Referring experts

Like giving compliments, referring experts only makes you look better

I recently had to admit some coding was beyond my ken, at least for the commitment I was willing to put in, and contacted Manish Sharma over at Upwork, whose doing a great job.

Similarly, when someone is doing something well, even if I do it better, I’m happy to point it out, showcase it, and ask questions. Not only is it a learning experience, but building community and goodwill generally has an impact on your long-term success. Don’t believe me? Check out Joey at Kombat Arts.

master ken expert

Sure you can train there…if you like bullshit that’ll get you killed





This is what I observe when you ask someone in the martial arts world what they think of so-and-so, (lean back, cross arms, tilt chin up)

“Yeah, they’re pretty good if you like the (implying it’s bullshit) thing. They’re really friendly, but…”

And here is where Rick Faye has some great advice that I also sometimes need to be reminded of, “Don’t say the ‘but'” or anything after. Really this is just the beginning of the advice. It’s easiest to sound honest when you’re being honest. It’s easiest to sound nice when you’re actually nice (refer to my guru voice post) Stop being a jealous prick and I promise you this will become SO EASY.

If you don’t think a style or school’s teaching works, either for what they say or for you, there’s lots of respectful ways to disagree if you don’t hate ’em. You have to understand why you disdain them or are jealous. Generally the answer is this particular part of your life (assuming you’re not generally a terrible person) is still prickly, whether that’s insecurity, competitiveness, what-have-you. You fixed your triangle choke. Now fix something that matters.

BTW shout out to Kurt at MKG Detroit, and Sakan at Core Combat Chiang Mai, who embody genuine open-mindedness, goodwill, and love of other martial arts and styles, as well as practitioners.




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