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.

Isshinryu - The Okinawan Connection


Recent articles and comments have led me to believe that Isshinryu's Okinawan connection is soon to be extinguished - for all time. Named in 1956 that would mean it lived a short life of merely forty-six years (January 15, 1956 to today). If this turns out to be true I have wondered and will often wonder to "Why?"

I can say that in one form or another Isshinryu is thriving here in the west but I also feel strongly it does so only due to the efforts of those who teach it here, Americans. The only peripheral influence from Okinawa I detect today is from the IWKA under Kichiro Shimabuku Sensei, the first born son of Tatsuo-san. I also believe that this connection is only in name and ranking certificates and that the guiding influences from its leader are merely "figure head" only. 

We westerners think and feel that if no recognition is present from Okinawa then it some how diminishes our practice of Isshinryu, some how lessens it validity as a martial art or karate-goshin-do - my words. This, as you are all aware, is not true, valid or even necessary.

So many Okinawans who could have led the charge and provided the necessary means to create and embed Isshinryu into the Okinawan culture and its martial arts culture have ridden off into the sunset seeking other venues other than Isshinryu to practice, train and live the budo discipline. We seem to have only one dedicated Okinawan that is working diligently to gain ground for Isshinryu and it is not from Tatsuo-san's family tree as Cisco is no longer with us - sadly.

Cisco, who I feel had no opportunity to carry on his father's legacy and who had the most qualifications other than one or two senpai of Tatsuo-san to actually carry on with respect and humbleness Isshinryu's legacy regretfully was not afforded that due to several family and cultural influences. Too bad, he was the essence that filled the western coffers of Isshinryu of Marines in the late fifties and early sixties.

Back on track, even the son-in-law was unable to leave his version of Isshinryu in hands that could, should and would carry on the Okinawan Isshinryu legacy that is Shimabuku Tatsuo Sensei. 

As more information comes from Okinawa on Isshinryu I am feeling regret and a good deal of sadness that its cultural influences are dying out and disappearing. It is further exasperated due to the complete lack of any real historical records. 

In my view as well I am not pleased or excited by the current direction of westernized Isshinryu and that comes from disparity in cultural historical information and meaning that should be the foundation of the Isshinryu system. We may find that it too will be lost in the mire of anxious need to win trophies and accumulate accolades in their many forms to promote pride and ego. 

My greatest hope is the influences of those who are striking out toward a greater Okinawan cultural connection will cause pause to those who lead Isshinryu so that it can reconnect to the source of what we love, admire and respect of Tatsuo-san, his Isshinryu. 
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