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.

True Leadership

Blog Article/Post Caveat (Read First Please: Click the Link)

In reality leadership means one thing but in true-reality it is about being noticed by those in power; about likability; and about fitting into the system itself. You have to look and act like others in power/authority think that you should look and act like. You have to think and act in ways that those in power are comfortable with and that leads to both good and bad.

In most power/authority structures, including martial disciplines, you end up with a hierarchy/power structure that is top-heavy, look at the quantity of martial masters, with people wo look good in the uniform, who talk right, who do well enough not to totally embarrass themselves and to develop a personality, often without true character, that meets these standards as dictated by those already in power. 

These teachers, if you will, are all the kind of people who thrive in this environment. They end up selecting their favorite students based on precisely the same off kilter sense of priorities. 

Where lies the fault is often those who truly meet the leadership role tend to stay away from such trappings and since the system is already chocked full of those kind this leaves the true leadership running back-yard personal dojo with limited practitioners. Yes, likability is an important human factor in all social dynamics and intricate to cohesive cooperative efforts but it must be tempered and balanced with talent as well. Being able to do at a professionalism level along with creating an atmosphere of respect, etc., is a must for the most effective optimal learning and teaching experience. 

Likability will make those who train and study under your guidance try to make your efforts both beneficial and proficient through dedication and effort to learn, understand and apply. It is the way one understand why things are done a certain way and allow everyone to see beyond the emotional egoistic trappings often binding humans to the wrong path. 

Trying to be one of the guys is more an obstacle then beneficial but as stated achieving a certain level of likability is paramount to spiritual, strategic and tactical success for group dynamics survival conditions. 

To lead, to follow and to guide means developing both character and personality with a foundation of knowledge, understanding and the ability to apply all of it in actions and deeds, A&D with a smattering of humility, this leads leaders to the leadership roles that maximize, epitomize and create great group dynamics chock full of interconnected personalities that promote, build and feed of one another with proper and appropriate goals, strategies and tactics that make martial disciplines - martial. 


Bibliography (Click the link)

“In order for any life to matter, we all have to matter.” - Marcus Luttrell, Navy Seal (ret)



Leaders and Leadership should be a required prerequisite
to achieving black belt and holding the title, "Sensei!"

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