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.

Determination and Passion - The Power of our Minds (mind+body+spirit)

Determination and Passion/Anger and Destruction (Yin/Yang) - the current social and political climate are such that it behooves us to seek out not anger and destruction but the qualities that actually made our society great, our comminities great and our families great - our determination and passion for family, community and positive beneficial change.  It is now time to search our souls, dig deep and release our passionate determination to return ourselves back to greatness.


To get there we have to release the passion and determination we once held near and dear to our hearts and release our true selves, not this hate, anger and destruction!!


Cejames


Like anger, determination is a powerful driving force, but instead of being destructive, it channels energy toward overcoming obstacles and achieving goals. Passion, too, fuels action with deep emotional investment, but in a constructive and inspiring way. Both emotions generate strong motivation, but the key difference lies in their direction—anger often leads to conflict, while determination and passion lead to growth and achievement.


Passion and determination are powerful emotions and character traits that drive individuals toward achievement, personal growth, and perseverance. They are often associated with positive virtues such as resilience, courage, and commitment. Below is a deep dive into their traits, virtues, and supporting references.


1. Passion: The Fire of Purpose


Passion is an intense emotional drive that fuels enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment toward a goal or interest. It is often described as the “fire” that keeps individuals motivated despite obstacles.


Traits of Passion

• Intense Focus: Passionate individuals exhibit unwavering concentration on their goals (Vallerand et al., 2003).

• Emotional Engagement: Passion is deeply tied to emotions, making individuals feel alive and purposeful (Cardon et al., 2009).

• Intrinsic Motivation: Passionate people are self-driven, motivated by deep interest rather than external rewards (Deci & Ryan, 1985).

• Creativity & Innovation: Passion fosters originality, problem-solving, and unique perspectives (Amabile, 1996).

• Persistence: Passion fuels long-term commitment, helping individuals push through adversity (Duckworth et al., 2007).


Virtues of Passion

• Courage: Passionate individuals take risks and step out of their comfort zones (Csikszentmihalyi, 1990).

• Authenticity: Passion aligns with one’s true interests, leading to self-fulfillment (Seligman, 2002).

• Inspiration: Passion is contagious, inspiring others to pursue their own dreams (Goleman, 1995).

• Joy & Fulfillment: Engaging in passionate activities brings deep satisfaction (Fredrickson, 2001).


2. Determination: The Power of Perseverance


Determination is the ability to stay committed to goals despite challenges. It reflects mental strength, discipline, and resilience.


Traits of Determination

• Grit: Determined individuals combine passion with sustained effort over time (Duckworth & Peterson, 2007).

• Resilience: They quickly recover from setbacks and keep pushing forward (Masten, 2001).

• Self-Discipline: Determined people control impulses and remain focused on long-term success (Baumeister & Tierney, 2011).

• Work Ethic: A strong sense of responsibility and effort defines determination (Dweck, 2006).

• Adaptability: Determined individuals adjust strategies when facing roadblocks (Bandura, 1997).


Virtues of Determination

• Perseverance: The commitment to never give up despite challenges (James, 1907).

• Patience: Success often requires time and effort, which determination sustains (Seligman, 2011).

• Self-Confidence: Determined individuals believe in their ability to overcome difficulties (Bandura, 1986).

• Resilience: The ability to withstand hardship and keep moving forward (Masten, 2014).


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