Just Sayin

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!