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.

Uncarved Wood

Chōkoku sa rete inai [彫刻されていない ] Ki [木] 

Unworked Wood

Mi kakō [未加工] Ki [木] (Raw Wood 未加工木)

Pu (chinese) [樸] (Jp: Shiraki) unworked wood


Natural state of simplicity: triggers the bounties of heaven and earth 🌎.


The quote reminds me of days past where a new student entering the dojo for the very first time - raw, unworked and uncarved karate-ka. In today’s world where everyone is exposed to or has past experiences in martial disciplines there are few, if any, who enter the dojo who can lay claim to being “shiraki or uncarved wood.”


Some quotes-n-notes on the topic of uncarved wood 🪵:


Pu is a Chinese word meaning "unworked wood; inherent quality; simple" that was an early Daoistmetaphor for the natural state of humanity, and relates with the Daoist keyword ziran (literally "self so") "natural; spontaneous".


https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pu_(Taoism)


The essence of the principle of the Uncarved Block is that things in their original simplicity contain their own natural power, power that is easily spoiled and lost when that simplicity is changed…This basic Taoist principle applies not only to things in their natural beauty and function, but to people as well. – Benjamin Hoff, The Tao of Pooh


Exert influence through example thus providing the student with tools and inspiration to take themselves to the stars ✨.


https://theancientwisdomproject.com/2015/09/the-uncarved-wood-theory-of-productivity/


When you discard arrogance, complexity, and a few other things that get in the way, sooner of later you will discover that simple, childlike, and mysterious secret known to those of the Uncarved Block: Life is Fun….

From the state of the Uncarved Block comes the ability to enjoy the simple and the quiet, the natural and the plain. Along with that comes the ability to do things spontaneously and have them work, odd as that may appear to others at times. – Benjamin Hoff, The Tao of Pooh


What is p’u? It says that things in their original state carry their own natural power. This concept is represented as the “Uncarved Block” and is a significant principle of Taoism.


Being simple does not mean being stupid in Taoist culture. It means being wise, which is different from having knowledge or cleverness.


two principles of the Uncarved Block: 1) a willingness to be spontaneous and the ability to be successful in those spontaneous endeavors and 2) the state of accepting things for what they are.


https://www.shortform.com/blog/what-is-pu-the-uncarved-block/


If you have an ucarved block and you carve it into a spoon, then you have a spoon. But that spoon is worth less than the uncarved block because it is of one form whereas the uncarved block could be carved into a dragon. And if you carve the block into a dragon, then the dragon is worth less than the uncarved block. Because the block could be carved into anything, and has infinite forms.


"The block of wood is carved into utensils by carving void into the wood. The Master uses the utensils, yet prefers to keep to the block because of its limitless possibilities. Great works do not involve discarding substance."


http://www.egreenway.com/taoism/ttclz28.htm


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