Water Mountain's Blog
Hi, and thank you for visiting Water Mountain’s Blog. We are bringing you great Nerd Articles, Vids, Humor and the Training Experience.
If you want a free email course that covers the martial arts or qi gong experience, please visit this page.
Want to visit our growing collection of online courses, created by instructors with tens of thousands of coaching hours? Visit watermountainvirtual.com
Featured
What Is the Best Qi Flow for Health and Long Life?
What’s the best way to circulate qi for a longer, healthier life? In this talk, Qi Gong Master Mikel Steenrod...
Dietary Guidelines for the Amateur Martial Artist
Practical, evidence-minded nutrition for amateur martial artists—now with expanded meal-timing guidance (pre/intra/post) and a high-altitude section for Flagstaff-style training. Learn...
Explainer Vids
Struggling?
Struggling? – A Teaching from Water Mountain Struggle isn’t failure—it’s growth in action. In this short video, Master Mikel Steenrod...
Squash Fears Power
In this Flagstaff martial arts video, Master Steenrod explains how fear warps decisions and how kung fu practice helps you...
Pro Arnis
High Altitude Martial Arts, Focused on Flagstaff, AZ
Training Outdoors in the Cold, Dry High Desert of Flagstaff, AZ
Training in Flagstaff’s cold, dry high desert requires the right approach. This guide explains how to prepare, breathe, hydrate, move,...
Smart Martial Arts in Flagstaff’s High Altitude Sun
Flagstaff martial artists face unique challenges when training outdoors at 7,000 feet. This guide offers smart strategies to handle intense...
Training Insights
Aging, Testosterone, and the Martial Artist
Testosterone Decline and Martial Arts – Explore how age-related hormone changes impact martial performance and discover nutrition strategies to stay...
Am I Too Old For Martial Arts?
Discover how martial arts can improve your strength, balance, and confidence at any age. Whether you're 50, 60, or beyond,...
Wellness and Fitness
Nutrition
Beyond Calories In, Calories Out: The Real Science of Weight Management
The Calories In, Calories Out (CICO) model explains weight management, but hormones, metabolism, stress, and exercise—like martial arts—play key roles...
Nutrition for Joint Health: A Guide for Martial Artists
Discover how proper nutrition can safeguard joint health for martial artists. Learn about anti-inflammatory foods, essential nutrients like omega-3s and...
Weapons
Qi Gong
What Is the Best Qi Flow for Health and Long Life?
What’s the best way to circulate qi for a longer, healthier life? In this talk, Qi Gong Master Mikel Steenrod...
Qi Gong Weather Report – December 6, 2025
Early Winter Qi, Rest Without Collapse: Today’s qi encourages gentle inwardness—rest without sinking into deep yin. Includes video, study guide,...
Kung Fu
Internal vs External Kung Fu Styles: Tai Chi vs Shaolin Explained
Curious about the difference between internal and external kung fu styles? This guide breaks it down with real examples—comparing Tai...
10 Best Core Exercises for Kung Fu
Build devastating power and lasting endurance with these 10 essential core exercises for Kung Fu—targeting strength, rotation, and stability for...