One of the reasons I like the book on martial power as well as others. They provide you perspective. They provide you the means to "analyze" your practice to determine its validity in application.
Look at it as the martial arts "urban legends" check point. A way to weed out "bullshit" from "fact." I guess what I am trying so hard to explain is when you ask a question, get an answer, sometimes it "seems" plausible but under closer scrutiny you find it does not hold water, the glass is leaking all over the place.
Here is an example, a person asks why the ends of the obi are as long as they are so you hear the answer that it provides a focal point on how well you are moving. If it sways to much your moving to much so the idea is to move in such a manner as to keep the ends from moving but a small amount. Now, that sounds on the surface as if it might be plausible but upon scrutiny it fails to hold water.
Another is the one I just posted on as to supporting the back, giving a physical reminder of where jodan and gedan start, etc. when you attain your black belt. Not, another urban legend. How do these things get started?
Well, my theory [knew I was going to say that right], a black belt who didn't know the answer so kind of extrapolated it from what they "feel" it might do. For some reason, which I could also theorize about, the male species seems to have a need to give some answer even if not totally accurate or relevant in lieu of just saying, "I don't know, but, will find out!"
As I started, the books that provide perspective outside your current experience sometimes open that door a bit wider and provide you actual and relevant information to explain with clarity what it is your doing. I can say the martial power book turned on a lot of lights as to things I could do but just could not find the right way to explain it, I just knew it worked. Then there is a lot that I just didn't know or realize so it gave me a treasure trove of information that turned on more lights.
When I read, hear, view something that seems to make sense and seems relevant I take time now to try and "analyze it" so I can make sure it is not just another urban legend or some "fill-in" for a lack of knowledge or simply a lack of understanding. I ask myself that in the beginning why did I jump into instructing since it is now apparent that I totally lacked adequate tools and knowledge to teach. Sigh, guess I was lucky to discover and find more as I went along, a learning/lesson in and of itself I guess.
My suggestion is all information needs to be vetted, analyze it so it is validated and truth and accurate and valid for practice and training. It might mean your health and well-being, i.e. either good or not so good when some clown jumps you and cleans your clock.
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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