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.

Layman to Master Craftsman (opinion piece)

OPINION: As in the following is just an opinion as I have not achieved mastery - yet.


The Layman  - kyu grader 2nd Dan grade

The expert - 3rd Dan grade to 5th Dan grade

The Master Craftsman  - = 6th Dan grade & >

(A state of being involving a particular discipline such as karate, or any discipline be it sport, philosophical or craftsman)


What does it take to become a master craftsman in any discipline?


Response:


It takes , first and foremost, considerable time, even when someone learns all the fundamentals of a discipline. To master that discipline it still takes a considerable amount of time and actual practice and application both in training and in reality/application in order to achieve a level , that would be perceived by all parties as mastery.


Achieving mastery in any discipline involves a combination of dedication, practice (application), continuous learning, and a strategic approach



Here’s a detailed guide on how one can become a master of a discipline:


I can’t think of anyone who has a desire to master a discipline to not have a “genuine interest “ in the chosen discipline. One must be a persistent person who exudes an aura of persistence to follow a path of mastery and often it’s the person who makes a conscious choice that follows the, “way.” Their curiosity attracted the chosen field of study and inspired a their desire to learn, understand and to go the distance.


Break down the perceived and researched process, the path and journey, and create small steps, short-term, milestones in preparation before attempting to find a mentor, Sensei, and dojo (assuming your chosen endeavor is martial).


Practice, Practice, Practice: Then Practice Some More …


Be deliberate, be focused, be dedicated and engaged in a targeted practice with specific milestones.


Be consistent, be regular, and practice in regular patterns along with equal time in recharging, relaxing and allowing “time” to absorb and become.


Constantly seek out feedback and inspiration from constructive sources withe the desire toward consistent, continuous and flexible improvements.


Find experts to find inspiration, experiences and feedback from to gain insights from their knowledge and understanding.


Be always observant regardless of sources for every discipline and endeavor will inspire the creative process both direct and indirectly.


Be always observant, but not to the extreme as one never knows where inspiration will pop up. Watch actively experts with analysis of the how and why of their practice.


Seek out knowledge and discard or assimilate what’s of benefits. Read books, articles, and eResearch, etc.


Seek out events and workshops that have potential benefits to further your milestones. 


Be open to change, seek out developments and trends beneficial to your studies. Adapt, experiment, incorporate and create new concepts and methodologies.


In one concept of a dojo, mokuso, meditation of a reflective nature along with self-analysis and reflection of progress looking at strength and weaknesses for lessons on progressive progress is critical.


Be patient for nature requires a specific pace and rhythm that must exist for our brains to absorb and encode. Remember that the path you have chosen is a process, not a destination, a process built of time and perseverance and plenty of sweat equity. 


At the expert pathway assist in teaching those who follow, mentor others to deepen and strengthen theirs and your understanding and applicability. Remember, different perspectives can open previously closed and unknown paths that lead and contribute to mastery.


Be aware of connections to other disciplines that will contribute to your field and disciplines.


Focus on attitude and mindset, focus on positivity; focus on learning; focus on progressive change; focus on a positive outlook; focus on motivation; and focus on enthusiasm for continuing productive improvements.


Mastery is a dynamic process that requires ongoing effort and adaptation. It’s about the journey of continual improvement and the commitment to being the best “you can be” in your chosen discipline.


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