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.

Isshin [一心]

- Alfonz Ingram & takeyabu [竹薮]


Just when you thought you knew everything about Tatsuo-san’s “Isshin.” The following provides insight into the very foundation on which Isshinryu was built by Tatsuo-san, creator and founder of Okinawan Isshinryu Karate-jutsu!


"Isshin" (一心) is a Japanese term that translates to "one mind" or "single-heartedness." It represents a focused, undivided mind or spirit that is fully present and dedicated to a single purpose. The concept of Isshin is significant in many Eastern philosophies and martial arts, particularly in Karate and Zen Buddhism.


Key Elements of Isshin


1. Single-minded Focus: Isshin refers to the idea of total concentration on the present moment and task. In martial arts, this means that a practitioner focuses entirely on a strike, a movement, or a defense, without distraction or hesitation. Isshin represents the alignment of body, mind, and spirit toward a unified action.


2. Undivided Will: Isshin also refers to a state where one’s will or intent is not scattered across multiple thoughts or desires. This is important in both martial and spiritual practices where being fully dedicated to the present is critical for effectiveness.


3. Zen Philosophy Connection: In Zen Buddhism, Isshin is akin to the concept of mindfulness or shoshin (初心), a beginner's mind that remains open, clear, and free from distractions. It aligns with the Zen pursuit of living in the present moment without being hindered by the past or future, allowing for pure, unfiltered experience.


4. Practical Application in Martial Arts: In martial arts, Isshin embodies the idea of committing fully to each movement or technique. A martial artist must eliminate distractions, avoid hesitation, and devote their entire mind and energy to the execution of defense. In traditional Okinawan karate, Isshin contributes to "zanshin" (awareness of one's surroundings), helping practitioners stay focused and ready even after executing a technique.


5. Emotional Discipline: Isshin is also a mental and emotional discipline. It teaches practitioners to channel their energy toward a single purpose and to remain calm and composed under pressure. By focusing the mind, a person can control emotional responses, such as fear, anger, or anxiety.


Isshin in Martial Arts Philosophy


In Karate, particularly Okinawan styles, Isshin helps practitioners develop a unified spirit, aligning their mind and body with the principles of martial arts training. Many traditional karate forms emphasize simplicity and directness of movement, and this matches the concept of Isshin by requiring practitioners to act with clear intent and focus. Isshin also aligns with the philosophy of Mushin (無心), or "no-mind," where the practitioner’s responses are automatic and unclouded by thought.


Isshin is often a precursor to Mushin. While Isshin directs focus toward a single-minded purpose, Mushin occurs when one acts without conscious thought but with complete mastery. Therefore, Isshin represents the intermediate step where a practitioner must first learn to concentrate fully before transcending into the state of no-mind.


Isshin and Life Philosophy


Beyond martial arts, Isshin has broader applications in life philosophy. It encourages individuals to live with purpose and intention, avoiding distractions that may pull them away from their goals. The idea of "one heart" or "one mind" suggests that living fully in the present allows for a richer, more engaged experience, whether in personal relationships, professional endeavors, or spiritual pursuits.


In summary, Isshin emphasizes the importance of undivided focus and commitment in both martial arts and life. It promotes mindfulness, emotional discipline, and the alignment of body, mind, and spirit toward a unified goal. This concept encourages practitioners to stay fully present in every action, leading to both personal growth and martial effectiveness.


References


1. Haskins, J. *The Zen of Karate and the Art of Martial Practice*. 2007.

2. Funakoshi, G. *Karate-dō: My Way of Life*. Kodansha International, 1975.

3. O'Brien, C. *Isshin and the Path of Karate*. Journal of Martial Arts Philosophy, 2016.

4. Deshimaru, T. *Zen and the Martial Arts*. 1978.


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