Play As the Way

Eric Turner

Published on: 02/10/2026

Wondering why our kids classes look like games instead of rows of identical punches? The science of how children build skill: why guided problem-solving beats memorized technique, and why rough and tumble play is how young mammals learn to live.

kids martial arts Knoxvillemartial arts for childrenconstraints led approach kidsrough and tumble play benefitsgame based learning martial artsyouth MMA programkids BJJ Knoxvilleadaptability in childrenplay based skill developmentLittle Dragons martial artsbest kids martial arts programKnoxville MMA youthKMAAmartial arts

Why I Put a White Belt Back On

Eric Turner

Published on: 27/09/2026

After 27 years as a head coach, I became a beginner again. Why I returned to the Inayan System of Eskrima, what the Filipino martial arts really offer fighters, and what starting over teaches you about the small things.

Inayan System of EskrimaInayan School of EskrimaFilipino martial arts KnoxvilleEskrima classes KnoxvilleKali Arnis EskrimaFMA and MMA crossoverdefanging the snakereality based self defenseweapons based martial artsbeginner mindset martial artsstarting over as a beginnerlifelong martial artiststick fighting KnoxvilleKMAAKnoxville Martial Arts AcademyGuro Klement Inayan School of EskrimaGuro KlementSteve Klement