE OFTEN DREAMS YOU MISSED
Is the book ready?
The holidays break was a great opportunity to polish my manuscript and add some of my recent learnings in #muaythai and #bjj into the story. Feeling pretty good about how they mix with the main character’s #taichi and #daoism background and the frighteningly real advancements in #artificialintelligence and #neuroscience After the encouraging notes from the … Continue reading Is the book ready?
The best style of fighting
Given the warrior origins of all martial arts, it's natural that discussions often lan on what's more effective than what. Most of the times debating effectiveness on the streets or in big competitions like ufc as the ultimate ring. Natural, but likely shortsighted, if you look at this field as an ecosystem. In combat sports … Continue reading The best style of fighting
Sports Data?
Who uses data and devices to improve their training? I’ve been using the #whoopstrap to monitor my performance. It’s interesting to see that the best indicator of a good day for me is how rested I am. Duh... but that isn’t totally related to the simple number of hours of sleep. It’s a combo. The … Continue reading Sports Data?
Curing writers block with martial arts
Recently I got stuck on my next novel (a story about kung fu and artificial Intelligence). First I blamed how busy I got at work and adjusting our lives to the East Coast. But truly it was because I got so into my survival journey as a white belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu that, despite … Continue reading Curing writers block with martial arts
Frame, Force and Flow
I’ve been thinking a lot about the similarities and differences between different styles of #fighting. Not only their signature moves or their compared efficacy, but mostly how they structure training. After trying #martialarts from so many origins, and approaches so distinct, it occurred to me that all that those systems try to find is their … Continue reading Frame, Force and Flow
The Girl from Wudang 