Please take a look at Articles on self-defense/conflict/violence for introductions to the references found in the bibliography page.

Please take a look at my bibliography if you do not see a proper reference to a post.

Please take a look at my Notable Quotes

Hey, Attention on Deck!

Hey, NOTHING here is PERSONAL, get over it - Teach Me and I will Learn!


When you begin to feel like you are a tough guy, a warrior, a master of the martial arts or that you have lived a tough life, just take a moment and get some perspective with the following:


I've stopped knives that were coming to disembowel me

I've clawed for my gun while bullets ripped past me

I've dodged as someone tried to put an ax in my skull

I've fought screaming steel and left rubber on the road to avoid death

I've clawed broken glass out of my body after their opening attack failed

I've spit blood and body parts and broke strangle holds before gouging eyes

I've charged into fires, fought through blizzards and run from tornados

I've survived being hunted by gangs, killers and contract killers

The streets were my home, I hunted in the night and was hunted in turn


Please don't brag to me that you're a survivor because someone hit you. And don't tell me how 'tough' you are because of your training. As much as I've been through I know people who have survived much, much worse. - Marc MacYoung

WARNING, CAVEAT AND NOTE

The postings on this blog are my interpretation of readings, studies and experiences therefore errors and omissions are mine and mine alone. The content surrounding the extracts of books, see bibliography on this blog site, are also mine and mine alone therefore errors and omissions are also mine and mine alone and therefore why I highly recommended one read, study, research and fact find the material for clarity. My effort here is self-clarity toward a fuller understanding of the subject matter. See the bibliography for information on the books. Please make note that this article/post is my personal analysis of the subject and the information used was chosen or picked by me. It is not an analysis piece because it lacks complete and comprehensive research, it was not adequately and completely investigated and it is not balanced, i.e., it is my personal view without the views of others including subject experts, etc. Look at this as “Infotainment rather then expert research.” This is an opinion/editorial article/post meant to persuade the reader to think, decide and accept or reject my premise. It is an attempt to cause change or reinforce attitudes, beliefs and values as they apply to martial arts and/or self-defense. It is merely a commentary on the subject in the particular article presented.


Note: I will endevor to provide a bibliography and italicize any direct quotes from the materials I use for this blog. If there are mistakes, errors, and/or omissions, I take full responsibility for them as they are mine and mine alone. If you find any mistakes, errors, and/or omissions please comment and let me know along with the correct information and/or sources.



“What you are reading right now is a blog. It’s written and posted by me, because I want to. I get no financial remuneration for writing it. I don’t have to meet anyone’s criteria in order to post it. Not only I don’t have an employer or publisher, but I’m not even constrained by having to please an audience. If people won’t like it, they won’t read it, but I won’t lose anything by it. Provided I don’t break any laws (libel, incitement to violence, etc.), I can post whatever I want. This means that I can write openly and honestly, however controversial my opinions may be. It also means that I could write total bullshit; there is no quality control. I could be biased. I could be insane. I could be trolling. … not all sources are equivalent, and all sources have their pros and cons. These needs to be taken into account when evaluating information, and all information should be evaluated.” - God’s Bastard, Sourcing Sources (this applies to this and other blogs by me as well; if you follow the idea's, advice or information you are on your own, don't come crying to me, it is all on you do do the work to make sure it works for you!)



“You should prepare yourself to dedicate at least five or six years to your training and practice to understand the philosophy and physiokinetics of martial arts and karate so that you can understand the true spirit of everything and dedicate your mind, body and spirit to the discipline of the art.” - cejames (note: you are on your own, make sure you get expert hands-on guidance in all things martial and self-defense)



“All I say is by way of discourse, and nothing by way of advice. I should not speak so boldly if it were my due to be believed.” - Montaigne


I am not a leading authority on any one discipline that I write about and teach, it is my hope and wish that with all the subjects I have studied it provides me an advantage point that I offer in as clear and cohesive writings as possible in introducing the matters in my materials. I hope to serve as one who inspires direction in the practitioner so they can go on to discover greater teachers and professionals that will build on this fundamental foundation. Find the authorities and synthesize a wholehearted and holistic concept, perception and belief that will not drive your practices but rather inspire them to evolve, grow and prosper. My efforts are born of those who are more experienced and knowledgable than I. I hope you find that path! See the bibliography I provide for an initial list of experts, professionals and masters of the subjects.

What the Marines Provided

One of my most prized traits is being a Marine. The Marine training provided me many traits that have made me what I am today. The things my Marine career helped me to build were:

The knowledge that looking to that which is within each of us and seek to improve both weaknesses and strengths is the top one for me. They also trained me to seek out and achieve both technical and tactical proficiency that makes us far and above all others in combat.

My time as a Marine provided me the opportunities to seek out responsibility and develop that to high standards that reflect the best of leadership and the Corps to those who look to me for guidance. All decisions and actions were to be sound and timely teaching us that all our decisions have far reaching repercussions involving lives.

We Marines develop an Esprit de Corps that translates to such things as honor, loyalty, accountability,  unselfishness, judgement, integrity, initiative, courage, dependability, bearing, decisiveness, endurance, enthusiasm, justice, knowledge, tact to name Marine traits common to all Marines.

Marines taught me to seek out responsibility but more important to take responsibility for all my actions both good and bad. They provided me the knowledge to make sure that all tasks are fully understood and then accomplished with the highest degree of efficiency. Marines taught me to work in a team environment and to ensure all tasks were in accordance with the capabilities of subordinates.

Needless to say it was ingrained as if I were born this way and that translated well into my world of karate training, practice and instruction. You can expect this from any and all Marines. More so today then in my day and that is such a bonus to both the Corps and Society. Thanks God it is our society for which Marines protect and defend!

Go HERE: http://www.montney.com/marine/esprit.htm
Go HERE: http://www.pendleton.usmc.mil/schools/corporals/SH/0201.htm

When you review the second reference you will see many of the indicators of a leader of Marines that apply to instructing in martial systems. Attention to details, devotion to the discipline of karate, proper conduct in and out of the dojo, promptness, adherence to standards of cleanliness and an ability and willingness to perform effectively and instruct in that same light. Like Marines a good martial instructor will have enormous self-discipline and consistency. Just read and compare.

I would say that anyone could use these standards to find a good Sensei even if the one they find is not a Marine, active or not. These are the types of traits I would want in any Sensei I studied under and lucky me all my instructors, almost all, have been Marines too.

Some might say, "But I don't want a military type atmosphere in my martial art training." I can only say that if they are a Marine like me they learn to make the adjustments. One of my best moments after leaving active duty was when I stopped by a hot dog stand. I stayed to talk to this person for a while when they finally asked me what I do for a living. I said right now I am looking but I just left the Marines.

They complemented me that although my Marine showed my demeanor and such didn't convey it like a military thing, etc.

It was like saying I left the militarism behind but remained the Marine I was but as a civilian like all the rest.

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