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.

Mizu no Kokoro

[水の心] 

 - Alfonz Ingram & takeyabu [竹薮]


Mizu no Kokoro (水の心), which translates to "Mind like Water," is a concept that originates from Zen philosophy and has been integrated into various martial arts, including Karate. It represents a state of mental clarity and calmness, akin to the nature of water.


Meaning and Symbolism:


- Water is often used in Zen and martial arts philosophy to symbolize adaptability, fluidity, and purity. Water is soft, yet powerful, as it can gently flow around obstacles or, with enough force, erode solid rock over time.

- Mizu no Kokoro refers to the mind that is free of attachment, distractions, or rigid thinking. It is a state of perfect balance, where the mind remains calm and responsive, able to adapt to any situation in a fluid manner, without being overwhelmed by emotions or external pressures.


How It Applies in Martial Arts:


1. Adaptability and Flexibility: Just like water adapts to the shape of its container, a martial artist with "Mizu no Kokoro" can adjust to the circumstances of a fight or conflict, responding appropriately rather than reacting out of fear or anger.

2. Calm in Chaos: In stressful or dangerous situations, the ability to remain calm and focused, as if the mind were as smooth as still water, allows for better decision-making and action.

3. Non-attachment: This state of mind involves not being fixated on winning or losing, but rather being present and fluid in the moment, adapting without being thrown off course by the outcome of the situation.

4. Effortless Action (Mushin): "Mizu no Kokoro" is closely aligned with the concept of "Mushin" (無心), or "no-mind," where the practitioner does not force or overthink actions. The mind remains open and free, allowing techniques to flow naturally, much like water moving over rocks.


Practical Application:


- In the Dojo: Practicing "Mizu no Kokoro" in the dojo helps a martial artist focus on the present moment, letting go of distractions and external judgments. It leads to greater discipline and an intuitive grasp of methodologies.

- In Self-Defense: In real-life conflict situations, it means remaining composed, observing and responding effectively rather than reacting impulsively. This mindset is crucial in high-stress environments, where emotional control is necessary to make the right choices.

  

Zen and Martial Arts:


The Zen influence on "Mizu no Kokoro" aligns with the idea that a clear, unclouded mind leads to perfect action. In martial arts, this clarity is necessary for understanding the flow of a confrontation, responding swiftly without hesitation, and maintaining an inner calm that translates to effective action.


In essence, "Mizu no Kokoro" is the cultivation of a calm, adaptable, and fluid mind—a quality that is essential for both martial arts and life.


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