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.

Winning and Losing

Shōri [勝利] No [の] Funshitsu [紛失]


The concept of winning and losing, while central to many activities, especially competitive sports and martial arts, can impose significant limitations when viewed narrowly or as the sole measure of success. These limitations manifest in several ways across personal development, relationships, and even ethical considerations.


1. Psychological Limitations


• Fear of Failure: A focus on winning often creates an aversion to failure. This fear can lead to avoidance of challenging situations where growth is possible.

• Fixed Mindset: Emphasizing outcomes over processes can cultivate a fixed mindset, where abilities are perceived as static, hindering learning and adaptation.

• Stress and Anxiety: The pressure to win can generate chronic stress and anxiety, negatively affecting mental health and overall performance.


References:

• Carol Dweck’s research on growth vs. fixed mindsets highlights how focusing on results like winning can limit long-term growth.

• Studies in sports psychology show that athletes often perform worse under pressure when they focus solely on outcomes.


2. Philosophical and Ethical Limitations


• Zero-Sum Thinking: Viewing interactions as win-lose situations fosters a combative mindset, reducing opportunities for cooperation and mutual benefit.

• Loss of Integrity: The obsession with victory can tempt individuals to compromise their values, such as engaging in unethical behavior or shortcuts.

• Shallow Fulfillment: Winning provides only temporary satisfaction, failing to address deeper, intrinsic motivations for fulfillment.


References:

• The Tao Te Ching advises against striving for victory at the expense of harmony, emphasizing balance and interconnectedness.

• The concept of “effortless action” (Wu Wei) in Daoism critiques overexertion for outcomes, advocating a flow-based approach.


3. Social and Relational Limitations


• Erosion of Relationships: A win-at-all-costs mentality can strain relationships, whether in personal life, teamwork, or competitive contexts.

• Increased Conflict: Winning and losing dichotomies often escalate conflict rather than fostering understanding or resolution.

• Exclusion of Others: Focusing on victory can alienate those who aren’t perceived as contributors to success.


References:

• Marshall Rosenberg’s Nonviolent Communication outlines how adversarial mindsets inhibit empathy and mutual understanding.

• Cooperative learning frameworks in education emphasize how collaboration often outperforms competitive approaches.


4. Physical and Practical Limitations


• Overtraining and Injury: The pursuit of winning often leads to physical overexertion or dangerous practices, risking long-term health.

• Tunnel Vision: A narrow focus on winning can limit adaptability and innovation, as alternative strategies or approaches are disregarded.

• Inequitable Systems: The emphasis on winning can perpetuate systems that prioritize the privileged, ignoring broader inclusivity.


References:

• Research on athlete burnout highlights the dangers of overtraining driven by competitive pressure.

• Edward de Bono’s work on lateral thinking stresses the importance of diverse approaches over single-minded goals.


5. Limitations in Martial Arts and Self-Defense


• Ego-Driven Practice: In martial arts, viewing training through the lens of winning or losing can stifle personal development and humility.

• Risk Escalation: In self-defense scenarios, focusing on “winning” may escalate violence unnecessarily, contrary to principles of de-escalation.

• Stagnation in Skill: Aiming solely to win competitions might lead practitioners to neglect broader aspects of the art, such as philosophy, tradition, or adaptability.


References:

• Jigoro Kano, the founder of Judo, emphasized personal growth over competition, advocating maximum efficiency with minimum effort.

• The concept of Budo in Japanese martial arts prioritizes self-improvement and harmony over victory.


Broader Insights


1. Reframing Success: Success can be defined as effort, growth, and learning rather than just victory. This perspective fosters resilience and innovation.

2. Process Orientation: Shifting focus from outcomes to the process can lead to deeper satisfaction and mastery, as suggested in Zen practices like Shikantaza.

3. Win-Win Philosophy: Embracing frameworks where all parties benefit (e.g., Steven Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective People) reduces conflict and promotes collaboration.


By transcending the dualistic mindset of winning and losing, individuals and systems can achieve greater balance, innovation, and fulfillment.


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