I am currently reading through the book I found through Mr. Patrick Parker Sensei's blog, "Mokuren Dojo." Search through his blog site for the titles that have "BOMP" in them for his postings.
I remember at my start as a black belt that I knew a lot and I still understood that I had a lot of learn yet till in this "later years" I never fully realized just how important all that hoopla I got as a young person was so relevant, eduction. I sometimes in early years felt that once I learned something specific it was pretty much written in stone. I also fell into that mode of refuting any idea's or comments that went against that belief and understanding almost to the point of ignoring irrefutable proof of my wrong vs. a right or better yet my inaccurate vs a more accurate piece of knowledge.
The book is, "The Book of Martial Power," by Steven J. Perlman Sensei. I like hard covered books so spent the extra as I suspected, rightly so, that is would be a important and permanent library addition. The paperback is only $12.21 on Amazon also well worth the cost.
I am barely 3/4's the way through it and find so much it is mind boggling. I can only say thanks to Mokuren Dojo blog, Parker Sensei, for discussing the topic as I may not have found it otherwise.
It comes down to seeing things from a view that says, "hey, I didn't know that," to "hey, that is why I do that," to "hey, what a great way to explain it," to "I have so darn much to learn still," and many other ways to look at the value of today's materials.
I began seriously in the seventies and must say that as time has passed the quality and value of the material on martial arts has improved regardless of either the sporting aspects or the commercialism. There are those who took the time and energy to rediscover the basics, fundamentals, and principles of martial systems that for our time now can be conveyed in many different forms from the likes of Mokuren Dojo to Perlman Sensei's book to others such as:
Warner Dean Henry, Patrick Parker, John Vesia, Sue Wharton (SueC), Mario McKenna, Rory Miller, Marc MacYoung and his wife's animal list, Arcenio Advincula, Gary Henry, Charles Goodin, Dojo Rat, Rob Redmond, Tris Sutrisno, Lawrence A. Kane, Dave Lowry, Elmar T. Schmeisser, James Legge, Richard Wilhelm, Loren W. Christensen, Nancy Sherman, Gavin DeBecker, George Mattson, Michael Clarke, George Breed, Patrick McCarthy, Nicklaus Suino, Angel Lemus, P.M. Forni, Jill Bolte Taylor, H. E. Davey and so many more in books, blogs, DVD's, VHS, and other media provide insights that a martial artist can learn from and attain more knowledge even if they cannot directly participate in the training and practice of all these fine martial artists.
All I can say is that my current reading material has gone further than my meodicre writing and teaching abilities that it is inspiring. In the commercialized world in which we live it is critical that the few like these folks insist on taking it further and farther than just learning enough, to seek out more, and more, and more is wonderful.
Thanks to everyone, everyday! This gives so much more meaning to the maxim that one who wishes to truly follow the way will never stop learning their entire lives. It is so true for me.
Note: If you see a name you do not recognize then take a look at my library list at the bottom of this blog to find the book in question. As to DVD's and so on, google it!
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.
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