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.

Taming the Monkey Mind

Saru no kokoro [猿の心] - CEJames & Alfonz Ingram




The monkey brain concept is a metaphor derived from Buddhist and Daoist philosophy, referring to the restless, chaotic, and impulsive nature of human thought. It describes how the mind constantly jumps from one thought to another, much like a monkey leaping from tree to tree, making it difficult to focus, stay present, and maintain emotional control.


Origins and Meaning


The term “monkey mind” (xinyuan 心猿 in Chinese and shin’en in Japanese) appears in Buddhist and Daoist texts, where it is often linked to uncontrolled emotions and desires. In Buddhist teachings, it is associated with attachment, distraction, and an inability to remain present in meditation or daily life. The concept appears in the Dhammapada (a collection of sayings of the Buddha), where the mind is likened to a wild animal that must be tamed through discipline and mindfulness.


In Journey to the West, a classical Chinese novel, the character Sun Wukong (the Monkey King) embodies this concept. His initial nature is rebellious, impulsive, and difficult to control, but through discipline and enlightenment, he learns to harness his power effectively—symbolizing the process of taming one’s own mind.


Characteristics of the Monkey Brain

1. Restlessness – The mind constantly shifts between thoughts, making it difficult to concentrate.

2. Impulsiveness – Quick reactions to emotions, leading to overthinking or irrational decisions.

3. Distraction – Difficulty staying present, leading to procrastination or lack of focus.

4. Anxiety and Stress – Worrying about the past or future, rather than remaining in the present.

5. Emotional Reactivity – A tendency to get easily frustrated, irritated, or overwhelmed.


Taming the Monkey Brain


Taming the monkey brain requires discipline, awareness, and practice. Here are some effective methods, along with references to traditions that support them:


1. Meditation and Mindfulness (Zen, Vipassana, Daoism)


Mindfulness and meditation are some of the oldest methods for calming the monkey brain. By observing thoughts without attachment, one learns to let them pass without reacting impulsively.

• Zazen (座禅) (Zen Buddhism) emphasizes seated meditation where one lets thoughts come and go like clouds.

• Vipassana Meditation (Theravāda Buddhism) involves deep observation of bodily sensations and thoughts to develop insight.

• Daoist Breathing Techniques like Qigong (氣功) focus on calming the mind through breath control.


2. Focused Breathing (Pranayama, Ibuki, Qi Gong)


Breathing techniques can slow down the rapid movement of thoughts and emotions.

• Pranayama (Yoga) – Controlled breathing exercises help bring focus and calm.

• Ibuki 呼吸 (Karate) – Controlled exhalations that stabilize energy.

• Daoist Qi Breathing – Uses abdominal breathing to regulate internal energy and emotions.


3. Single-Tasking and Flow (Budo, Shokunin, Wu Wei 無為)


• The philosophy of Shokunin (職人), or the Japanese artisan spirit, emphasizes deep focus on a single task.

• Wu Wei (無為), a Daoist principle, encourages effortless action by aligning oneself with natural rhythms, reducing overthinking.

• Kata (型) Practice in Karate – Engaging in structured, repetitive movement with mindfulness trains discipline and focus.


4. Internal Martial Arts (Tai Chi, Nei Gong, Fa Jin)


Practices like Tai Chi Chuan emphasize slow, controlled movements that demand mental presence.

• Chan Si Jin (纏絲勁) or “silk reeling energy” in Tai Chi, develops smooth, focused control.

• Nei Jin (内勁) or “internal power” focuses on mind-body unity.


5. Mental Discipline and Stoicism (Bushido, Fudoshin, Zanshin, Gaman)


• Fudoshin (不動心) – “Immovable mind” in Budo, training emotional resilience.

• Zanshin (残心) – “Lingering mind” or continuous awareness, useful in martial arts.

• Gaman (我慢) – Endurance and perseverance, preventing impulsive emotional reactions.


6. Cognitive Awareness (Chan, Koans, Wu De, Mieso)


• Chan (禅) / Zen Buddhism – Encourages direct experience of reality, rather than being trapped in thought cycles.

• Koans (公案) – Paradoxical riddles that break habitual thought patterns.

• Wu De (武德) – Martial virtue, cultivating discipline over emotional impulses.

• Mieso (見想) – Seeing clearly beyond illusion, preventing emotional hijacking.


Final Thoughts


Taming the monkey brain is not about suppressing thoughts but developing an inner stillness and control. Through structured discipline—whether through meditation, martial arts, or mindful practice—one can gradually quiet the restless mind and act with clarity and intention.


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