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Groups, Tribes, or "Dojo's! [faction based]"
Published on 2010-08-24 17:55:00
"Longevity-Oriented groups exist to perpetuate the group. Status is based on rank and service to the group. Hard work and intelligence may be rewarded, but only so long as they don’t make others feel stupid. Creativity almost always threatens the status quo, and is almost always discouraged in a Longevity-Oriented group. Social ritual, whether hazing and initiations** or policy and protocol are the lifeblood of the LO group.A Longevity-Orientated group is not benefited by accomplishing the mis
Fitness Level: Sport-Civil-Combat
Published on 2010-08-24 12:29:00
The fitness level is directly related to the goals of the individual. Each level as I see it is one for the sporting aspects, one for the civil self-protective aspects and one for those of us who need to apply it to combat, i.e. Marines in the Middle East, etc.One very important point to be made, particularly to Isshinryu, is that the current mind-set to the physical fitness levels comes from its relationship to the Marines who brought it to the U.S. and directly relates to the mind-set of Marin
FMA?
Published on 2010-08-24 10:04:00
What is it? This explanation is to clear the air. You won't find it on google cause it is my creation, for me, and me alone. It is NOT some new form of practice or style or a new MMA type thing but a way for me to express my practice for me and me alone.I do not consider Isshinryu, as I practice it, as a sport or combat system. Sport is hollow in regards to what I wish to achieve in my practice. Don't take offense if you do the sporting aspects as they are all good ways [all bottles are good, th
Rationalizing
Published on 2010-08-23 16:52:00
"Rationalizing reality to fit personal idea's." A quote from a book I am reading, fiction. Although a fictional story it struck a cord so I copied it down to write about it today. Then while reading the "Chiron Blog" by Rory Miller I came across this quote, " … ignoring or denigrating things that don’t fit your worldview. … " which seemed to fit the first quote in my mind.We humans rationalize almost everything that we experience into a small box that we created with our personal experienc
Isshinryu Karate-do FMA
Published on 2010-08-23 11:40:00
I created this to symbolize both the physical form of Okinawa Karate currently known as "Isshinryu" and to also symbolize my efforts and studies as to the "Ken-po goku-i" of Bushi Tatsuo Sensei Isshinryu.The bamboo and hummingbird represent a "zen" point of view or aspect that reflects the spirit of the individual who encompasses the entire system of a Fighting Martial Art.Bamboo: Drumming on bamboo to call a phoenix means emptying the human mind to evoke the mind of Tao; bamboo stands for emp
Of Three Minds - Brain Stuff - more ...
Published on 2010-08-20 13:19:00
Read This one too!Click this one for larger version!
Traditional, Classic, Classical, Tradition, etc.?????
Published on 2010-08-20 11:51:00
There is a difference but to determine exactly that difference is the true challenge to anyone who practices the FMA. Let me use an analogy that speaks volumes in my humble opinion.Marine Corps Recruit Training! Everyone knows that a core of the Marines is its "Traditions." They span hundreds of years, millions of Marines past and present, and Marines who are in the future.We have those who practice Traditional FMA where nothing is changed or changeable. They feel that if they do not do it "exac
Of Three Minds - Brain Stuff
Published on 2010-08-19 17:24:00
Read this blog entry.
Teaching II
Published on 2010-08-19 10:07:00
A point I feel is an important addition to the last post on teaching is a measuring tool to use in evaluating yourself as a Sensei to ensure you are getting it across to the practitioner. Is it "sticking," and can the practitioner "make it work?"If they are not assimilating the information and if they can not make it work, both mentally and physically, then it is not their fault … it is yours and you need to step back and read the previous posting.Simply put, a practitioner who is unable to ac
About My Sensei
Published on 2010-08-18 17:58:00
In a recent posting by Charles Goodin Sensei, of the "Karate Thoughts Blog," I realized that I needed to speak of my Sensei but with the focus on him, not me or my ego or my monkey brain, etc. [me in the background, many years past :-]He is and always will be a Marine who achieved "Sergeants Major" rank. This in itself denotes a high level of honor and morality. One does not achieve the level he did in the Marines with out something going for them. He started the FMA around 1956 to 1958. Another
Teaching: Sensei
Published on 2010-08-18 13:04:00
Hmm, got my gray matter moving today when I read a great post by Rory Miller, i.e. Communication Styles and Teaching, on the Chiron blog dated October 2009. [Please read the post and if you find my mindless meanderings here are off then let me know.]A few things of importance I got from it are:1. The ability to change teaching strategies dependent on the person being taught, not your own ego.2. The ability to monitor the person being trained to achieve number 1.3. The understanding and ability t
Ch'i by Legge
Published on 2010-08-18 09:54:00
Recently the topic of "Ch'i" or what Japanese call "ki" was run up the flag pole to see how it may wave when I came across the definitions as provided by James Legge's translation of the I Ching. Here is what he states:Ch'i: Breath, blood and breath = the physical powers, mankind, observe.Interesting don't you think yet it does NOT even hint that it is some mystical power that one uses to cause events to occur with out actual physical contact nor does it hint that it is some energy source that m
Perception and Learning and Reasoning
Published on 2010-08-17 13:36:00
Cognition is the scientific term for "the process of thought" to knowing. The part of mental functions that deals with logic, as opposed to affective which deals with emotions. The portion of human experience comprising thought, knowledge, belief, and inference (as opposed to sensation, volition, or feeling).Awareness - Ability to think methodically. Functions carried out by the brain, including memory, planning, problem-solving, construction, calculation, and attention. The process of thinking
Macho Posturing
Published on 2010-08-17 13:17:00
Most of the fear in a fight, especially a one-on-one, is social, not physical. Subconsciously, I think that this fear drives a lot of training and gear collecting and other types of macho posturing. (Not all training is macho posturing, but whether it is or not depends on the student, not the training.) - Chiron Blog by Rory Miller, dtd. August 30, 2009 SundayMacho - markedly masculine in appearance or manner; manly, tough; a man who is virile and sexually active …Posturing - The assumption of
Traditional/Classical Training/Practice - TRADITION POST ADDITION
Published on 2010-08-16 11:37:00
Okinawa Karatedo and Kobudo blog has another thought-provoking point of view as to the topic of "traditional karatedo" I found to be ... "Thought-provoking!" :-)
Traditional/Classical Training/Practice
Published on 2010-08-13 14:57:00
Written on this more times than can remember. Today, while reading through some of my favorite blogs I read a post by Patrick of the Mokuran Dojo blog titled, "What is Classical Judo?"Needless to say I had a comment which you can read at his blog but while working out at lunch this flash of inspiration came to me from the subconscious most assuredly triggered by the blog posting so I thought I would post my thoughts here for your review.Traditional/Classical = Esoteric/ExotericYou can view the
OFF TOPIC
Published on 2010-08-13 12:30:00
My Marine Corps Drill Instructor, Parris Island, 1972, Platoon 125/143, OhhRahhh!
Validation
Published on 2010-08-12 15:39:00
What is it really? What is it in the FMA?Validation: validation is the process of checking if something satisfies a certain criterion; The process of determining whether or not the standard at a given phase of its development fulfills the established requirements; finding or testing the truth of something; serving to support or corroborate; "collateral evidence" ...collateral evidence: provide evidence for; stand as proof of; show by one's behavior, attitude, or external attributes; …Validity:
Resistance is Futile
Published on 2010-08-12 15:36:00
Do you hear, see, read, etc. something that makes you resist believing it because it goes directly against what you learned and controverts what you were taught or told by someone you have a good deal of respect and admiration for?To the borg resistance is futile but to life and you resistance is not futile IF you don't let that initial feeling of resistance, pending attack or attic or invalidation stop you. If what you hear, see, feel, read, etc. is not really life threatening or even a little
Boredom and Complacency and Apathy
Published on 2010-08-12 15:35:00
BOREDOM: is an emotional state experienced during periods lacking activity or when individuals are uninterested in the opportunities surrounding them. One of the most common feelings, boredom results from lack of excitement, adventure, or otherwise fun activities, instilling a sense of unrest. Prolonged boredom can lead to anger or depression. The feeling is often accompanied by loneliness and repetitive thoughts reflecting on your own condition.COMPLACENCY: contented to a fault with oneself or
Nice Post by Charles Goodin Sensei
Published on 2010-08-12 10:09:00
Categorizing Karate Students -- Training
Monkey (Brain) Dance
Published on 2010-08-11 10:51:00
Not sure who coined this phrase first, Marc MacYoung or Rory Miller, but I am grateful for it does express, to me personally, a set of key words that remind me when the monkey starts pulling all my strings.Call it "ego" or what ever but remember that the monkey brain, along with the also fond of phrase the lizard brain, tend to want control of your life so keep vigilant for it may save you from having to hurt someone.Someone being a loved one or someone being a violent person [like listening/bei
Concept vs. Reality
Published on 2010-08-11 10:19:00
Concept in this case is one's "thoughts" on a particular subject, say fighting or defending-protecting. Reality is actual "experience" in this same thing. One who has actually had to defend-protect-fight in a violent situation [not the dojo or school yard scuffle but street stuff].Many FMA (Fighting-Martial Art) practitioners come to a unrealistic concept as to what constitutes violent behavior. Most times what is taught in the dojo, practice-training hall, alludes mistakenly to a concept in the
Dojo: Training-Practice Hall
Published on 2010-08-11 10:15:00
If you are using your dojo and karate to get in shape, find something else like jazzercise! The most accepted definition of a dojo is a "Training-Practice Hall!"Some will argue that getting into shape is an intricate part of a dojo and karate-do but let me say now that it is not. One who decides to "take up the sword," metaphorically and sometimes literally, should be physically fit already. If not, then they should take it upon themselves to achieve that level of physical fitness "OUTSIDE" the
Students, Customers, Practitioners
Published on 2010-08-11 10:11:00
I recently was in receipt of email where the newly appointed black belt asked questions as to how one would handle students vs. customers so I gave an answer. I missed the mark of his thoughts so he elaborated and then I responded as follows:Student: The word student is etymologically derived through Middle English from the Latin second-type conjugation verb studēre, meaning "to direct one's zeal at"; hence a student could be described as "one who directs zeal at a subject". In its widest use,