Senryaku-teki senjutsu-teki hōhō [戦略的戦術的方法]
The Strategic Tactical Method in self-defense is a comprehensive framework that blends strategic planning (long-term, preemptive thinking and preparation) with tactical execution (real-time, situation-specific action). This integrated method recognizes that surviving and prevailing in a violent confrontation requires not only physical techniques, but also mental readiness, ethical judgment, situational control, and adaptive response.
Socrates:
The quote is often presented as a "triple filter" to guide communication, suggesting that before speaking, one should consider whether the statement is true, kind, and necessary.
Before speaking, consider the impact of your words on others and yourself, ensuring that they are truthful, considerate, and necessary.
The quote “Is it truthful? Is it considerate? Is it necessary?” is a moral and ethical guideline often attributed to various sources, including Socrates, the Buddha, and even Quaker teachings, though no definitive attribution has been established. It is a variation of a broader principle about responsible speech and communication.
Concept and Meaning
This quote embodies a threefold filter for evaluating speech before expressing it. Each question serves as a checkpoint:
1. Is it Truthful?
• This asks whether what you’re about to say is factually accurate and honest. It’s a defense against lies, exaggerations, and gossip.
• This principle aligns with philosophical and religious traditions like the Buddhist concept of Right Speech (part of the Eightfold Path), which promotes truthfulness and refraining from falsehood.
2. Is it Considerate?
• Also phrased as “Is it kind?” or “Is it compassionate?” This filter checks whether your words are respectful and empathetic.
• It reflects the ethical requirement to avoid causing unnecessary emotional harm, aligning with teachings in Christianity (“Speak the truth in love” – Ephesians 4:15), and many humanist values.
3. Is it Necessary?
• Even if something is true and kind, is it useful or relevant? Will it help the situation, or is it better left unsaid?
• This resonates with the Stoic principle of economy of words and mindful communication, promoting restraint and wisdom.
Application
This quote is often used in the context of communication ethics, including:
• Personal Relationships:
Before speaking in emotionally charged situations (e.g., arguments or offering advice), applying these filters helps prevent unnecessary harm and keeps conversations constructive.
• Leadership and Management:
Ethical leadership includes clear but compassionate communication. Leaders who vet their messages through this lens tend to foster trust and respect.
• Conflict Resolution:
Mediation and diplomacy often use variations of these principles to guide dialogue that is honest but tactful and solution-oriented.
• Education and Parenting:
Children and students are often taught this framework to cultivate empathy, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness.
• Social Media and Public Discourse:
With the rise of impulsive and often toxic online interactions, this quote is frequently invoked as a model for responsible digital communication.
Related Frameworks and References
1. Socrates’ Triple Filter Test (Anecdotal, not historically verified):
• A similar story involves Socrates asking if a statement is true, good, and useful before listening to gossip.
• See: Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations or variants in moral education texts.
2. Buddhism – Right Speech:
• Buddhist ethics propose four aspects of right speech: not lying, not speaking harshly, not gossiping, and not engaging in idle chatter.
• Source: The Noble Eightfold Path (Theravāda Buddhist teachings)
3. Epictetus & Stoicism:
• Stoics emphasized the importance of measured and intentional speech.
• See: Discourses by Epictetus, esp. Book II, and Meditations by Marcus Aurelius.
4. Quaker Testimonies:
• The Quaker SPICES testimonies (Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, Stewardship) encourage truthful and considerate communication.
• See: Faith and Practice (Philadelphia Yearly Meeting)
Conclusion
“Is it truthful? Is it considerate? Is it necessary?” is a timeless ethical filter for communication. Though not traceable to a single origin, its essence is echoed in ancient philosophy, religious teachings, and modern ethics. Applying it leads to more mindful, respectful, and effective dialogue in nearly every context.
Budō (karate) [武道空手] Yōshiki [様式] (武道(空手)様式)
The question that arises in the martial arts is, "which style is the best?" The answer is, it depends! I often explain that the various forms are usually a style that is loosely based on its creator's character, personality, beliefs, and cultural influences, etc. Usually in interviewing a new potential student I can tell from their character and personality which style they will fit in best. I recommend visiting dojo's, sit ting and observing, and making inquiries - to get a feel and then deciding if that feel fits the potential student.
What follows here, is a description of the proverbial styles ...
Styles: a personal perspective and rendition of fundamental principles that exist in martial arts, i.e., such as power generation, breathing, and structure, etc.! Ti was Ti, then the three main villages of Okinawa created the very first karate styles (actually Ti being of Chinese origin that gave birth to Ti), then each village leader of its version of Ti (first style designation or creation) created a style unique to its village (Shuri-ti, Tomari-ti, and Naha-ti) You should know the rest of that story!
Fundamental Principles:
Physiokenetic in particular, i.e., (Breathing, posture, triangle guard, centerline, primary gate, spinal alignment, axis, minor axis, structure, heaviness, relaxation, wave energy, convergence, centeredness, triangulation point, the dynamic sphere, body-mind, void, centripetal force, centrifugal force, sequential locking and sequential relaxation, peripheral vision, tactile sensitivity, rooting, attack hubs, attack posture, possibly the chemical cocktail,
Multiple Methodologies [actual tactics and attack methodologies of impacts, drives (pushes), pulls, twists, takedowns/throws and compression, etc. are best for stopping a threat])
These are universal to all martial style.
A "style" is merely a particular kind, sort, or type, as with reference to form, appearance, or character: The style of karate of shuri village is a creation of its master, a particular, distinctive, or characteristic mode of action or manner of acting based of its universal fundamental principles of its application.
"All martial art styles are good, they all serve a purpose!" - derived by cejames from saying of Tasuo-san Shimabuku the creator of the Isshin-ryu "style."
The Styles of Karate
Karate is a Okinawan martial art with origins in the Ryukyu Kingdom (modern-day Okinawa), heavily influenced by Chinese martial arts and later systematized in Japan. Different karate styles evolved based on regional practices, instructor philosophies, and institutional developments. Here’s a detailed overview of the origins and purposes of major karate styles, along with references for deeper reading.
Origins of Karate
1. Historical Background
• Okinawa’s Role: Okinawa was a key trading hub between China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. Chinese martial arts (especially Fujian White Crane) influenced local Okinawan combat systems known as te (“hand”).
• Three Main Lineages: Okinawan te was categorized regionally:
• Shuri-te: Fast, linear movements (precursor to Shotokan, Shito-Ryu).
• Naha-te: Rooted stances, breathing techniques (precursor to Goju-Ryu).
• Tomari-te: A mix of Shuri and Naha elements.
• Japanese Integration: Karate was introduced to mainland Japan in the early 20th century, adapted with Japanese martial arts traditions (budo), and rebranded from “Chinese hand” (唐手, tōde) to “empty hand” (空手, karate).
Major Karate Styles: Origins and Purposes
1. Shotokan
• Founder: Gichin Funakoshi (1868–1957)
• Origin: Okinawa → Japan (1922)
• Purpose/Philosophy:
• Emphasis on discipline, character development (dojo kun).
• Long stances, powerful linear techniques.
• Training includes kihon (basics), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring).
• Influences: Primarily Shuri-te.
• Key Text: Karate-Do: My Way of Life by Gichin Funakoshi.
2. Goju-Ryu
• Founder: Chojun Miyagi (1888–1953)
• Origin: Naha-te, influenced by Chinese White Crane and Southern Shaolin systems.
• Purpose/Philosophy:
• “Go” (hard) and “Ju” (soft) refer to combining firm techniques with circular, yielding ones.
• Focus on breathing, tension control, and internal energy (ki).
• Characterized by Sanchin kata and breathing exercises.
• Key Text: Okinawan Goju-Ryu: Fundamentals of Shorei-Kan Karate by Seikichi Toguchi.
3. Shito-Ryu
• Founder: Kenwa Mabuni (1889–1952)
• Origin: Fusion of Shuri-te and Naha-te.
• Purpose/Philosophy:
• Emphasizes kata—boasts the largest kata syllabus of any major style.
• Blends linear strikes with circular, flowing techniques.
• Key Text: Shito-Ryu Karate-Do by Shito-Ryu masters (various translations).
4. Wado-Ryu
• Founder: Hironori Otsuka (1892–1982)
• Origin: Influenced by Shotokan and Japanese jujutsu.
• Purpose/Philosophy:
• Prioritizes body shifting (taisabaki), evasion, and minimal force.
• Strong jujutsu roots; more about strategy than strength.
• Key Text: Wado-Ryu Karate by Hironori Otsuka.
Lesser-Known & Modern Styles
Kyokushin
• Founder: Masutatsu Oyama (1923–1994)
• Origin: 1964, Tokyo
• Purpose/Philosophy:
• Full-contact, physically intense karate.
• Emphasizes realism and mental toughness.
• Strong in tournaments and known for rigorous training.
• Key Text: This is Karate by Mas Oyama.
Uechi-Ryu
• Founder: Kanbun Uechi
• Origin: Influenced by Pangai-noon (Chinese style) learned in Fujian.
• Purpose/Philosophy:
• Emphasizes quick circular movements, body conditioning, and three core kata.
• Distinctive Traits: Unique stances and blocks not found in other Okinawan styles.
Purposes of Karate Across Styles
While each style varies, common purposes include (see fundamental principles at top):
• Self-defense: Practical application of techniques.
• Physical fitness: Strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance.
• Discipline & personal development: Emphasis on humility, respect, perseverance.
• Spiritual & philosophical growth: Concepts like mushin (no mind), zanshin (awareness).
• Cultural tradition: Preservation of Okinawan and Japanese martial heritage.
Academic and Source References
1. Funakoshi, Gichin – Karate-Do: My Way of Life
2. McCarthy, Patrick – Bubishi: The Classic Manual of Combat
3. Bishop, Mark – Okinawan Karate: Teachers, Styles and Secret Techniques
4. Redmond, Robert W. – The History of Karate: Okinawan Goju-Ryu
5. Haines, Bruce A. – Karate’s History and Traditions
6. Noble, Graham – Scholarly articles in Journal of Asian Martial Arts
