What is "The Art of Living"?

 "Martial arts practice; ethics; redefining self-defense; and taking the practice of Martial Arts out of the Dojo and into the World ... " -- Tom Callos, 6th Dan

Those goals are shared by Barnes Martial Arts.

When I was a young boy, someone who was bullied throughout my grade school and high school years, my impression of Martial Arts came mostly from watching Chuck Norris' movies. Those movies were pure escapism! I could imagine myself dispatching my foes with the same ease and ferocity that Mr. Norris did. It wasn't until later, when I actually enrolled in Martial Arts classes, I began to see that there was more -- MUCH MORE -- to the Arts than learning how to kick butt!

My training was tough and very physical, my instructor extremely demanding; but underlying every sore muscle, every bruise, every ache and pain, were deeper lessons of perseverance, honor, integrity, focus, and personal discipline. To me, these were warrior qualities that were missing in the world.

Still later, when I opened my first studio, I began to see an even bigger picture ... of how the Martial Arts could be a springboard for greater possibilities.

My teachers always stressed that Martial Arts are a way of life. And that is certainly true. But they are beyond that ... Martial Arts ARE life itself, and to incorporate their practice into our daily existence, to draw breath every day and to find and maintain our place in this world is the Art of Living.

Awhile ago I read something written by Tom Callos, a 6th degree Black Belt and internationally recognized authority on the Martial Arts. Tom is one of the loudest, funniest, most persistent voices in the martial arts community for things that represent the best of the best we can be as martial artists. He champions things like anger management training, dietary self-defense, community engagement, peace education, environmental issues, philanthropy, leadership training, transparent and ethical business practices, and any number of issues that stand for the "good stuff" in the martial arts community.

Anyway, many years ago, Tom wrote to Rosa Parks, the black woman who, by a singular act of defiance --refusing to give up her seat on a bus to a white person -- sparked the Civil Rights movement. He wrote to her, I suppose, to tell her how much he admired her and what a difference her example had made. In 1993, Ms. Parks wrote back. Her letter made Tom wonder if 100 martial arts MASTERS could, collectively, equal the power to influence, and make positive changes in the world as did the diminutive 42-year-old seamstress who, that historic day, simply refused to give up her seat.  

I am proud to say that in a small way, I am affiliated with Mr. Callos; we share the same Vision of the Martial Arts. I believe that we all – but ESPECIALLY Black Belts (AND Black Belts in Training!) – have a responsibility to our world; to leave it a better place than we found it.

Like Mr. Callos, our mission is to use all of our skills, experience, and determination to re-define the role of Martial Arts teachers, students and schools in today’s world.

To do that Barnes Martial Arts strives to redefine the meaning and definition of “self-defense.” In short – EVERYTHING is self-defense. Everything from understanding issues such as healthy eating, dietary health issues (diabetes, heart disease, cancer, etc.), gender discrimination, violence, non-violent conflict resolution, leadership, bullying, and a number of other topics that make us smarter, better leaders and teachers, and more important, participating members of our communities and this world. It all counts – and as I learned early in my Martial Arts career, the “food” that enters our minds and Spirits is equally important as the food that enters our bodies.  

So welcome to "The Art of Living" -- the Official Blog of Barnes Martial Arts...

In these pages you will find informative articles, videos, and links designed to enhance not only your experience at our Studio, but to spark thinking and hopefully, action.

Consider this blog to be the digital, online newsletter of our Studio ... and so much more.

It is going to be an EPIC journey. I am so glad to have you along with me.