Dao of the Day

A good warrior is never violent
A good fighter is never offensive
A great victor defeats his opponent,
but not by challenging him.
A great commander is humble.
This is called the power of non-contention.
This is also called using the power of others.
To follow this is to follow the pattern of the subtle law of the universe.

-Dao De Jing Chapter 68
from The Complete Works of Lao Tzu, translation and elucidation by Hua-Ching Ni.

The 52 Blocks

Lyte Burly demonstrating the skull and crossbones block

Interesting video article today on NYTimes.com about "the 52 blocks". They profile Lyte Burly of the East Village (see his youtube videos here) and Daniel Marks. Marks' website has this to say about the history of the 52:

52 Blocks, the only existing martial arts form originating from the United States, originates from Caribbean and Southern US (Gullah island) warrior traditions. Similar to its Brazilian counterpart, Capoeira, the fighting style was initially suppressed during slavery because white slaveowners feared potential rebellions of disenfranchised African-Americans. After Reconstruction, the art form followed the African-American migration Northeast and into the margins of large urban centers. Urban prisons, because of their ethnic breakdown as well as their social code, actually provided a more fertile ground for the art to expand, especially in allowing novices to dedicate themselves to ongoing training intensively. It was within the prison system that 52 evolved, fusing with urban dance and boxing tactics.

Apparently Rashad Evans is familiar with the 52 as well! Here's a video clip of Rashad talking about his fighting influences.

 

Quote of the Day: Lyoto Machida

"If you have a dream for your life, you can achieve it. It's a possible!"

Pure inspiration. Traditional karateka everywhere rejoice.