Aikido: Why Rickson Gracie’s Jiu Jitsu embodies the literal definition of Aikido Aikido is often translated into English “as the way to harmonious spirit”. Literature on Aikido describes it as a modern martial art with an emphasis on gentility. Adjectives commonly ascribed are spirit, sense of well being, and compassion. [...]
Systema: Is it the worst martial art in the world? There is always great debate amongst the effectiveness of specific martial arts. Some advocate wrestling based on the continued success of its practitioners in the UFC. Similarly, others point to the success of Royce Gracie in the early ‘no rules’ [...]
Aliveness in Taekwondo (TKD) A common question that is occasionally raised on Aliveness, one of our key concepts here at as SBG, is how it relates to the Korean martial art of Tae Kwon Do. I’ve seen Matt Thornton, SBG Founder at seminars, be asked about where Taekwondo fits within [...]
The Gorilla Press, Issue 125 Record breaking promotions, Throw back Thursdays, and MORE! But first- Matt has a conversation with long standing SBG Black belt and Officer, Ray Price From Matt- "Nationwide, policies and budgets related to law enforcement are being changed. Given that, I couldn’t think of many people better [...]
I have traveled, literally, all over the world over the last several years and it has been a great privilege for me to do so. The reason for my travels has been seminars, and regardless of where I am, I always start them the same way. I explain that my main [...]
On Dec 3rd 2015, I had the pleasure of giving a talk at Wichita State University. The talk was hosted by Ben Holman, and the Wichita State atheists and agnostics group. Ben and I talked for about an hour, followed by a question and answer session. One of my goals is [...]
Matt Thornton was one of the early group of American’s to become involved in the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, having been introduced to it in 1991. He was also the first person from the State of Oregon to receive a black belt in the Art. As a teacher he produced a [...]
The ONE Secret Most Martial Arts Instructors DON’T Want You To Know And The TRUTH About Military based Martial Arts, or Self Defense Programs Like Krav Maga in Portland Finding a martial art for self defense can seem like a daunting task. There are hundreds of options available around us from [...]
