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Jeff discusses the pros and cons of learning martial arts on-line.
Podcast: The Martial Brain
The Martial Brain Podcast covers topics relating to the intersection between the martial arts, science, critical thinking, scientific skepticism, and that wacky organ that floats between our ears.
34 Drop and Give Me Fifty!
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Jeff discusses the bizarre power dynamic between the commercial martial arts studio owner and his customer, the student.
33 The Way of the Intercepting Myth-Part 2
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Jeff discusses myths and misconceptions about Jeet Kune Do.
32 The Way of the Intercepting Myth-Part 1
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Jeff discusses common myths about Bruce Lee.
31 Zen and the Art of Revisionist History
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Jeff discusses misconceptions regarding the connection between Zen Buddhism and the Japanese martial arts.
30 How DARE You Question My Omniscience!
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Jeff discusses the culture of many martial arts traditions, in which asking questions is discouraged, and why he disagrees with it.
29 Stand Up Straight and Breathe, Grasshopper!
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Jeff discusses the REAL reasons for developing good postural and breathing habits, and how claims that these are for the development of Chi Power only muddies the waters.
28 Logic is Like a Sword
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Jeff discusses the value and practicality of the apparently anachronistic practice of training with non-firearm weapons.
27 The Golden Age Fallacy
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Jeff discusses the logical fallacy called the Golden Age Fallacy. In it he warns of the human tendency to long for the “good old days”, both in life and in the martial arts.
26 The Student Shall Be the Teacher!
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Jeff warns of the dangers of arrogance in a martial arts instructor, and describes the amazing power of the human mind to learn, even despite bad teachers.
25 Nobody’s Perfect, and That’s Unforgivable!
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Jeff discusses the dangers of making the perfect the enemy of the good; in life and in the martial arts.
24 Defeating the Straw Man
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Jeff discusses the logical fallacy called “The Straw Man Argument”, and compares it to some typical discussions about the martial arts.
23 Rock, Paper, Scissors, Lizard, Spock
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Jeff draws parallels between the game “Rock, Paper, Scissors” and various aspects of the Martial Arts.
22 When is a Technique Practical?
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Jeff discusses the process of judging the value of various techniques.
21 It’s a Natural Fact!
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Jeff discusses the logical fallacy called “the appeal to nature”, and how it relates to the martial arts.
20 Dude! That is Sick!
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Jeff discusses the fascination many young martial artists have with “advanced” techniques, and proposes an alternative word to describe them.
19 Realism in Sparring and the Scientific Method
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Jeff discusses a scientific approach to improving your fighting skills.
18 What Belt are You?
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Jeff discusses the pros and cons of using belts to signify rank in the martial arts.
17 What if Tokyo Never Rose?
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Jeff proposes a counter-factual: What would the modern American martial arts scene look like if the Pacific theater of World War 2 had never taken place?
16 The Elephant in the Room
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After 15 previous podcasts, Jeff finally addresses the elephant in the room when it comes to martial skepticism……Chi Power!
15 The Last Samurai–A Carefully Considered Rant
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Jeff discusses his objections to the revisionist history used as a basis for the popular Tom Cruise movie.
14 The Myth of the Power of the Mind
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Jeff discusses the importance of determination, and not confusing it with magic.
13 The Monkey Brain
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Jeff discusses the dangers of losing focus when acting as a partner in a martial arts drill, and the furtive, malevolent animal that lurks in our brain, waiting to get out.
12 Essence and the Martial Arts
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Jeff discusses the human tendency to either seek or avoid ‘essence’ that is not, in fact there, and how this tendency complicates life and training in the martial arts.
11 Technique Vs. Principle
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Jeff discusses the importance of stressing the understanding of principles over the accumulation of techniques.
10 What is a Martial Arts Style?
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The martial arts world has for centuries focused much of its attention on the value and quality of the many different “styles”. Jeff wades into the subject and offers his own two cents, drawing a parallel to the outmoded concept of ‘race’ in biology.
9 Is Grappling Training Necessary?
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Jeff discusses the importance of being able to competently defend yourself when you find that the fight has gone to the ground.
In the process he discusses the problem of ‘tribalism’ in the martial arts.
8 How Do You Know?
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Jeff discusses the development of critical thinking skills to protect yourself from the negative effects of fraudulent claims in the martial arts and in life.
7 What is a Master?
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Jeff discusses the use and misuse of the title “Master” in the context of the Martial Arts.
6 Does Practice Make Perfect?
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Jeff discusses how to enhance your gains from training, including the importance of mindfulness in practice,
5 The Crane Kick Phenomenon
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This episode is sub-titled “Mister Miyagi meets Cyrano de Bergerac”. In it Jeff discusses a long-standing beef he has about a line uttered in the original “Karate Kid” movie, and how it relates to important truths in the martial arts. Along the way he discusses a bit of terminology and attack theory from Western Fencing.
4 Are Martial Arts Seminars Worthwhile?
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Jeff delves into the pros and cons of martial arts seminars, and how to get the most out of your seminar experience.
3 What is a Traditional Martial Art?
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Jeff digs into the use of the word ‘traditional’ when applied to a martial art, and what he perceives as the problems in coming to an apt definition.
2 Martial Sports vs. Martial Combat Arts
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Jeff shares his thoughts on the debate over the relative value of training in “sport” martial arts and “combat” martial arts.
1 How Long Will it Take?
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In the first episode of The Martial Brain, Jeff Westfall does a takedown of three of the most common questions that prospective customers at his Academy ask.