I read a post today that said one of the ways they cross-check the data for accuracy is to talk to "close associates" so that the "records can be set" as to historical accuracy - or so I read between those lines.
I find this faulty at best and plain old "stupid" at worst. One of my pet peeves is tribal mentality where the particular belief is "written in stone" regardless of its accuracy or historical records - records that are questionable even on Okinawa since records on martial arts were not kept.
I am not saying the close associates are wrong. I am not saying they are right. What I am saying is to rely on "close associates" who are already in that particular "belief system" are not reliable. Even "news reporters" must validate and verify source material from independent sources which to me means sources that are reliable, believable and also verifiable other than the person or persons involved in the story itself.
If I were to tell you in my dojo that Shimabuku Tatsuo Sensei told me that I was to be his American certified "master of Isshinryu" and all of my students, practitioners or deshi - you choose the title - came to believe this then anyone who wanted to verify the truth and accuracy would find it validated by talking to "close associates" to get the record straight might find that it lacks the ability to "hold water."
I will say once more, when you read or hear or see something that seems believable and triggers your sense of "cool" and "need to assimilate" it behooves you to go outside "close associates" and find some form of validation for correctness and factual believability that is not vested in the belief system or the person or the article through association with that dojo, organizational hierarchal and governing bodies.
The moment we don't stop ourselves from believing with little or no questioning because it fits some perception or belief we do ourselves and our practitioners a disservice and stunt the growth potential of the system - especially in martial arts where it could mean damage to the individual.
It might better serve if the folks who publish in an official format, i.e. magazines both printed and electronic, they take on the responsibility that is required of reporters such as for the major newspapers and television news departments - get at least two corroborating sources other than close associates of the parties or party in question, etc.
After all, in order for context to remain objective it must be neutral. To fail in providing truth in reporting, officially reporting through valid systems such as newspapers and television news, we must attempt to fairly and objectively provide reports that inform readers of factual information. Even then it is incumbent on the reader to go a step further and also seek out objective sources that ether verify or disqualify report information and claims.
I quote, "The duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. Conscientious journalists from all media and specialties strive to serve the public with thoroughness and honesty. Professional integrity is the cornerstone of a journalist's credibility." -http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Journalism_ethics_and_standards
To seek such validation through "close associates" leads to seeking verification of theft or no theft directly from the thief caught in the act by asking his associates who are also caught in the act to verify the innocence or guilt of the thief. How would that go in our system of justice and isn't this the crux of the issue?
The question arises, "Is this blog or any blog reporting?" As to this blog I would say no it is not reporting. I look at a blog as a personal commentary of the subject of the blog. A commentary still has some responsibility but in the end it is merely an opinion, a viewpoint or the perceptive filtering written results of thoughts, idea's and beliefs. All are subject to commenting and it is important that what is given as an opinion here be as accurate and as correct as possible. Where I feel the rubber hits the road is when it can be shown that something needs adjustment, correction or additional information it be done in an addendum with links to the original post if not one or two posts before the addendum is posted.
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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