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 Art of Self-Defense: Musashi’s Way

 Goshin-jutsu: Musashi-ryū [護身術：武蔵流]

by CEJames & Akira Ichinose


Miyamoto Musashi’s Go Rin no Sho (The Book of Five Rings, 1645) is one of the foundational texts on martial strategy and personal combat. Where Sun Tzu focused on war and armies, Musashi focused on the duel, the martial encounter, and the mindset of the individual warrior.


Here’s a structured adaptation of The Art of Self-Defense (Musashi’s Way) based on the Five Rings: Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Void — reshaped for martial arts and modern self-defense.


The Art of Self-Defense: Musashi’s Way


(Adapted from The Book of Five Rings for Martial Arts & Self-Protection)


The Earth Book: Foundation

• Musashi: “In strategy it is important to see distant things as if they were close and to take a distanced view of close things.” (Earth Scroll)

• Self-defense meaning:

• Establish a strong stance, posture, and foundation.

• Train awareness to see danger before it strikes.

• Your “ground” is not only your stance but also your habits, preparedness, and situational awareness.

• Without a firm base, technique collapses.


📖 Reference: Miyamoto Musashi, The Book of Five Rings (1645)

📖 Reference: Rory Miller, Facing Violence (2011)


The Water Book: Adaptability

• Musashi: “In strategy you must know the Ways of other schools, so I say you must know the use of weapons well, and you must know the Way of strategy.” (Water Scroll)

• Self-defense meaning:

• Adapt like water: take the shape of the threat, environment, and opportunity.

• No fixed stance or style; flow with the situation.

• If blocked, redirect. If confronted, slip away. If cornered, crash with force.

• Training must include variability: different opponents, scenarios, and environments.


📖 Reference: Bruce Lee, Tao of Jeet Kune Do (1975) — draws directly from Musashi’s adaptability.


The Fire Book: Combat Engagement

• Musashi: “In battle, if you make your opponent flinch, you have already won.” (Fire Scroll)

• Self-defense meaning:

• Fire is the spirit of combat — decisive, explosive, overwhelming.

• When escape is impossible, commit fully.

• Control initiative (sen). Do not wait for the attacker to dictate terms.

• Attack the mind and spirit of the aggressor, not just the body — break their will to fight.


📖 Reference: Kelly McCann, Combatives for Street Survival (2008)


The Wind Book: Understanding Others

• Musashi: “You must study other martial arts and not deviate from your own Way. Know the Ways of all schools, so you can see their strengths and weaknesses.” (Wind Scroll)

• Self-defense meaning:

• Study not just your martial art, but also the “styles” of attackers — street fighters, grapplers, weapon users, multiple assailants.

• Each has a pattern, tell, and weaknesses.

• Understanding other systems strengthens your adaptability.

• Self-defense is not about purity of style, but effectiveness against reality.


📖 Reference: Marc MacYoung, Cheap Shots, Ambushes, and Other Lessons (1993)


The Void Book: Mind and Emptiness

• Musashi: “By knowing things that exist, you can know that which does not exist. That is the void.” (Void Scroll)

• Self-defense meaning:

• Void is the realm beyond technique — instinct, presence, intuition.

• In crisis, thinking is too slow; the body must move without conscious effort.

• Training must cultivate mushin (no-mind), the ability to act without hesitation.

• Fear, ego, and anger are illusions — clarity comes from emptiness.


📖 Reference: Takuan Sōhō, The Unfettered Mind (17th century) — companion philosophy to Musashi.

📖 Reference: Rory Miller, Meditations on Violence (2008) — stress inoculation and automaticity.


Principles of Musashi’s Art of Self-Defense

1. Earth → Build strong foundation: stance, awareness, and preparation.

2. Water → Adapt to each situation and environment.

3. Fire → Commit fully when combat is unavoidable.

4. Wind → Study and understand all approaches to anticipate threats.

5. Void → Transcend thought; train until instinct guides action.


Summary Aphorism


“The Way of self-defense is the Way of strategy:

Stand firm like Earth.

Flow like Water.

Strike like Fire.

Learn from the Wind.

Act from the Void.”



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