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.

Kojin Bōei no Geijutsu [個人防衛の芸術]

the art of personal defense by CEJames & Akira Ichinose


Kojin Bōei no Geijutsu [個人防衛の芸術] translates to “The Art of Personal Defense” or more literally “The Art of Individual Defense.” While this exact phrase does not appear as a formalized martial arts system or historical treatise in classical Japanese sources, it can be interpreted as a conceptual framework within traditional and modern Japanese martial philosophy. Below is a deep exploration based on the meaning of the words, relevant philosophical underpinnings, and references to related martial arts and self-defense traditions.


1. Linguistic Breakdown

• Kojin [個人] = Individual, personal, oneself.

• Bōei [防衛] = Defense, protection, safeguarding.

• Geijutsu [芸術] = Art, artistic expression, cultivated skill.


Thus, Kojin Bōei no Geijutsu suggests “The cultivated art of protecting oneself as an individual,”which encompasses both physical and psychological dimensions of defense.


2. Historical and Philosophical Context


a. Bushi no Michi (武士の道) and Self-Defense

• The samurai ethos, found in works like Hagakure (Yamamoto Tsunetomo, 1716) and Gorin no Sho (Miyamoto Musashi, 1645), emphasized not only martial prowess but also the cultivation of character and awareness to prevent conflict before it arises.

• Musashi’s Heiho (兵法) or strategy, can be viewed as a form of individual defense beyond mere physical survival—defense of one’s principles, mind, and life’s path.


📖 References:

• Cleary, Thomas. The Book of Five Rings (Musashi)

• Wilson, William Scott. Hagakure: The Book of the Samurai


b. Shugyō (修行) and the Inner Art

• Martial arts in Japan often include the notion of Shugyō—austerity, self-cultivation, and internal transformation.

• True self-defense begins with mastery over one’s own emotions, reactions, and mental state—a theme central to Zen-influenced arts like Kyudo (archery) and Iaido (sword-drawing).


📖 References:

• Herrigel, Eugen. Zen in the Art of Archery

• Draeger, Donn F. Classical Budo


3. Modern Interpretations of Personal Defense in Japan


a. Gendai Budo (現代武道) and Self-Protection

• Modern martial arts like Aikido, Judo, and Karate-do all incorporate the ideal of self-defense (護身術, Goshinjutsu) not just as physical combat, but as the art of not being harmed—psychologically, emotionally, or spiritually.

• Aikido, founded by Morihei Ueshiba, specifically emphasizes defense without aggression, aligning with the concept of an artistic, ethical, and personal defense.


📖 References:

• Ueshiba, Morihei. The Art of Peace

• Stevens, John. The Philosophy of Aikido


b. Kobudo (古武道) and Preservation

• Kobudo (ancient martial arts) systems often trained practitioners in holistic personal defense, including:

• Weapons defense

• Situational awareness (Zanshin 残心)

• Body conditioning (Karada Kitae 体鍛え)

• Ethical decision-making (Gi 義)


📖 References:

• Mol, Serge. Classical Weaponry of Japan


4. Psychological and Situational Defense: A Holistic Approach


In contemporary self-protection theory:

• Defense is not limited to physical techniques but includes:

• Situational Awareness (Kankyō Ninshiki 環境認識)

• De-escalation and Verbal Judo

• Boundary Setting and Presence

• Legal awareness (self-defense laws)

• These align with the “art” aspect of Kojin Bōei no Geijutsu—requiring adaptability, sensitivity, and decision-making.


📖 References:

• Grossman, Lt. Col. Dave. On Combat

• Lichtenfeld, Imi. Krav Maga: How to Defend Yourself Against Armed Assault


IMG_7673.jpeg


Each pillar reflects a core skill in both preventing and surviving violence, reflecting both classical and modern Japanese martial thought.


6. Visual Concept: Kojin Bōei no Geijutsu Symbol


Imagine a circle (Enso 円相) surrounding:

• A vertical line (Seichūsen 正中線)—the centerline of balance.

• A single hand raised in defense (Te 手)—non-aggressive yet ready.

• The Kanji characters: 個人防衛の芸術 encircling the emblem.



7. Conclusion


Though Kojin Bōei no Geijutsu is not a historical term in itself, it draws on deep roots in Budo philosophy, Zen mindfulness, and practical self-defense. It represents the ideal of:

• Harmonizing mind, body, and environment.

• Defending not only the body but the integrity of the self.

• Acting ethically and decisively in the face of conflict.


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