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.

Hey, Tough Guy!

So, ... you think you're a tough guy. Maybe you are and regardless, you will find the following of great interest and benefit to your image as a, "Tough Guy!"


The “tough guy” image often conjures up a sense of resilience, strength, and independence. However, when this image is coupled with good character, strong personality, and honor, it represents an ideal of integrity and responsibility. Below are some key positive traits of a tough guy with good character, along with references from philosophy, martial arts, literature, and history.


1. Integrity and Honor


A tough guy of good character is not just physically strong but also morally upright. His word is his bond, and he lives by a code of honor, much like the Bushido code followed by the samurai (Nitobe, Bushido: The Soul of Japan, 1899). He does not betray his values for personal gain and stands firm in his beliefs, even in adversity.


“Without integrity, nothing works.” – Werner Erhard


2. Self-Discipline and Control


True strength lies not in uncontrolled aggression but in self-discipline. This aligns with the martial arts principle of Fudoshin (不動心), or “immovable mind,” where a warrior remains calm and composed under pressure (Draeger & Smith, Comprehensive Asian Fighting Arts, 1980). A tough man who cannot control his emotions is not truly strong; rather, his discipline defines his power.


“It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor.” – Seneca


3. Courage and Bravery


Courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to act in spite of it. This aligns with the Stoic philosophy of Memento Mori (knowing death is inevitable and still living with purpose) (Marcus Aurelius, Meditations). The tough guy does not run from danger or responsibility but faces life head-on.


“A knight is sworn to valor. His heart knows only virtue. His blade defends the helpless. His might upholds the weak. His word speaks only truth. His wrath undoes the wicked.” – Code of Chivalry


4. Loyalty and Protectiveness


A tough guy of good character does not seek fights for ego but will fiercely defend those he loves. This mirrors the role of the guardian in both warrior traditions and leadership (Plato, Republic). Whether a family man, mentor, or protector, he is someone others can rely on in times of need.


“A superior man is modest in his speech but exceeds in his actions.” – Confucius


5. Humility and Quiet Confidence


A true warrior does not boast about his toughness but carries himself with a quiet strength. This aligns with the concept of Shibui (渋い) in Japanese aesthetics—elegance through subtlety and depth (Hume, Japanese Aesthetics and Culture, 1995).


“The oak fought the wind and was broken, the willow bent when it must and survived.” – Robert Jordan, The Fires of Heaven


6. Adaptability and Mental Toughness


The truly strong man is adaptable, able to endure hardship without losing his resolve. This aligns with Kishi Kaisei (起死回生), the Japanese term meaning “to revive from the brink of death,” which speaks to the ability to turn failure into success through perseverance (Cleary, The Japanese Art of War, 1991).


“Do not pray for an easy life; pray for the strength to endure a difficult one.” – Bruce Lee


7. Emotional Control and Compassion


A tough guy who lacks compassion is simply a brute. The best warriors understand the balance of hardness and softness, akin to the Yin/Yang philosophy in martial arts (Tokitsu, The Inner Art of Karate, 2010). He can be fierce when needed but is also capable of deep kindness.


“A warrior is not about perfection, victory, or invulnerability. He is about absolute vulnerability.” – Dan Millman, Way of the Peaceful Warrior


8. Resilience and Perseverance


Life will test him, but he does not break. This resilience is embodied in Gaman (我慢), a Japanese term meaning endurance through hardship with dignity (Hurst, Armed Martial Arts of Japan, 1998). He pushes forward, no matter the obstacle.


“Fall seven times, stand up eight.” – Japanese Proverb


9. Wisdom and Learning


A tough man is not just physically strong but also wise. He is constantly seeking knowledge and understanding, embodying the philosophy of Kaizen (改善), or continuous improvement (Imai, Kaizen: The Key to Japan’s Competitive Success, 1986).


“A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool.” – Shakespeare


10. Independence and Self-Reliance


He does not wait for others to save him or make decisions for him. He understands the power of Isshin (一心)—wholehearted commitment to his path (Suzuki, Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind, 1970).


“We do not rise to the level of our expectations; we fall to the level of our training.” – Archilochus


Conclusion


The ideal “tough guy” is not just a fighter but a man of depth, wisdom, and honor. He is resilient yet compassionate, disciplined yet adaptable, strong yet humble. His toughness is not just about physical prowess but about character—the ability to do what is right, even when it is hard.


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