I know that I can be a bit intense sometimes and that my pursuit of knowledge and clarity in my martial arts (actually I do it in most of what I do) sometimes seems or is perceived as pushy, opinionated and critical. If you have been on the receiving end I apologize. I apologize because it isn't about you, what you are, who you are, what you believe and in MA what you teach or don't teach. It is actually about knowledge, a huge thirst, a dedicated attempt to understand as much as possible. When I write, talk or do I want it to be as close to correct as possible and that sometimes leads to friction (actually conflict because friction is about conflict).
With one individual I have, of late, been a bit critical about some aspects of what they are presenting electronically and via media like video's but I tend to expect a great deal from those who teach. I expect perfection from myself and tend to be harder on me than others when I am wrong. I expect a certain level of perfection of other teachers, or in this case Sensei, and when it is not present, my perspective and perception, I tend to get a bit animated and aggressive to see the complete picture - the rest of the story you might say. Especially when I perceive ego, the monkey, taking over due to any number of reasons both real or imagined.
It is a shame when such things cause one or the other participant to take umbrage and remove their presence from the conversation, so to speak, thus resulting in a loss to both sides.
If I have caused it you can bet I will regret it far more than most ever would and I will be harder on myself than anyone could possibly be to me. It is a personality flaw I am working on diligently.
The deal here is that such changes, sometimes, when involving habitual traits takes time to reprogram as in I know in the last few weeks or so I have been especially "monkey-ish" and allowed my ego to lead the charge for knowledge. That I apologize for, wholeheartedly.
Regardless, when you fail to provide a complete picture, i.e. explanations and reasoning behind things that are oriented toward self-defense and martial arts you are demeaning the system, the practitioners and most of all - your self. In a discipline such as what constitutes self-defense, fighting and/or combatives whether it be a vehicle of martial arts or other physical activity you endanger folks. If someone does not have the "rest of the story" they can be hurt, injured or incarcerated along with other peripheral troubles such as civil law suits, large legal and medical costs and truly deep and damaging psychological repercussions that affect you, your family and your friends.
One reason, here it comes, why I recommend so much, present so much and make the suggestions I make to gain knowledge. It is why I am so, sometimes, aggressive when I encounter things that don't seem - right.
If it were merely something like missing a meal or taking a wrong turn it would be less important but when it involves lives, living and heath, etc. then it can be of greater importance.
So, with that, as to those who have recently un-friended my from their FB sites and removed the ability to participate in such important things I apologize BUT it is important and I believe in what it is wholeheartedly and when I get less than the best from someone in such an important role then I am saddened, both for them, for me and for those who follow what is done, taught and believed.
Have a great day!
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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