Category Archives: Martial Arts

A good article about choosing a martial art for your kid.

Posted on March 27, 2019 by dmuranaka

This morning my newsfeed directed me to this article: How to choose the best martial art for your child I was expecting something ordinary and uninspired but was pleasantly surprised by what I read. It’s not earth-shattering, but it does … Continue reading →

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My One “Iron Fist” Question

Posted on March 21, 2017 by dmuranaka

I haven’t seen “Iron Fist” yet. I might. I might not. I’m ambivalent about it. I saw “Luke Cage” and that has satisfied me. The reviews about it I’ve seen have not inspired much confidence. I’ve kept an eye on … Continue reading →

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Safety in the Martial Arts

Posted on July 2, 2015 by dmuranaka

I read an article today.  The long and short of the story is that there is a martial arts instructor who, after years of teaching and service, he’s beginning to show signs of dementia pugilistica.  We could talk about whether … Continue reading →

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Starting a New Project

Posted on May 31, 2015 by dmuranaka

I’m going to start a new project soon.  Yes, it’s a writing project.  This time, it will be a martial arts writing project.  Those who know me personally know that I’ve been working on one for about 12 years.  That’s … Continue reading →

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True Budo: A poem and thoughts on literary martial arts writing

Posted on April 22, 2015 by dmuranaka

TRUE BUDO We want to be enlightened by an emboldened, reassured, blending spirit of love and peace. So we struggle, wrestle with each other, strike each other like madmen, swirl and twirl around the mat. Then you say the world … Continue reading →

Posted in Aikido, Creative Writing, Martial Arts, Minstrel of Belmont, Poetry, Writing | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

What Shodan Taught Me About My MFA Training

Posted on April 3, 2015 by dmuranaka

There were a lot of benefits of doing my MFA prior to me getting shodan in aikido.  I’ve credited the MFA experience for building the confidence and internal strength necessary to get to the black belt level.  Today, I’d like to … Continue reading →

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PoMoSco Poem 2: The Official Story

Posted on April 2, 2015 by dmuranaka

The poem can be found here. Continuing the martial arts theme, The Official Story uses Sugawara’s Lives of Master Swordsmen as its source text.  I’m planning on using the same book (different page) for tomorrow’s poem.  Keep an eye out! Cutting up … Continue reading →

Posted in Martial Arts, Poetry | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Bill Belichick will be Revered and Feared Forever: Miyamoto Musashi

Posted on April 1, 2015 by dmuranaka

Yesterday I read a story on the Bleacher Report about how fearing Bill Belichick only makes him stronger.  I agreed with a lot of that article.  My belief is that the NFL bends backwards to cut off its collective nose … Continue reading →

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The Minstrel of Belmont: Aikido Poems

Posted on March 28, 2015 by dmuranaka

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be writing a series of blog posts talking about some of the poems in my chapbook, The Minstrel of Belmont and my upcoming full-length collection, Hanami.  Today’s post is the first in that series and is on … Continue reading →

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A Fool is Paid in Full

Posted on November 7, 2014 by dmuranaka

I have a story that was just published today online.  You can find the story here.  This story was written a few years ago after a night out with some friends.  It was written as an exercise in “what if’s”. … Continue reading →

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