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.

The Chinese Character for listening

I have gone to the battle of words time and again because words matter in so many ways. I came across the following information the provides us meaningful explanation as to why using Asian characters or ideograms can be a huge benefit in teaching martial arts simply because, unlike English, seldom does the character/ideogram mean one simple thing therefore opening the door to exploration and discovery building a strong understanding that takes us way beyond the mere physical. Enjoy…

Chinese characters are one of the oldest systems of writing in the world, dating back almost 5,000 years. There are tens of thousands of characters, each with their own special meaning.

Here is the Chinese character for listening:


Listen
The Chinese character for listening is made up of the different elements and requirements of listening. Across the top of the character there are the elements of ears (to hear) and eyes (to see).

We use our ears to listen by paying attention not just to the words spoken but also to the tone, pace and emphasis, to help understand The person’s relationship to the words. If a person starts talking more quickly, a little louder, with more emphasis, we know that they are engaged and interested in the topic. 

Alternatively, if they’re more monotone, slower, with less emphasis and less modulation we know they’re less interest in the topic. Just using our hearing effectively as we listen already tells us a lot!

We use our eyes to connect with the person we are listening to and reassure them that they have our attention. We also use our eyes to check the body language of the person to gain insights into their thoughts. Are they open, animated and expensive with their body language? if so you know they’re confident and enthused about the topic. Or are they more closed, using smaller or no gestures and more rigid? If so, you know they’re less confident, less enthused.

Across the bottom of the character are the elements of the mind (to think) and the heart (to feel).

We use our mind as we’re listening to consider the words and ideas shared. We may choose to take an ‘open-minded’ approach to what we’re hearing, suspending judgement and being open to all that we hear. Or we may choose to be more critical or analytical in how we think. Whichever approach we take our thinking is an essential part of how we listen.

We use our heart to listen as we empathize with the person we’re listening to, as we experience the emotions being shared and as we care for the person and their opinions. Using our heart allows us to listen more deeply and connect with the person we’re listening to at an emotional level, not just rationally.

At the center of the character, holding this all together, is a (Focus) single stroke.

This represents the need for undivided attention and focus as we listen. We can think much quicker than a person can talk and as a result we tend to fill in the gaps, sometimes with unnecessary chatter. To listen most effectively we need to calm this chatter, and completely focus.


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