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.

Hypervigilance

Kado no keikaishin [過度の警戒心]


Being on high alert all the time for self-defense, often referred to as “hypervigilance,” can have a number of negative physical, mental, and emotional effects. 


Here are some of the dangers:


1. Chronic Stress and Fatigue


Constantly being on guard keeps the body’s stress response activated, leading to the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Over time, this can result in chronic stress, which wears down the body and mind. Chronic stress can lead to:


• Physical exhaustion: The body becomes fatigued because it is in a constant state of fight or flight.

• Weakened immune system: Chronic stress can compromise your immune system, making you more susceptible to illnesses.


2. Mental Burnout


Being in a hypervigilant state drains mental energy. The constant need to scan your environment for threats can lead to:


• Mental fatigue: Over time, decision-making becomes slower and more difficult as mental resources are depleted.

• Anxiety: Hypervigilance often leads to anxiety or panic attacks, as the mind becomes overly attuned to perceiving threats where there may not be any.

• Paranoia: When you’re always on edge, you might start to see danger in situations that are harmless, which can cause irrational fear or mistrust of people.


3. Emotional Strain


The constant tension of high alert can wear down emotional stability and lead to:


• Emotional numbness: When the mind is in a constant state of alertness, it can become desensitized to everyday emotional experiences, creating a sense of detachment from others.

• Irritability and anger: Hypervigilance may increase irritability or lead to anger over seemingly minor situations due to an overly reactive nervous system.

• Difficulty relaxing: It becomes hard to “switch off” and enjoy peaceful or restful moments, which are crucial for emotional balance.


4. Impact on Relationships


Being on high alert can cause strain in personal relationships due to:


• Social withdrawal: Hypervigilance can make someone avoid social situations or relationships because they fear potential conflict or danger.

• Distrust: Constant suspicion of others’ intentions can make it difficult to maintain healthy, trusting relationships.

• Communication issues: A person on high alert may react defensively in conversations, leading to unnecessary conflict or misunderstandings.


5. Physical Health Risks


The physiological effects of being constantly on guard can lead to:


• Heart problems: Prolonged high alertness can increase heart rate and blood pressure, contributing to long-term cardiovascular issues.

• Sleep disturbances: Hypervigilant people often have trouble sleeping because their bodies are in a heightened state of alertness, leading to insomnia or poor-quality sleep.

• Muscle tension and pain: Constant stress can cause muscles to tense up, leading to chronic pain, particularly in the back, neck, and shoulders.


6. Reduced Situational Awareness


Ironically, being overly alert can sometimes reduce the ability to effectively respond to real threats. Constant hypervigilance can lead to:


• Tunnel vision: The mind may become too focused on perceived dangers and miss other important aspects of a situation, reducing overall awareness.

• Overreaction: When someone is constantly expecting danger, they may overreact to minor incidents, escalating situations unnecessarily.


7. Long-Term Psychological Effects


Over time, always being on high alert can contribute to more serious psychological issues such as:


• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Those who have experienced trauma and remain hypervigilant may develop PTSD, marked by intense anxiety, flashbacks, and emotional distress.

• Depression: The constant strain on emotional and mental resources can lead to feelings of hopelessness or depression, particularly if someone feels they are constantly in danger without relief.


8. Poor Decision-Making in Crisis


When the mind is chronically in fight-or-flight mode, decision-making in actual self-defense situations can become impaired. This includes:


• Impulsiveness: Reacting too quickly without evaluating the situation properly, which can lead to poor choices or escalation of conflict.

• Lack of clear judgment: Constant stress can cloud the ability to assess a threat clearly, increasing the chances of errors in judgment.


Balancing Vigilance with Relaxation


While it’s essential to remain aware of your surroundings for self-defense, it’s equally important to find a balance that allows you to relax and recharge. Some strategies to manage and reduce hypervigilance include:


• Mindfulness practices: Techniques like meditation and deep breathing can help ground you and lower stress levels.

• Regular physical activity: Exercise can help release built-up tension in the body and alleviate stress.

• Healthy boundaries: Learning to assess and respond to situations appropriately can help reduce unnecessary vigilance.

• Mental relaxation exercises: Techniques like progressive muscle relaxation and visualization can help train the body to switch off hyper-alertness when not necessary.


By finding balance, you can stay prepared for threats without letting the strain of hypervigilance negatively impact your life.


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