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.

Ten-Chi-Jin (天地人)

The Harmony of Heaven, Earth, and Man

CEJames & Alfonz Ingram


The concept of Ten-Chi-Jin (天地人)—translated as Heaven, Earth, and Man—is a fundamental principle in East Asian philosophy, martial arts, and strategy. It embodies the interconnectedness of cosmic forces, the natural world, and human existence. The idea originates from ancient Chinese cosmology and later influenced Japanese martial arts, particularly in classical Budo traditions.


1. Origins and Meaning


Ten-Chi-Jin is rooted in Taoist and Confucian thought, as well as in the cosmological framework of Yin-Yang (陰陽) and the Five Elements (五行, Wu Xing). The triad is a way of understanding the universe and the dynamics of existence.

• Ten (天, Heaven): Represents the celestial, the unseen forces that govern fate, time, and the overarching natural order. This includes the will of the gods, destiny, and even the weather.

• Chi (地, Earth): The material world, nature, and the physical environment in which all things exist. In martial arts, this is often associated with stability, grounding, and adaptability.

• Jin (人, Man): The human element, bridging Heaven and Earth. This represents human will, knowledge, skill, and the ability to harmonize with natural and cosmic forces.


This concept is closely tied to the Doctrine of the Mean (中庸, Chūyō) in Confucianism, which emphasizes balance and harmony among these forces.


2. Ten-Chi-Jin in Martial Arts


Many traditional martial arts systems, especially in Japan and China, integrate Ten-Chi-Jin into their philosophy and techniques. It is often seen in strategy, movement, and tactics:


A. Tactical Application

1. Heaven (Ten, 天):

• Awareness of the strategic environment—time, weather, light, and celestial conditions.

• Use of timing and intuition (similar to the concept of Ma-ai, 間合い, or spacing in combat).

• Connection to Ki (氣)—internal energy that guides martial movement.

2. Earth (Chi, 地):

• Understanding of the terrain and how to use it advantageously.

• Emphasis on stances and balance—being rooted like a tree.

• The practical aspect of combat, including footwork and positioning.

3. Man (Jin, 人):

• The decision-maker, adapting techniques to changing situations.

• Developing mind-body harmony and the ability to read an opponent.

• The role of Budo ethics (武道精神)—applying martial skills with wisdom and morality.


B. Examples in Different Martial Traditions

• Ninjutsu (Bujinkan): Many schools of Ninjutsu teach Ten-Chi-Jin Ryaku no Maki (天地人略の巻), a foundational training system that categorizes techniques according to this triad.

• Karate: Okinawan karate systems emphasize grounding (Earth), fluidity (Heaven), and adaptability (Man) in combat and kata.

• Kenjutsu/Iaijutsu: Swordsmanship integrates Ten (spirit/intuition), Chi (structure/movement), and Jin (application/technique).


3. Philosophical and Strategic Applications


A. In Leadership and Strategy


Sun Tzu’s Art of War (孫子兵法) reflects the Ten-Chi-Jin principle in assessing warfare:

1. Heaven: The timing and fate of battle.

2. Earth: The terrain and battlefield conditions.

3. Man: The commander’s skill and troops’ morale.


This applies to business, leadership, and daily life, where successful decision-making depends on timing (Heaven), resources (Earth), and human action (Man).


B. In Personal Development

• Spiritual Growth: Aligning oneself with the cosmic order (Ten), living harmoniously with nature (Chi), and developing wisdom and morality (Jin).

• Martial Training: Achieving balance between intuition (Heaven), physical skill (Earth), and mental acuity (Man).

• Health and Well-Being: Traditional Chinese medicine and Qigong often incorporate these principles in energy cultivation.


4. References and Further Reading


• Sun Tzu, The Art of War (孫子兵法) – Concepts of strategic application.

• Miyamoto Musashi, The Book of Five Rings (五輪書) – Discusses balance between elements in combat.

• Yagyu Munenori, The Life-Giving Sword (活人剣) – On harmonizing with natural forces in swordsmanship.

• Hatsumi Masaaki, The Way of the Ninja – Explores Ten-Chi-Jin in Ninjutsu.

• Dogen, Shobogenzo (正法眼蔵) – Zen Buddhist perspective on harmonizing mind and nature.


Conclusion


Ten-Chi-Jin (天地人) is not merely a theoretical concept—it is a guiding principle in martial arts, strategy, and personal cultivation. By understanding the balance between Heaven, Earth, and Man, a practitioner can achieve greater harmony, awareness, and effectiveness in both combat and life.


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