by Gene Crawford | May 28, 2023 | Podcast
In this engaging episode, we are thrilled to have Christun Erwin of Healthy Buffalo join us to share her journey in martial arts, self-defense, and her experiences training and teaching. Listen in as she discusses the importance of foundations and the concept of ‘white belt foreva,’ a phrase Christun uses to remind herself to remain humble and always learn. Discover how she runs her business, Healthy Buffalo, which focuses on boundaries and awareness, as well as the seminars she leads for women.
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by Gene Crawford | May 21, 2023 | Podcast
In this solo episode, I share my experiences and lessons learned from over 20 years of running various businesses. I talk about the challenges I’ve faced, including a costly legal battle, which taught me the importance of paying attention to contracts and liability. I also discuss the essential qualities of a great leader, effective communication strategies, and the importance of taking time to detach and process decisions. I talk about importance of respect in building relationships and trust. Join me in this episode for valuable insights and inspiration to improve your leadership skills.
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by Gene Crawford | May 19, 2023 | Blog
Miyamoto Musashi was a Japanese swordsman, philosopher, and writer who lived from 1584 to 1645. He was renowned for his skills in the art of swordfighting, and wrote the famous book “The Book of Five Rings”, which is still studied by martial artists today. Musashi was also known for his distinctive fighting style, which involved using two swords simultaneously. He was considered one of the greatest swordsmen in Japanese history.
The Book of Five Rings is a treatise on swordsmanship and martial arts written by Miyamoto Musashi. Some of the key concepts introduced in the book include:
No-Mind
The concept of “no-mind”, or mushin, which is the state of being completely focused and free from distractions or emotions.
The concept of “no-mind” or mushin is the idea that a martial artist should be able to remain focused and free from distractions or emotions during combat. Musashi believed that this state of mind was essential for success in battle, as it allowed the martial artist to respond quickly and decisively to any situation. He wrote that “the primary thing when you take a sword in your hands is your intention to cut the enemy, whatever the means. Whenever you parry, hit, spring, strike or touch the enemy’s cutting sword, you must cut the enemy in the same movement. It is essential to attain this.”
The Void
The concept of “the void”, or mushin, which is the state of being empty and free from preconceived notions or expectations.
The concept of “the void” or mushin is the idea that a martial artist should be empty and free from preconceived notions or expectations during combat. Musashi believed that this state of mind was essential for adaptability and flexibility in battle, as it allowed the martial artist to respond to any situation without being limited by preconceived notions or expectations. He wrote that “the void is not emptiness. It is rather a place of potential, a space that can be filled with any number of possibilities. When you are in the void, you are able to see all options clearly and choose the best course of action without being influenced by your own desires or expectations.”
The Strategy of the Void
The concept of “the strategy of the void”, which is the idea that a martial artist should be able to adapt to any situation without being limited by preconceived notions or expectations.
The concept of “the strategy of the void” is the idea that a martial artist should be able to adapt to any situation without being limited by preconceived notions or expectations. Musashi believed that this was the key to success in combat, as it allowed the martial artist to respond to any situation with clarity and confidence. He wrote that “the void is not just a state of mind, it is also a strategy. When you are in the void, you are able to see all options clearly and choose the best course of action without being influenced by your own desires or expectations. By following the strategy of the void, you can overcome any opponent, no matter how strong or skilled they may be.”
The Way of the Sword
The concept of “the way of the sword”, which is the idea that the pursuit of martial arts should be a lifelong journey of learning and self-improvement.
The concept of “the way of the sword” is the idea that the pursuit of martial arts should be a lifelong journey of learning and self-improvement. Musashi believed that this was the key to success in combat, as it allowed the martial artist to continually improve and adapt to changing circumstances. He wrote that “the way of the sword is not just about mastering a particular technique or style. It is about constantly seeking to improve and grow as a martial artist. It is about never being satisfied with your current level of skill, and always striving to become better. The way of the sword is a lifelong journey, and those who follow it will find that they are always learning and growing.”
The Five Rings
The concept of “the five rings”, which are the five elements of strategy that Musashi believed were essential to success in martial arts: the earth, water, fire, wind, and void.
by Gene Crawford | May 7, 2023 | Podcast
What does it take to overcome personal struggles and find success in the world of boxing and martial arts? Former boxer and current gym owner Keith Keppner shares his story of triumph over Lyme disease and the importance of cultivating a positive culture in combat sports.
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by Gene Crawford | Dec 16, 2022 | Podcast
The Book of Five Rings is a treatise on swordsmanship and martial arts written by Miyamoto Musashi. IMHO the top five concepts introduced in the book include: No Mind, The Void, Three Modes of Attack, The Way of the Sword, The Five Rings
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