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.

Belly Breathing

Hara [] Kokyū [呼吸] [腹呼吸]

Fukushikikokyū [腹式呼吸]

Ōkakumaku [横隔膜] Kokyū [呼吸


The portal (doorway) or bridge that spans breathing 😮‍💨 to the mind, body and spirit: to emotional maturity: to calmness and serenity, etc.! Literally to life itself to achieve equality of yin/yang or balance of mind, body and spirit (not religiously in concept).


The human spirit includes our intellect, emotions, fears, passions, and creativity. In the models of Daniel A. Helminiak and Bernard Lonergan, human spirit is considered to be the mental functions of awareness, insight, understanding, judgement and other reasoning powers. - unknown 


The warrior spirit is not about being tough or flexing power over others. It's about fighting for something bigger than ourselves, showing compassion, leading by example, and not focused on what we can get from others, but what we can do for others. - unknown 


Law enforcement officers (military combatants etc.) use combative breathing to center themselves and calm the mind before entering into high stress potential violent situations.


Body-mind connection is enhanced or maximized through breathing, it gives you control over thoughts and reduces adverse effects of stressors encountered. It allows the mind to make use of all you understanding and triggering of appropriate realistic methodologies gains in reality-based training, practices and experiences.


  • Calms you;
  • Centers you;
  • Oxygenates cells, muscles and brain;
  • Increases blood flow to brain and body;
  • Relaxes the nervous system;
  • Increases energy and energy flow;
  • Regulates heart rates under duress;
  • Reins in and reduces the fear factor;
  • Promotes muscular positive relaxation for efficiency and performance of movement;
  • Promotes clarity of thought processes;


4-7-8 breathing: inhale four count: hold for seven count: exhale eight count: hold for seven count - repeat four times! Best for anti-anxiety/anti-stress …


Self-soothing Methods:

Jiko chinsei-hō [自己鎮静法]


Self-soothing helps to reset bodily systems after an acute stress response and regain homeostasis.


Use objects or reminders of how to soothe all five senses: comforting smells such as scented candles, essential oils, or body lotion; pleasant tastes such as herbal teas or favorite snacks; soothing things to touch such as a favorite sweater, wrap, or stress ball; comforting sights such as photos of loved ones, pets, or favorite places; and soothing sounds such as a favorite piece of music or guided meditation track.


Chang: If possible, just change the environment for a few minutes. Go outside and focus on greenery or find a soothing indoor space with a pleasant view or ambiance.


Stretch: Often, after upsetting news or a shock, our bodies respond by freezing and energy gets blocked. A few simple trunk twists, neck rotations, or bends at the hip to touch the toes can help shift stagnant energy.


Water: Treat yourself with soothing body wash or bubbles and a fresh, soft towel afterward. Taking a shower using a soft soothing spread of flowing water can relax the mind and gently massage hot water over the body.


Visualize: Find soothing things to look at such as a burning candle, soft lights, pictures of loved ones, favorite places, or perhaps some framed inspirational resilience quotes or affirmations.


Listen: to favorite tracks that have a calming effect or one of the many relaxing music videos for stress relief that are available online.


Smells: Create pleasant smells by using an essential oil diffuser, scented candle, or incense. Also, try using scented hand lotion.


Self-talk: (POSITIVE) Speak compassionately to yourself. Talk to yourself like a good friend would. Give yourself the grace to be off-balance and the space to just be as you are for a while.


Immediate self-soothing Methods

Sokuji jiko chinsei-hō [即時自己鎮静法]


Belly Breathing 😮‍💨 

Touching: Put your right hand on your heart and your left hand on your belly and focus your attention on the rising and falling of the breath (belly breathe): gently rub you face, cheeks and your neck while belly breathing, etc. 


Self-massage: of the neck, shoulders, and hands, followed by a good shake-out, to release tension that is often held in the head area that can cause headaches, brain fog, and fatigue, especially when working for long hours on the screen.


Self-hug: hug yourself, cross over arms putting hand on opposite upper arms; belly breathe and gently rub the upper arms down to elbows and up again: repeat rubbing while belly breathing. 


Hands: belly breathe while gently rubbing your hands as if washing them (actually wash hands with gentle soap and warm water while belly breathing.


Visually and physically self-talk to your body to relax and feel muscles releasing stress of the face, then neck, then shoulders till they drop down, then the muscles of the pectorals as well as the upper back, then shake and relax the arms all the way to your toes.


Mindful Moving meditation: Get grounded by moving your body mindfully. Try a short awe walk for 15 minutes, preferably in nature or a beautiful park or garden, taking in your surroundings mindfully with all five senses while belly breathing.


Tapping: which involves lightly tapping on acupressure points on different parts of the body. Tapping lowers cortisol levels in the body and helps regulate other stress indicators, like heart rate, breathing, and body temperature.


Mindful Mokuso Meditation: Meditation is a contemplative practice that can help regulate disturbing emotions, even when practiced for only 10 minutes at a time. 


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