I took my kids deer hunting with me this weekend. The weather was wonderful. Not too hot; not too cold. The mosquitoes weren’t out. But neither were the deer. We weren’t in the stand for 30 minutes before my son whispered, “this is boring.” This is the same kid who had hounded me repeatedly toContinue reading “Peace of Mind: Modern Problems With Ancient Solutions”
Author Archives: The Philosophical Fighter
Can You Change Your Life by Changing Your Opinion?
I recently saw a meme quoting Mac Anderson that read, “You are always one choice away from changing your life.” I don’t know much about the author or the originality of his idea, but the essence of the quote can be found millennia ago. Marcus Aurelius wrote something very similar in his diary. In bookContinue reading “Can You Change Your Life by Changing Your Opinion?”
Kano’s Vision: Judo as a Humanistic Endeavor
One of the primary martial arts we teach at my academy is Judo. When people ask me about Judo, I get excited. I mention the physical attributes such as the emphasis on throwing your opponent to the ground and rendering him immobile with a pin. But there is also an equally beautiful quality in JudoContinue reading “Kano’s Vision: Judo as a Humanistic Endeavor”
What is Framing and How Does It Affect My Life?
Have you ever thought about how the words you use to describe an event or a situation in your life may determine the outcome or impact your reality? Here’s an example from Daniel Kahneman’s Thinking, Fast and Slow: “Italy won; France lost.” Kahneman asked, “Do those statements have the same meaning? The answer depends entirelyContinue reading “What is Framing and How Does It Affect My Life?”
One Habit That Can Change Your Effectiveness.
A lesson my friend and fellow coach Scott Ferguson often teaches his classes is that faster isn’t always better. He asks his students to add 2+2 and give him the answer. Just as they start to speak, he yells “7.” The point he illustrates is you can be faster but that doesn’t mean you areContinue reading “One Habit That Can Change Your Effectiveness.”
Coaching Wisdom from Dr. Rhadi Ferguson
At the 2021 ATJA National Judo tournament, I was privileged to meet Dr. Rhadi Ferguson, a man of many accolades and much experience. He was a 2004 Judo Olympian, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, ADCC competitor, and D1 wrestler. As impressive as his martial arts knowledge and ability may be, I was more impressed withContinue reading “Coaching Wisdom from Dr. Rhadi Ferguson”
A Philosophy for Passing Guard
One of the major facets of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the guard. That also means knowing how to pass the guard is equally as important. There are numerous guard passes, each with its own utility for the given guard you are trying to pass. But having so many tools in your arsenal can also make itContinue reading “A Philosophy for Passing Guard”
Catching Up With Old Friends
First, let me apologize for being away so much recently. I am finishing my master’s in the next few weeks and have had to buckle down on my thesis. That process has taken much of my time and mental energy. As a brief break from the mental drudgery, I spent the weekend at The GreatestContinue reading “Catching Up With Old Friends”
What Does “Know Thyself” Mean?
Gnothi seauton Know thyself is not a question, but a command. The phrase was inscribed at the entrance of the Temple of Apollo in Ancient Greece. People traveled to this temple seeking divine counsel from the oracle of Delphi, the messenger of Apollo. It was there to remind those who entered of their place inContinue reading “What Does “Know Thyself” Mean?”
What a Golem Can Teach Us About Teaching.
Have you ever had a teacher or coach that made a difference in your life? Can you think back to something they said or did that you have repeated or emulated? Maybe you are a coach or teacher and can think of times when a student thanks you for the impact you’ve had or theContinue reading “What a Golem Can Teach Us About Teaching.”
Joshua Clements Writes 