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.

SIDEBAR: A Woman of No Importance

SIDEBAR: A Woman of No Importance by 
Sonia Purnell

Review: there was a post in the news feed I look to every day on a woman who was just, for the first time, officially recognized PUBLICLY as to her considerable efforts to help win WWII against the Germans. I was peaked in interest because today there is such false intention of bringing women into the mainstream of lead roles in films that I have posted a few times how false that seems and WHERE IS A TRUE SOLID MEATLY ROLE that a woman of substance can take the lead in and show the world exactly how well that role can be assumed by a woman. 

So, when I read the article about this considerable and capable and honorable woman received kudo's from officials for her role in WWII I looked it up on Amazon. After reading the blurb given about the book I decided to read it AND it has been, for me, a real page turner. I literally set aside two other good books I was in the middle or reading to focus on this one and I have not been disappointed at any time, not ONE BIT!

Let me say it this way, if I were to consider that MAYBE there was a bit of writing license to bolster this person up even if that were true, and I believe IT IS NOT TRUE, the accomplishments this woman achieved throughout the World War with Germany I have come to believe that at a minimum the war would have gone on far longer than it did and that, in particular, France would not have achieved is freedom when it did simply because of this woman's efforts, dedication and determination along with a whole lot of guts and courage. 

I find her an inspiration to not just women but to all men as well, especially those who have chosen the military as a way of life. I really believe no one will be disappointed with this book. Oh, and they are working to make it into a movie as well so this is how I see it, Hollywood will have the proverbial needle in a haystack effort to find the right woman to take on this role. As you read the book you will see what I mean BECAUSE it will be most difficult to convey her aura, demeanor and character in one who would act in this role. 



Note: as to martial artists and other violence professionals there is a definite benefit from reading this book because it permeates and promotes a certain type of mind, mind-set and mind-state of honor, courage and strength we often tout in philosophical meme's and learnings in our already considerable effort to epitomize the best of the best in martial arts traditions, history and philosophy. 

No comments: