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.

The Concept of Flow

The concept of flow was introduced by Mihály Csíkszentmihályi in the 1970s and refers to a state of optimal experience in which an individual is fully immersed in an activity, experiencing intense focus, enjoyment, and a sense of effortless action. Csíkszentmihályi (1990) describes flow as the “holistic sensation that people feel when they act with total involvement” (Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience).


Many readers will be able to see how flow fits into martial disciplines and can begin to understand how important flow is to actions involving conflict and violence. The following is provided to give a deeper understanding on how flow happens and that opens the door to practices, training, and triggering flow in gaining experiences.


1. Characteristics of Flow


According to Csíkszentmihályi (1990, 1996), flow states share several key characteristics:

1. Intense Concentration – Complete focus on the task at hand.

2. Merging of Action and Awareness – A loss of self-consciousness as one becomes fully absorbed in the activity.

3. Loss of Time Perception – Time may seem to pass more quickly or slowly.

4. Intrinsic Motivation – The activity (process) itself is rewarding, not just the outcome.

5. Immediate Feedback – Continuous and clear feedback helps adjust actions in real-time.

6. Balance Between Challenge and Skill – The task is neither too easy nor too difficult, leading to deep engagement.

7. Sense of Control – A feeling of mastery over the activity without needing to consciously exert control.

8. Effortless Action (Wu Wei) – Movement and decision-making feel automatic and natural.


2. Flow and Psychology


Csíkszentmihályi’s Flow Model


Csíkszentmihályi (1990) created a flow model that maps experiences along two dimensions: challenge level and skill level.

• Flow State occurs when high skill meets high challenge.

• Boredom arises when skill is high, but challenge is low.

• Anxiety occurs when challenge is high, but skill is low.


This model suggests that flow is achieved when individuals push their abilities just beyond their comfort zone without becoming overwhelmed.


Flow and the Autotelic Personality


Csíkszentmihályi (1996) introduced the autotelic personality, which describes individuals who naturally seek out challenges, engage deeply in tasks, and find enjoyment in work and learning. Autotelic individuals are more likely to experience flow regularly.


Neuroscience of Flow

• Flow states are associated with transient hypofrontality, meaning the prefrontal cortex (responsible for self-monitoring and critical thinking) temporarily reduces activity (Dietrich, 2004).

• Dopamine and endorphin release during flow contribute to enhanced focus and enjoyment (Kotler, 2014).


3. Flow in Different Fields


Flow in Sports and Martial Arts

• Athletes describe being in the zone, where actions feel effortless, and performance reaches its peak (Jackson & Csíkszentmihályi, 1999).

• Martial artists experience flow in defensive activity, where intuition and reaction override conscious thought, resembling Mushin no Shin (No-Mind) in Zen and Bushido (Herrigel, 1953).


Flow in Creativity and the Arts

• Artists, musicians, and writers report entering a state of creative absorption where time disappears (Sawyer, 2012).

• The Japanese concept of Shokunin (craftsman’s spirit) aligns with flow, as dedication to skill leads to transcendence in work (Suzuki, 1970).


Flow in Work and Productivity

• Flow increases job satisfaction, engagement, and efficiency (Csíkszentmihályi, 2003).

• Companies encourage flow through structured challenges, clear goals, and feedback.


Flow in Learning and Education

• Students in flow exhibit deep learning, motivation, and high retention rates (Shernoff et al., 2003).

• Active learning strategies, such as gamification, enhance the likelihood of flow states in education.


4. Flow and Eastern Philosophies


Flow and Taoism: Wu Wei (Effortless Action)

• The Taoist concept of Wu Wei (无为) refers to effortless, natural action in harmony with the environment (Laozi, Tao Te Ching).

• Flow resembles Wu Wei, as both involve intuitive action without force or struggle(Slingerland, 2014).


Flow and Zen Buddhism

• Zen practice, particularly in Zazen (meditation) and martial arts, cultivates flow by training the mind to remain fully present (Suzuki, 1959).

• Mushin (No-Mind) in Japanese Zen describes a mental state of spontaneous action, mirroring flow (Herrigel, 1953).


5. Criticisms and Limitations of Flow Theory


Flow as Privileged Experience

• Critics argue that not all individuals have equal access to flow due to economic, social, and psychological barriers (Delle Fave et al., 2011).


Flow and Over-Optimization

• Some warn that obsession with flow can lead to burnout if individuals push themselves too hard (Nakamura & Csíkszentmihályi, 2009).


Flow vs. Mindfulness

• Flow involves deep immersion, whereas mindfulness requires conscious awareness of the present moment (Langer, 1989).

• While flow is goal-oriented, mindfulness emphasizes non-attachment to goals.


6. References

• Csíkszentmihályi, M. (1990). Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. Harper & Row.

• Csíkszentmihályi, M. (1996). Creativity: Flow and the Psychology of Discovery and Invention. Harper Perennial.

• Csíkszentmihályi, M. (2003). Good Business: Leadership, Flow, and the Making of Meaning. Viking.

• Dietrich, A. (2004). “The Cognitive Neuroscience of Creativity.” Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 11(6), 1011-1026.

• Herrigel, E. (1953). Zen in the Art of Archery. Pantheon Books.

• Jackson, S. A., & Csíkszentmihályi, M. (1999). Flow in Sports: The Keys to Optimal Experiences and Performances. Human Kinetics.

• Kotler, S. (2014). The Rise of Superman: Decoding the Science of Ultimate Human Performance. New Harvest.

• Langer, E. J. (1989). Mindfulness. Addison-Wesley.

• Laozi (6th century BCE). Tao Te Ching. Various translations.

• Nakamura, J., & Csíkszentmihályi, M. (2009). “The Concept of Flow.” Handbook of Positive Psychology. Oxford University Press.

• Sawyer, R. K. (2012). Explaining Creativity: The Science of Human Innovation. Oxford University Press.

• Shernoff, D. J., et al. (2003). “Student Engagement in High School Classrooms.” The Journal of Educational Psychology, 95(1), 148–162.

• Slingerland, E. (2014). Trying Not to Try: The Art and Science of Spontaneity. Crown.

• Suzuki, D. T. (1959). Zen and Japanese Culture. Princeton University Press.

• Suzuki, S. (1970). Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind. Weatherhill.


Final Thoughts


Flow is a profound psychological and philosophical concept that connects to Eastern philosophies, peak performance, and creativity. 


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