Daoism in Daily Life

Finding Harmony, Simplicity and Balance in the Everyday Daoism (道教, Dàojiào) is often associated with ancient Chinese philosophy, mountains, temples, meditation and traditional practices such as Qigong. But Daoism is not simply something to study or practise in a temple. At its heart, it offers a way of approaching everyday life. Daoism teaches us to […]

Nei Dan (内丹): The Daoist Practice of Inner Alchemy

Nei Dan (内丹), usually translated as “Inner Alchemy,” is one of the most profound traditions within Daoist cultivation. Rather than seeking transformation through external substances or physical techniques, Nei Dan turns inward, using the body, breath, mind and awareness as the material for spiritual transformation. At its heart, Nei Dan is concerned with returning the […]

The Human Condition and the Daoist Answer

The human condition refers to the fundamental reality of being human: we are conscious, vulnerable, social beings who experience desire, suffering, uncertainty, conflict, change, attachment, joy, love, loss, and ultimately death. We seek security and meaning, yet live in a world that is constantly changing and beyond our complete control. Daoism approaches this not by […]

Wudang Martial Arts and the Way of Sanda

The Wudang Mountains of China have long been associated with martial arts, Daoist philosophy and the pursuit of harmony between mind, body and spirit. While Wudang is often portrayed through images of graceful internal practices such as Taijiquan, Bagua and Xingyiquan, its martial tradition also contains a practical and combative side. At the heart of […]

The History of MMA

Introduction Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is often perceived as a modern, controversial, and brutal sport, but its roots extend far deeper into human history than most people realise. Far from being a recent invention, MMA represents the culmination of centuries—if not millennia—of combat traditions, philosophical debates about martial effectiveness, and cultural exchanges between fighting systems. […]

MMA In The Land of the Rising Sun

The story of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in Japan is not a linear narrative of a single sport’s evolution. It is a complex, often chaotic tapestry woven from threads of professional wrestling’s staged heroism, the harsh reality of catch-wrestling’s submission holds, the brutal spectacle of Vale Tudo, and the unique cultural appetite for dramatic, larger-than-life […]

The Depictions of Boxers on the Walls of Angkor

The temples of Angkor, particularly the majestic Angkor Wat, are renowned for their intricate bas-reliefs and carvings that depict scenes from Hindu mythology, historical battles, and daily life in the Khmer Empire. Among these fascinating depictions are images of boxers, which provide valuable insights into the martial traditions and cultural practices of ancient Cambodia. These […]

The History and Practice of Cambodian Pradal Serey

Introduction Pradal Serey, also known as Kun Khmer, is Cambodia’s traditional martial art and national combat sport. With roots stretching back to the Angkorian Empire, Pradal Serey is deeply intertwined with Cambodian history, culture, and national identity. The term ‘Pradal Serey’ translates to “free fighting,” reflecting its emphasis on stand-up striking techniques using fists, elbows, […]

Sparring In Early Karate

Sparring in early karate in Okinawa, known as “Te” or “Tode,”** was quite different from modern karate sparring. Here’s an overview of what it looked like: Characteristics of Early Okinawan Sparring: 1. No Formalized Sparring Rules: – Early karate did not have structured sparring formats like modern kumite. Instead, practice was heavily focused on kata […]