Okinawan Fighting Art "Ti": Stages and Effects of Anger

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.

Stages and Effects of Anger

Ikari no dankai to eikyō [怒りの段階と影響]

Anger Management (Ika [怒] Kanri [管理])

- Alfonz Imjin & cejames

Anger is a natural emotional response to perceived threats or frustrations. It varies in intensity and can range from mild irritation to intense fury. Understanding the stages and effects of anger is critical for emotional regulation and applying it in conflicts and its potential violence.

Below, an outline of the stages of anger and its effects on the mind and body.

Stages of Anger

1. Trigger Stage: This is the initial phase where a person encounters a stimulus that leads to the perception of a threat or frustration. The trigger can be external (such as a rude remark or an unfair situation) or internal (like painful memories or negative thoughts). The person’s brain perceives the event as a threat to their well-being or values, leading to the onset of anger.

• Example: Being cut off in traffic or a colleague dismissing your work can serve as triggers.

• Cognitive Response: At this stage, thoughts may include beliefs about fairness or disrespect, and the mind may start rationalizing the right to be angry. STOP THE RATIONALIZATION!

2. Escalation Stage: As the trigger is mentally processed, the body begins to prepare for action. This stage involves the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which primes the body for a fight-or-flight response. Physiological responses may include increased heart rate, muscle tension, and a surge of adrenaline.

• Physical Symptoms: Elevated blood pressure, shallow breathing, and clenched fists.

• Emotional Response: Feelings of tension and irritability grow stronger as the person ruminatesover the perceived wrong. DON'T RUMINATE!

3. Crisis Stage: In this stage, anger reaches its peak. The individual may experience an intense emotional outburst that can be difficult to control. This is often where impulsive, aggressive actions or words are unleashed, and the person may lose sight of the potential consequences of their behavior. Don't be blinded to reality and breathe brother breathe!

• Actions: Shouting, hitting objects, or lashing out verbally at others.

• Cognitive Overload: Rational thought is overwhelmed by the emotional intensity, making it hard to reason or pause before acting. If here, it becomes almost impossible to hit the brakes, but, it is possible. Use visualization, etc., in training to give yourself an edge should you end up here in a conflict.

4. Recovery Stage: After the outburst, the body and mind begin to calm down. Adrenaline levels drop, heart rate slows, and breathing becomes steadier. At this point, individuals may start to regain control of their thoughts and emotions. Visualize this in training as a means to skip stage 3 and gain control of your self.

• Re-evaluation: The person might begin to feel regret or guilt for their actions during the crisis stage. Rational thinking gradually returns, and the individual may reflect on the consequences of their behavior.

5. Post-Crisis Depression Stage: After the anger dissipates, individuals may feel drained, fatigued, or emotionally low. Some may experience guilt or shame for their actions, particularly if they acted aggressively or hurt someone. Others may feel frustrated if the situation was not resolved.

• Cognitive Reflection: Thoughts about the appropriateness of their actions and whether the anger was justified arise in this stage.

• Emotional State: Depending on the severity of the outburst, emotions such as regret, embarrassment, or sadness may dominate.

Effects of Anger

Anger can affect both the mind and body in short-term and long-term ways:

Physical Effects

• Cardiovascular Stress: Anger causes a surge in adrenaline, leading to increased heart rate and blood pressure. Prolonged or frequent anger can raise the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and heart attacks.

• Weakened Immune System: Studies show that anger and stress can suppress the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and illnesses .

• Headaches and Muscle Tension: Frequent anger causes muscle tension, particularly in the neck and shoulders, which can lead to headaches, migraines, or chronic pain. Tension ruins calmness and loss of calm muddies the mind.

Psychological Effects

• Increased Anxiety: Anger often coexists with feelings of anxiety, particularly if the person feels a lack of control over the situation that made them angry. This can lead to chronic stress.

• Depression: While anger is often seen as an externalized emotion, people who suppress their anger or direct it inward may be at higher risk for depression. Individuals might struggle with feelings of inadequacy or helplessness that manifest as anger.

• Reduced Cognitive Functioning: When anger escalates, the brain’s prefrontal cortex, which governs rational thinking and decision-making, is compromised. This is a clue why you must train, practice and embrace our emotions with emphasis on the leading emotion involving conflict and violence. In contrast, the amygdala (responsible for emotional reactions) becomes more active. This imbalance reduces the ability to think logically or solve problems effectively during episodes of intense anger. Learn to trigger calmness, breathe the box breathing and move with conscious purpose to block the anger before stage one consumes your mind and spirit.

Behavioral Effects

• Aggression: When unchecked, anger can lead to aggressive behavior. This aggression can be physical, verbal, or passive (e.g., passive-aggressive remarks or giving someone the silent treatment).

• Damaged Relationships: Angry outbursts can harm personal and professional relationships, especially if anger is expressed violently or frequently. Mismanaged anger may lead to estrangement or loss of trust from others.

• Impulsivity: People may act impulsively when angry, leading to poor decision-making. This can result in regrettable actions such as damaging property, saying hurtful things, or engaging in risky behavior .

Managing Anger Effectively

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A widely used approach for anger management, CBT helps individuals identify their triggers, recognize distorted thinking patterns, and develop healthier responses to anger-inducing situations.

2. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: (Think zazen and mokuso, perfect opportunity) Practices such as deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can help individuals calm down during the trigger/escalation stage, preventing anger from reaching the crisis stage.

3. Communication Skills: Learning assertive (rather than aggressive or passive) communication can help in expressing anger constructively. This involves using “I” statements, active listening, and setting boundaries.

4. Physical Exercise: Regular physical activity can help reduce the stress hormones associated with anger and improve overall emotional well-being.

References:

1. Tavris, Carol. Anger: The Misunderstood Emotion. Simon & Schuster, 1989.

2. DiGiuseppe, Raymond, and Raymond Chip Tafrate. Anger Management for Everyone: Ten Proven Strategies to Help You Control Anger and Live a Happier Life. American Psychological Association, 2019.

3. “Anger and Your Health: How Anger Hurts You.” WebMD. Link.

4. “Anger Management.” Mayo Clinic. Link.