Self Defense and Interviews

What the heck is this guy talking about now. I have expressed some thoughts on true self defense and found out that I can extend self defense or self protection beyond actual attacks against you and how you handle it, etc.

Lets just say that you were attacked. Lets say that you defended yourself. Lets also say that you stayed within the boundaries of the law in that defense.

The Police were called and they are now "interviewing" you on what occurred, what do you do? You are a good guy, you did nothing wrong, you simply protected yourself against some person intent on doing you harm and you want to make sure your "story is told." Your "side of things" is important to you and you have the urge, a strong urge, to tell your story to the good guys, the police interviewing you right this instance. What do you do?

Well, if I have it right you talk to them telling your story and in your enthusiasm tell a lot more than just the facts and the officer is recording this both on paper and in his mind.

Wrong! What you do in this instance and any and all instances where dealing with a police officer you say absolutely nothing, nadda, not one word. You take the fifth! He may say that it makes you look guilty and it may even get you cuffed and taken "down town." You say nothing, the only words out of your mouth no matter how innocent is, "I am using my fifth amendment rights officer." You then shut up and remain silent no matter what he says or does. If you do "down town" exercise your right to an attorney.

Now, don't believe me...but listen to both of these video's, both, then tell me what you would do.

Video One

Video Two

These video's were initially brought to my attention on a email list run by the wife of Marc MacYoung, author of the No Nonsense Self Defense web site.

Symbolism

Symbolism: Representation of a concept through symbols or underlying meanings of objects or qualities; emblematic: serving as a visible symbol for something abstract; typify: express indirectly by an image, form, or model; be a symbol, etc.

The ken-po goku-i has a meaning that is supposedly determined by its symbolism. The Isshinryu-no-megami also is supposed to have a bunch of symbols that promote meaning to the practice of this style. There was a great movie that was based on the meaning of symbols, mostly obscure or hidden, that indicated something important.

Prove it! Yes, we can say this appears in some picture of characters but in reality is the translation accurate? Rob Redmond's book on kata, eBook is free thanks you Rob, he shows us the gokui characters and various definitions that are NOT EXACT or CORRECT. So, how do we actually know?

In Isshinryu it is alluded to that Tatsuo Sensei wanted us to learn and understand about Okinawa and its people, their customs and courtesies, etc. but in promoting that ideology he only provided a silk certificate and a few curt words to his new black belts before leaving the island. Now this may have been adequate for other Okinawan's but for Americans it was and is lost to them. A few actually stayed and returned but of those not many actually sought out understanding of the gokui and even it that were ignored they didn't try to find out about the Okinawan's or Okinawa.

Now the few who did take time to find out "some answers" found few because of either the pension of Tatsuo Sensei to be cryptic or because of the language differences, etc. didn't provide much information regarding the symbolism in the gokui and/or the megami patch, etc. so we were left to our own devices.

So what happened? I can only "guess" that because it was known that Tatsuo Sensei studied the ancient Chinese classics and believed in occult/spiritual type systems, i.e. he was a fortune teller, etc., that if we studied the classics and tried to make the connections we might come to understand that intent Tatsuo Sensei intended.

The inherent trouble with this method is it is extremely subjective. We will then individually make personally influenced judgement based solely on our individual personal impressions and feeling and opinion rather than external facts. The problem is compounded by the lack of external facts as well as the clarity of today's teachers of Isshinryu.

Here is where I will add in the D-K effect. Many of today's "masters of Isshinryu" because of this effect feel they are fully vetted in the system and tend to act accordingly. In regards to the symbolism of the gokui and megrim they assume incorrectly that they are skilled and fully knowledgable about such things resulting is falsely written documents and books on the subject that end up being a venue for personal ego gratification. In turn they are ignorant to the intent of the gokui and megami. The illusion of superiority also leads others who look up to them for guidance in the tribe/group, in the belief of the systems taught by them, tend to fall prey to the same effect.

There are a few who seek the knowledge and remain skeptical because of the challenges of Chinese/Japanese/Okinawa vs. English/American differences they will continue to seek out information and views regarding all with skepticism and accepting those things that provide them, only them, with factually based truth as far as that is possible.

It is a lot like the quote that Rory Miller of the Chiron Blog site stated in regards to other things but applies to more, i.e. my redaction: "Know your strengths; know your limitations; PAY ATTENTION to our instincts!" [I modified it a bit he actually said, "Knowing your strengths and limitations, and PAYING ATTENTION to your instincts."] He also said and it applies here as well, "People with a perceived need to increase competence will continuously improve. People with a perceived sufficiency of competence will cease to improve."

His content was different and you can read his post here but I feel it applies to my post as well.

Yin and Yang

The connection of the two is necessary to the production of any one substantial thing. The yang originates a shadowy outline which the yin fills up with definite substance.

Furthermore, the bright or active element and the dark or inactive are in the original, the yang and the yin. The correspondence predicted between them and the sun and moon, the brightness and warmth of the one, and the paleness and coldness of the other, shows us how those names arose, and that it is foreign to the original concept of them to call them the male and female principles.

Rationalizinig

"Rationalization is a powerful human function that we all engage in regularly. It is a combination of denial, the willful refusal to acknowledge obvious and observable facts and evidence, and justification." [24FightingChickens]

Why? I am finding more and more information that helps me to understand the "factions" created through out the Isshinryu community. Knowledge is power and understanding promotes acceptance. All the various factions of Isshinryu have a "belief" system. It became a belief system through acceptance by all those in a particular faction because they wanted it and it fed something that was missing in their lives.

Karate and my beliefs do the same thing although I am constantly changing and shifting the lines but sometimes those factions feel other factions are attacking their belief system. This attack results in a type of "freak-out-survival-instinct" emotionally resulting in fear and anger, fear and anger because they fear loss or losing their beliefs. It took a good deal of time and effort to create that belief system, to accept it, to make it their own system which also reinforces the solidarity of the group or in this posting the faction.

People in this situation do not like it nor do they want to hear about things that go against their beliefs. This is how religious cleansing/wars are started, one group attacking the others belief system. Remember the freak out survival instinct. You cannot change a belief system in this manner or overnight.

I am of the mind that all I can do in my practice of Isshinryu is post on my personal views and let anyone and everyone read them and get from them what they feel is worthy for their view. Nothing more, nothing less.

Thanks for reading my blog!

I Respect Your View, But …

I respect your view but it ain't mine. My view is my view, good or bad. It should not be your view but it is information that you should hear and process so you can either keep it or lose it as your view. Only if you want. If you don't want to take in my view then don't. All of it is your choice and should be made freely.

My view is not an attack on your view. It's my view. It is a means of stimulation of the thought processes. It is a means of creating possibilities, for me and hopefully for you. If you feel I am attacking you, get over it cause I ain't attacking nobody.

If you fear or feel angst cause of what I am posting then don't come visit or read them as I don't do this to make anyone feel fear or anger. Get over it.

My views and postings may be just the opposite of what you view and believe as truth. My truth is not your truth and maybe your truth is not mine. I can hear your view and decide for myself. I don't read your views for any other reason but to find something that turns a light on in my head. Your view may be mostly not my view but it only takes one sentence that turns on a light. I won't get angry or fear your view is going to cause me angst. It might be something that brings about change. All views are good.

I respect your view, but it ain't necessarily mine. That is cool! I hope you can respect my view, but remember that it ain't yours and it ain't meant to say your view is not a good one. All views are good, they all serve a purpose. Your views may change my views and opinions and maybe mine will do the same for you. If not, what the heck it is fun.

Inspired by the podcast, "The Waterboy Effect" on 24 Fighting Chickens [loved it; worth the time to listen ;-)]

Why the Way of Empty Hand MUST NOT BE HURRIED

In the Legge interpretation/translation of the I Ching it says, "A tree springing up on the ground is a tree as ti begins to grow. A tree on a hill is high and large. Every tree when it begins to grow, shows its branches and twigs gradually becoming long. Every morning and every evening shows some difference; and when the tree is high and great, whether it be of an ordinary or extraordinary size, it has taken years to reach its dimensions."

It also alludes to "the application and improvements … is a gradual process."

I am not anyone anywhere would consider a karate-ka of any notoriety or accomplishment but I have been practicing for a long time. This in itself is of no great accomplishment in the scheme of how this country views practice of anything. I don't have a lot of experience in truly violent encounters nor in competition but I am proficient.

So when I spout out this stuff there is no real reason why anyone should listen or accept anything I post. Why should you. But, the I Ching quote above does tell us that nothing of any note or worth is gotten quickly. All good things come to those with patience and persistence.

All karate-ka should accept it that nothing in karate-do comes quickly. It is not a means of instant gratification for that as well comes intermittently and over time. It comes one day many years down the road suddenly and spiritually. They should accept the fact that not all lessons are going to be new and exciting but most lessons/training/practice are going to be repetitive and often boring unless you decide it isn't and use the training of the brain/mind to enhance those so called boring sessions.

This also applies to the truth and the facts, it is something that takes time and patience to achieve and acquire. It also takes time, effort, patience, and persistence to bring about change in others especially when not members of the tribe.

Here end-ith this particular lesson. (Yes I am stealing from the movie)

p.s. You know, thirty-six plus years just suddenly appears like the blink of an eye. I had not fully realized just how far I traveled until one day I sat down to figure it out for a web entry, whalla, thirty-three years black belt. Do not discount what anyone might have to say simply because you don't view their credentials as valid. All information is potential knowledge regardless the source and the sources credentials.

Lessons in Change

This is a lesson in change. I believe Ghandi led a life that wanted to change things in this world for the better. The distinction here is that he didn't just sit at his computer exposing his thoughts and beliefs but got up and walked to the people with his message. I believe he understood that to bring about change in others you had to go out, meet with them, and provide your actions and thoughts and beliefs in a manner that would influence others into a desire to change from within.

I bring this example or lesson because recently I have reached a limit. Isshinryu is fractured. Isshinryu factions believe wholeheartedly in what they believe is the truth and facts of their style and way. Even tho the different factions are all different in their views and beliefs none of them take any type of responsibility to bring about change, either in themselves or in others.

We sit and whine about who is right, who has the most experience, who is this and who is that and he meant to teach this or that or this symbol is the true one or that is this or that but none of them actively go out to meet and teach to others as Ghandi did so that they will accept change within themselves.

Nowhere in history do you read or see or hear about persons who brought about great change from the comfort of their own homes and from within their mostly exclusive and restrictive "club."

One such club touts about how they promote this and that but in reality they don't do it outside their club. Occasionally a guest is allowed provided they "meet" specified standards to get the privilege to lurk in that club or group but no where do you see them going out to all the other factions to promote truth and accuracy of the style.

They say they tried and since no one will change, incidentally you have to change to their exact way or it is not acceptable; how convenient, so they whine and cry but actually are enabling their attitudes and beliefs.

It is important that change be for the good of all and not just the few. This type of change requires effort much like the practice of katate-do. Perseverance and practice, practice, practice. Diligent practice, practice, practice.

After all, if every time you run into a practice that is difficult and stubborn you don't just stop trying. In karate-do you persevere until you get it. If you quit then you do not practice karate-do. These clubs, if they truly believe that Tatsuo Sensei wanted us to learn customs and courtesies of Okninawans and practice the truth of the ken-po goku-i then to quit on those whose stubbornness should be just a "challenge" are not doing this but telling themselves that they are special and those folks are not worthy of their efforts.

Over the years I have gone out and talked, written, etc. about what I perceive as the truth and facts regarding our style Isshinryu. I have posted on web sites, blogs, and in newsletters and when the opportunity presents itself talked to different dojo about the style letting them decide for themselves to either accept or reject my views. I have been persistent for thirty-eight some odd years in my own way and hope I have influenced even just one person. In the last five years I have tried and continue to try and influence others so they may be open and accepting of ideas and thoughts that may or may not change they way the practice and act in life and in karate-do. I don't just sit and whine as to why no one will listen, no one will change, no one wants to follow the way intended by Tatsuo Sensei; I jut keep plugging away in the hopes things will change.

Change is good, I believe that is what Ghandi wanted in folks and for me on a very small scale I hope I influence change for someone somewhere in a very positive way. If you are restricting your efforts to your students and their students that is good but if you stop there and fail to try and influence/change the other factions outside your tribe then are you failing to follow the way?

Is this my ego talking?

The Mind of the Writer

However admirable the sentiment is from the provider, it still comes from the writers mind and is not drawn from the facts.Information/knowledge is affected from the character of the writer and thus remolded and perfected, for the writer not the reader.

If a person (Sensei) dose not walk in the right path (way), it will not be walked in even by his/her mate (sem-pai) and children (Ko-hai). Even one who has been exposed exclusively to a writer cannot achieve the sameness as the writer for their own unique character, knowledge, belief influences the receipt of information reforming it, redacting it, into something for that person and thus at their passing it along are subject to the same laws and rules of nature and human beings.

Can we truly believe the word of others even if we perceive credentials that would normally say this person is true and accurate? This persons view and writing is accurate and true … for him/her, not you. It is subjective and you will change it involuntarily upon hearing or reading it.

It is the natural way of the Universe.

Questions to Ask

1. Are you often emotional, i.e. offended, angry, etc.?
2. Do you always think you are right?
3. Do you feel that you should not or can not back down from anything?
4. Do you find you dislike someone when the refute you?
5. Do you feel disrespected, challenged, or insulted?
6. Do you feel the desire/need to be "right?"
7. Do you seek excuses to dismiss the word, view or deed of others?
8. Do you seek excuses to validate your word, view, or deeds?
9. Do you feel it important to preserve core beliefs and self-image at all costs?
10. Do you often feel others are dismissing or ignoring your ideas, actions or performance?
11. Do you feel the need to get the "last lick in" on others?
12. Do you find yourself giving "slight, but malicious disgs or comments" to others?
13. Do you know when to stop or how to stop the escalation of conflict?
14. Do you look at someone backing down as an opportunity to attach/punish?
15. Do you perceive any challenge as a loss of status?

If you find yourself answering yes to any or all of these questions you may want to contemplate your practice and training.

Blood Circulates similar to the Sun …

" … So moves 'the unwearied sun from day to day,' making it a good symbol of renewed, untiring effort. … " so says appendix II of the Legge translation of the I Ching. It goes on to tell us that the motion of Heaven is a complete revolution every day, resumed the next … which in itself provides connectivity to the reference of the sun and thus the moon.

In our goku-i it would indicate that the person/human must take on the trait of untiring effort with due diligence and forthrightness, i.e. wholehearted effort which is inherently untiring.

Is this what Bushi Tatsuo intended when he presented the ken-po goku-i silks to his Marine students?

Heaven, Earth, Sun, Moon, etc.

All these are references to nature. The rest of the ken-po goku-i refers to the many physical manifestations of nature in the body as it applies to life with emphasis on the FMA. In appendix I of the Legge translation of the I Ching on page 263 in the explanation he states, I quote, " … the importance of doing things according to rule by reference to the operations of nature … ," leads me to believe by inference this states throughout the ken-po goku-i as alluded to in the I Ching there are "rules" in the practice of the FMA that should be kept much like the rules that nature uses to be complete and operational.

The I Ching also alludes to this comparison in humans, their activities, and those of society. This may very well be the original intent when Bushi Tatsuo Sensei provided all his students a copy of a silk ken-po goku-i along with asking them to continue their studies which he meant by the presentation to go way beyond the mere physical but into realms that have provided guidance to the lives of the Chinese for thousands of years all the way up to today.

If true; absolutely amazing!

Excellent Graphic

Found this surfing the web, don't know the creator or such to give credit, if you are the one then comment please but I can only say this is an awesome representation of what we study in the Isshinryu system, i.e. the "ken-po goku-i."

A great representation of the Universe, the sun on the left, the moon on the right, and so forth, really great.

Then superimposing the shape of the great tai chi symbol which in itself represents the Yang-Yin created at the beginning from Tao and resulting in the myriad things to include us insignificant humans.

Then again, if you look hard enough at anything you can see connections and symbolism, but it is fun and enlightening to the possibilities :-)

Working with the I Ching

In my studies of the Isshinryu Karate-do system I was introduced to the "ken-po goku-i" as I would assume all Isshinryu practitioners but espresso that it is sometimes not good to "assume." Anyway, because of this it has led me into the realm of the I Ching, Analects, etc. or what some refer to as the Ancient Chinese Classics.

In that period of ongoing and never ending study I have come to the conclusion that as an American, meaning I am not Chinese; not Okinawa; not Japanese, in order to benefit from the study of the I Ching it is strongly recommended you study more than "one" translation.

In my view having a copy of all the Wilhelm and Legge books is necessary as they all provide information that is not necessarily in the others as well as different interpretations and views. Considering the simplicity/complexity of the books not to mention in detail the interpretation of Chinese characters or pictograms, etc. warrants a collecting of all these views, opinions, and interpretations. It is important, from my perspective, to collectively analyze them all and come to your own conclusions.

In the end the interpretation and use as a means of divining answers to questions takes an individual and unique view. The book has lasted so long and through extreme turmoil that its fundamental and non-individualized writings leaves it open so it can influence everyone in every manner with out prejudice of any one individual. If it were just one persons book it would be just a book much like Stephen Kings books, each unique in its story. The I Ching is not topic specific other than a guide to life and nature, etc.

Words never truly convey what it is and what it means ergo why it is an individual book with meaning to each person who reads and utilizes it. Worth the effort and costs to bring together all the possibilities provided by the insight of each interpreter/translator. When reading each don't accept or reject anything, let it mull for a while like a fine wine and when it is ready for consumption let it breathe and then partake of its uniqueness.

Other Kenpo or Kempo

The Kempo Hakku was a favourite poem of Miyagi Chojun Sensei. It was an article from the ancient Chinese text, the Bubishi. Miyagi Sensei named his method of Ti, Goju-Ryu, from the third line of this poem.

1. Jinshin wa tenchi ni onaji. -The mind is one with heaven and earth.
2. Ketsumyaku wa nichigetsu ni nitari. -The circulatory rhythm of the body is similar to the cycle of
the sun and the moon.
3. Ho wa goju wo tondo su. -The way of inhaling and exhaling is both hard and soft.
4. Mi wa toki ni shitagai hen ni ozu. -Act in accordance with time and change.
5. Te wa ku ni ai sunawachi hairu. -Techniques will occur in the absence of conscious thought.
6. Shintai wa hakarite riho su. -The feet must advance and retreat, separate and meet.
7. Me wa shiho wo miru wa yosu. -The eyes do not miss even the slightest change.
8. Mimi wa yoku happo wo kiku. -The ears listen well in all directions

Source: "Ryusyokai: Okinawa Karate Dojo UK Web Site"

I sometimes find other references to the Bubishi or Goju Ryu keno or kempo gokui or hakku which are comparable. I find the various interpretations of interest. Although different they end up having the same meaning so when one provides their own interpretations and connections they will in all likelihood apply.

In the end I believe it is the individuals interpretations of the Chinese characters, pictograms if you will, because as most of you have witnessed/read on my past postings those same characters can be interpreted in many different ways depending on the usage and intentions of the author.

I am putting the Isshinryu version of the ken-po goku-i here for comparison.

1. Hito no kokoro wa, ten to chi to onaji desu. "A person's heart is the same as heaven and earth."
2. Ketsueki ga junkan taiyō to tsuki ni nite i masu. "The blood circulating is similar to the sun and moon."
3. Manā inryō (suu) to tsuba o haku (iki o haki) to onaji desu. Kore wa, dochira mo hādo matawa sofuto. "The manner of drinking and spitting is either soft or hard."
4. Hito no anbaransu no jūryō to onaji desu. "A person's unbalance is the same as a weight."
5. Karada wa itsu demo, hōkō o henkō suru koto ga deki masu. "The body should be able to change direction at any time."
6. Jikan ga utsu toki ni kikai ga jibun jishin o teiji sa re masu. "The time to strike iw when the opportunity presents itself."
7. Me wa subete no sokumen o sanshō shite kudasai suru hitsuyō ga ari masu. "The eyes must see all sides."
8. Mimi wa subete no hōkō ni mimi o katamukeru hitsuyō ga ari masu. "The ears must listen in all directions."

As can be readily seen the differences are not dissimilar, interesting how so many unique individuals see those characters.

Analect Hexagram 42, Confucius

"If you make a mistake and do not correct it, this is called a Mistake." "Place loyalty and faithfulness first; do not associate with any one who is not as good as you are; do not hesitate to change when you have erred." "He did not transfer anger and did not repeat a mistake."

Two very important traits are hinted at here about our ability to see or hear the truth and pass along correct and accurate information. No one is with out fault, that is the nature of life, but one who determines a fault and fails to correct it is far worse off than the most ignorant of ignorant. If one is to associate with one not as good as your are then it is the responsibility of that person to convey the knowledge so the other can achieve greatness as well. This is the deshi-sensei relationship, the tori-uke, and the father-son, i.e. Yang and Yin.

The goal of the sage, one of them at least, is to not transfer anger and not repeat mistakes. Anger, emotions, the monkey brain, is that it does affect others with the speed of light and this saying points out to us that our responsibility is to achieve a level of practice to suppress our anger. Our anger is gone and that in itself allows the mind and spirit to actively listen and see truth. A sage errs and sees that as a means to learn and change so the error does not repeat itself. A lofty goal for the FMA to achieve in practice and training.

Yao Lines I Ching and Karate Do

In my studies of the I Ching I try to truly see relations between those studies to my practice in the FMA. I was researching the various interpretations of the six lines, Yao Lines, of the Hexagram. It must be noted that the line interpretations are subject to the particular hexagram being used, the diviner, the person asking the diviner, and other factors of a numerous kind.

While sitting there reviewing my notes the thought suddenly flashed in my mind and here is what I see in Karate-do Yao Lines:

Line 6: Sage
Line 5: Soke
Line 4: Sensei
Line 3: Kyosei
Line 2: Sempai
Line 1: Kohai

In general the lines mean:

Line 6: Sage, ending
Line 5: Ruler
Line 4: Minister
Line 3: Noble
Line 2: Supervisor
Line 1: Worker, beginning

although this is not all but merely an initial meaning for generalization but for the purpose of this posting it will due nicely. Line one is always the start so it seems plausible to make it the line for the Kohai or beginner/junior practitioner.

The supervisor is well related to the Sempai for Sempai is relied upon to provide initial training and guidance to kohl.

Kyosei is a student teacher so this applies to the heading of a Noble who basically provides the same type of server to the Ruler, i.e. the soke or master of the style who rules the entire system.

The soke's closest ally is the minister or in this case the Sensei. Like a Ruler's minister who "administers" the system to its people the Sensei provides this to the dojo(honbu: home dojo, shibu: branch dojo) be they directly under Soke or associated to the palace of the ruler or the honbu dojo of Soke.

Make sense?

Ken-po Goku-i [Hear]

"To hear a lot means to learn a lot." The verb for hearing is classically used because of the importance of oral traditions, but it also came to apply to reading and research or to the whole process of information gathering. - Analects 7:27, Hexagram 26 of Confucius.

The importance of actively listening and seeing is still valid today and more so than past although both differ as much as Yang differs from Yin. In the past since history was not written, writing was not as efficient in those times, the transference and accuracy was all oral while today the glut of information requires the same ability to see and hear but for different reasons.

This is truth and to acquire the knowledge and proficiency available for the FMA one must "see" and "hear" with everything that nature provides in that endeavor for with out it the system is slowly diluted into nothing of value. As one master said of kata, "Kata with out bunkai, with out purpose is merely a dance."

A person's heart is the same as Heaven and Earth.

In appendix I of the I Ching written/translated by James Legge it states, "The mind of Heaven and Earth is the love of life and of all goodness that rules in the course of nature and providence."

Hearing: The Ears must Listen in all Directions!

"If you are unable to hear others tell the truth, you will be reluctant to tell the truth to others." - Analects 5:17 Hexagram 34 of Confucius.

Remaining open, to allow for the possibilities, to achieve greater understanding and knowledge, to provide the most advantageous path for those who look up to you, all these and more are how we "hear or listen" in all directions.

Directions does not remain restricted to the obvious but take us into the more metaphysical realm of truth, knowledge and understanding. It is not literally the ability to hear noises but to hear the sounds that knowledge and truth bring to the spirit creating greater moral and spiritual value. Often it is more important for the individual to "listen" to their inner voices, their consciousness, that which is connected to the Tao or the great Tai Chi.

Actively listen, really hear the voices both internal and external. The truth is out there!

Book of Changes Says

"Again and again it has been pointed out the we find in it (I Ching) no idea of a perfect and abiding state. Just as the seasons of the year change and pursue an ever recurring round, so is it with the phases of society. The reign of order has been and has terminated."

Often we speak of or hear of the ideology of karate-do to reach "perfection." Tho a loft goal and one we should keep it does not mean that perfection is attainable. Only the process of attainment is attainable.

It is the nature of the Universe as displayed in nature by the cycles of the Heaven and Earth, the Sun and Moon, the seasons, and so on that nothing reaches perfection of a static state of being. It is perfection to be imperfect at all moments of life. Our existence is one of continual fluctuations between extreme yang and extreme yin.

Perfection can be attained in the mind, spirit and body simply by accepting and living the changes that remain constant and imperfect. Even if perfection could be attained as we interpret it normally as understood in the FMA it is so transient that it changes to imperfection.

Perfection/imperfection, two sides on the one coin much like the symbolism of yang and yin in the symbol of the great Tai Chi. We can attain the perfection of understanding by allowing our lives and ways to flow with the currents of the Universe. Allowing it to lead, teach, and bring about a level of understanding and knowledge consummate to our individual and uniqueness until we pass from this existence into the void of the Tao.

Longevity is nothing more that the perfection of the one present moment as it flows with the currents of the Universe. We can understand that we are not able to resist the currents but we can achieve a mutual relationship with that current and influence it to a degree that will allow us to ride the waves through life.

Change is perfection and to flow with the changes is perfection. To achieve perfection in the FMA means to allow for the changes to teach us. Perfection in the FMA is simply an process of perfection that can become more as we practice and train. It will ebb and flow constantly as we move with the current of life and our ride can be simply wonderful.

My Philosophy

A most difficult and complex question, what is the philosophy behind my practice of Isshinryu Karate-do. There are so many layers that it may not be possible to convey this in a post or even several postings.

Like life, like FMA practice, like the Laws of the Universe all is in constant flux, fluid, ever changing so this philosophy is fluid simply by the constant movement of the present moment. Each unique encounter at the exact present moment causes ripples changing this to something new, something more, this is my philosophy of Isshinryu Karate-do.

On a very basic level my philosophical strategy is to approach my studies and practice with a critical-analytical open mind. I train to attain a calm, stoic, and detached mind so that all that is available can be received with out reservations so that I may study the fundamentals of my morals and beliefs; so that I will understand the values, reason and existence of life and Tao.

Isshinryu Karate-do has become my system of beliefs as taught through its practice; knowledge acquired in the study of the Ancient Classics with a goal of acceptable values and beliefs that guide me in my day to day present moment encounters with both internal/spiritual and external/societal encounters, i.e. the studies and practices of karate-do and the ken-po goku-i with all that it entails at its deepest depth of limitless void.

I quote, "To become a wiser person who deals with life calmly and rationally; a person who will live a life of reason with equanimity; a person devoted to the study of the ancient classics thus providing for the following of the proper and accepted path according to the law of the ken-po goku-i (Tao) as determined by the relations of Heaven, Humanity, and Earth (I Ching and Ken-po Goku-i).

By this philosophy I strive to achieve the ability to "inspire" others. I strive to achieve a deep understanding of the esoteric aspects of my training and practice along with the deeper skills and experience to teach the physical benefits; to provide the best guidance possible for those who choose to train/practice with me.

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us." - unknown

"Read not to contradict and confute; nor to believe and take for granted; nor to find talk and discourse; but to weigh and consider..." - Francis Bacon

Ken-po goku-i: The eyes must see all sides, the ears must listen in all directions.

Hexagram 39 of the Confucius Analects states, "When they look [see, truly see], they think of how to see clearly." "When the listen, they think of how to hear keenly."

To truly see does not just mean what is visible to our eyes but what is invisible to what we see for seeing also means to perceive for perception is influenced by the mind and how we interact and learn from our life, the now/present and those encounters in life past. We must train our brain/mind, spirit, and body to see things with the type of clarity that does not create false perceptions. In order to do this one must first see within themselves "clearly and distinctly." Our ability to view in present moment clarity means the difference between true understanding or the repercussions of misunderstood experiences.

We actively listen all the time yet we don't always perceive truth. We tend to jump ahead when listening to thoughts and impressions that pop up while information is traveling to our hearing. To achieve a level of keen hearing is to achieve the ability to actually listen to outside while keeping the minds tendency to chatter along quiet so that we hear the entirety of all influences of life and living. If we spend time thinking within while trying to listen with out we muddle and fog up the flow of information causing misunderstanding. Listen actively and keenly to achieve a higher level of knowledge and understanding. This may mean shutting down the ego and remaining open and present.

Harmonious - Integrated - Balanced

Harmony - Symbiosis - Equilibrium

Three words my wife provided regarding her garden. The professional she borrowed the words from said that to have a perfect, as perfect as humans and nature can achieve, garden it must be harmonious, integrated, and balanced. This struck a cord with me and my studies in the FMA and ancient classics of China.

Lets take a look at the literal meaning of those three words, related words I have used in my postings on the FMA.

Harmonious (Harmony): exhibiting equivalence or correspondence among constituents of an entity or between different entities; existing together in harmony; compatibility in opinion and action; a harmonious state of things in general and of their properties (as of colors and sounds); congruity of parts with one another and with the whole; agreement of opinions, etc.

Integrated (Symbiosis): formed or united into a whole; formed into a whole or introduced into another entity; make into a whole or make part of a whole; become one; become integrated; consolidation: the act of combining into an integral whole, etc. ; Of, or relating to symbiosis; living together; Of a relationship with mutual benefit between two individuals or organisms; term for the interdependence of different species, etc.

Balanced (Equilibrium): being in a state of proper equilibrium; proportion: harmonious arrangement or relation of parts or elements within a whole; symmetry; an imprecise sense of harmonious or aesthetically pleasing proportionality and balance; Exhibiting symmetry; having harmonious or proportionate arrangement of parts, etc.

The entire purpose of the FMA is to provide the tools to, first, teach self protection, i.e. civil protection, which equates to street protection. This is not true combative protection of the kind the military has to deal with but one where we as citizens might, strong on might, have to protect ourselves. This applies to two separate forms of self protection, one is the monkey dance or what I call the school yard scuffle and two the really violent kind.

Then those who desire to go beyond the mere physical can achieve a better life and living by the singular form of practice that achieves body, mind, and spirit development where we learn to harmonize, integrate and balance out the three.

Where this begins is in academia or acquiring the knowledge. Train the mind, store the data in the brain and then go to the practical aspect which is also stored in the brain/mind so when perceived appropriate actions are taken.

Three is a significant number in the Ancient Classics such as the Analects and the Book of Changes. As a matter of fact mathematics are significant in all of it. Binary numbers are shown to be associated with the eight trigrams as follows:

1. Heaven = 111
2. Lake = 110
3. Fire = 101
4. Thunder = 100
5. Wind = 011
6. Water = 010
7. Mountain = 001
8. Earth = 000

When you want to see balance you would then associate 1 & 8, 2 & 5, 3 & 6, and 4 & 7. One of the more significant pairings is no. 1 & 8 which are Heaven and Earth. The combination of these two forces or non-forces is held to produce the complete human being. (you find this referenced in the first tome of the ken-po goku-i of Isshinryu)

The greatest unkept secret to our purpose in life is the full understanding and goal of equilibrium or balance. I believe this is our purpose and it extends further than anyone can imagine. To create internal harmony and integrate that into our life, family, tribe, society, etc. would be a great achievement which few have reached in history to date.

It is taught through the classics that we as human beings must achieve wholehearted "oneness" or "balance" within. No one can achieve balance in life or society or government if they first do not achieve harmony, balance and integration of mind, body and spirit because the emanations of our emotions through body, etc. have a cause and effect on anyone who we might encounter. We encounter, we react quicker than thought, and the results effects/affects all it encounters. To achieve equilibrium within is achieving the ability to know and recognize these issues and then allow ourselves to step back, breathe, and then control the affects creating a peaceful and harmonious effect on those we encounter.

The first step, recognize that Isshinryu and the FMA is more than mere physical fighting ability. The second step, recognize the gift provided by Bushi Tatsuo Sensei in the "ken-po goku-i!" The third step, make it a practical ability of your mind, body, and spirit.

Twelve Primary Hexagrams

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Twelve out of the sixty-four hexagrams are representative of the full cycle of Yang and Yin. There are six yang hexagrams in the twelve with six yin hexagrams.

Yang: 24, 19, 11, 34, 43, 1
Yin: 44, 33, 12, 20, 23, 2

You will find that all the sixty-four hexagrams are summed up in these twelve hexagrams. Lets discuss the first Yang for a moment to see the patterns. Hexagram 24 is composed of one yang line, i.e. solid, and five yin lines, broken. The first line is the yang line and is called the "first yang advances." All the hexagrams with a yang in the first places, i.e. 1st line, are there in, etc.

When you go to hexagram nineteen you get two yang lines in position of line one and two. The second line is the "second yang advances" and all hexagrams with a yang in the second place are therein, etc. this continues up to the fifth line but when it comes for the sixth then it reverses, i.e. first line is yin with the five lines above yang, thus "first yin advances."

The yang or yin, depending on the hexagram, moves from the fist place upward so even tho the first and second are yang lines the hexagram 11 with the third line now yang is called "third yang advances," which means line one and two although yang are not advancing, only that third line in that third yang hexagram is advancing.

An advancing line has the significance in reading the hexagram. How exactly is still being researched by me and to date have found no answer but may be tied to the six lines as to which is in a particular position, i.e. third here, or its condition in the reading or the time of the reading or whether the line is holding together the lines above, below, etc. It may be that the line references a body part or "heaven, earth, and man."

The hexagram meaning is extracted according to whom is divining and for who they are divining, the time, place, disposition of both parties and the questions asked. It determines the individual lines in specific places, their order, there relations to other lines and finally the relation between the lines and the two trigrams of which the hexagram is composed.

Example: The third line advances may have something to do with an "inner reason." It might deal with some intellectual activity which equates to the psychological state of the person in receipt of the reading. It might reference that persons "patience" in some endeavor. It also might refer to some social situation where the person would be advised to remain "independent" in actions, etc.

In the practice of FMA it could be advice on handling the area of the body referenced by the third line because of its advancement, i.e. loins, which could deal with the lower support of the hara, or center located just below the naval, while partnering with the fourth line which is the trunk of the body. Remember the association of the third line is also adjacent to the "calves" which leads to the bodies foundation or support to the Earth. Many paths, many strings, all attached on one form or the other depending on variables of the reading.

Don't forget to take notice that both hexagrams for Heaven and Earth are present in the twelve primary hexagrams. None of the hexagrams are with out the influences of both and this, as seen in the ken-po goku-i, is significant in all life activities to include practice of the FMA.

Focal Sense of Center

In order to get a sense of the three major belief systems of the time, ancient times of book of changes, the following definitions of center are provided,

- Confucianism: centered equilibrium.
- Taoism: centered harmony.
- Buddhism: central path.

which should provide the reader with a sense of which major belief system is referenced when the various types of Martial Systems are discussed. Confucians tell us to "hold the center." Taoists tell us to "keep to the center." and the Buddhist tell us to "open the center." This brings us to what the ancients used to indicate the "center."

The word, "center," wa written as a circle with a vertical line used to bisect it. What that circle stood for was what is innate in humans (person or person's, etc), completely good, something round and bright (sun and not as bright moon). The vertical line meant that in the total pattern of nature, i.e. the sun and moon to represent reference to the circulation of blood or chi or ki in humans, one energy ascends and descends, circulating ceaselessly.

The "silence" is the circle or "heaven" as in person's heart same as Heaven and Earth. Heaven does not create but its connection with the Earth does bring about the myriad things so the "master of myriad forms" is the line.

They speak of something before heaven and earth; it has no name, it is originally silent. The silence is the circle, which also symbolizes the sun, the master of myriad things is the line (square in book represents the Earth but both are intertwined with a vertical line bisecting both in that symbol.).

Ultimately nonexistent yet containing ultimate existence. Ultimately empty yet containing ultimate fulfillment, it is therefore called the center. ... the sense of balance and potential.

Humans are controlled by their emotions which are referred to as the "monkey brain." It in turn affects the "lizard" brain which equals the many habits we collect over our life times and they both end up driving ordinary person's. When a sage, or practitioner of the FMA, achieves control over the monkey brain, through knowledge and practice, to achieve a degree of control over emotions resulting in emotional inactivity leaving the lizard brain apart from that drive. This is called, "the center." Not being biased is also called the center.

When we practitioners of the FMA call focus to the center most of us automatically associate that to the physical center which some say resides about two to three inches below the naval. In reality the center is all encompassing of humans in equilibrium, i.e. in this instance the balance of control or ability to manipulate the connections between our normal brain, the monkey brain and the lizard brain. Our normal brain is the one that performs our daily "conscious" thoughts but those thoughts are influenced by the monkey brain while the lizard brain runs on auto-pilot, i.e. breathing, walking, blinking, etc with an open path to receive the monkey brains emotional influences which occur before the normal brain has time to register it.

This is what constitutes the present moment mind and the logical, non-emotional influences of the brain, to achieve more control over the lizard brain along with the monkey brains adrenaline dump for mother nature's survival, i.e. flight or fight or freeze, acts.

The Confucius Analects, "The Great Learning, Chap VII, no. 2, says; "When the mind is not present, we look and do not "SEE;" we "hear" and do not understand; we eat and do not know the taste of what we eat. This is what is meant by saying, that the cultivation of the person depends on the rectifying of the mind."

In FMA this brings us back to the ken-po goku-i where a person is the result of heaven and earth; the center or human energy flows naturally much like the sun and moon; the references to balance and weight deals with equilibrium of the center or that which is represented by the Universe, i.e. heaven and earth; sun and moon. It tells us that is our practice does not provide for "seeing" truly or "hearing" then we do not see what is a result of heaven and earth, i.e. humans and the myriad things of life. We do not hear truly so we miss the truth or diminish it to fit our perceptions.

The ken-po goku-i and the book of changes along with such ancient tomes of China, i.e. Analects, etc. all come back to the basic "tome" that we read in the FMA ken-po goku-i. These ancient classics are the teachers who provide us the myriad things we must open our true center to see, hear, taste, feel, etc. to find balance. All the tomes of the ken-po goku-i seem simplistic but in reality to "see" beyond the mere words into the depth and breadth of its true meaning the study of the teacher or ancient classics is necessary.

Knowledge can not achieve this level of understanding with out first receiving, openly and unconditionally, the teachings of the Ancient Masters such as Lao Tzu, Confucius, Mencius, etc. for they open the doors to the simplicity of ken-po goku-i.

Analects of Confucius:

"When they look (see), they think of how to 'see' clearly. When they 'listen' (hear), they think of how to 'hear' keenly." - Hexagram 39 of Confucius.

"If you make a mistake and do not correct it, this is called a mistake." - Hexagram 42 of Confucius.

"To HEAR a lot means to LEARN a lot. The verb for hearing is classically used because of the importance of oral tradition, but is also came to apply to reading and research or the whole process of information gathering." - Analects 7:27, Hexagram 26 of Confucius.

"The effort of the student, rightly oriented, is regarded as an indispensable ingredient in classical Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist systems of learning. The teacher cannot hand out wisdom but can only help others learn how to seek personal experience of wisdom themselves." - Analects 15:16, Hexagram 29 of Confucius.

"If you are unable to HEAR (hearing) others tell the truth, you will be reluctant to tell the truth to others." Analects 5:12, Hexagram 34 of Confucius.

"Loyalty, does not mean, as commonly assumed, simply obedience and conformity; loyal is one who tells the truth or gives sincere advice." Analects 14:23, Hexagram 37 of Confucius.

A Confucian motto: "Learning is to investigate things to produce knowledge." Hexagram 64 of Confucius.

Isn't is a wonder that such as Bushi Tatsuo Sensei who on the surface seemed an ordinary human was in reality a "sage" before his time!

Note: The circle with vertical line may remind you of another symbol, do you know which one?

The Analects to I Ching to Ken-po Goku-i

The Analects: Confucius: Chapter XVII - "A desire to have things done quickly prevents their being done thoroughly."

It seems that the ancients knew something we modern folk can not understand or accept. We are so caught up in the technological world we have lost control and it controls us. It pushes us faster and faster past our humanity when we should be taking control by allowing our humanity to catch up with technology. Alas, that would mean a loss of revenue so that ain't going to happen.

We can take it back at least in part by spending our time in the dojo practicing and actually doing so in a pace and method conducive to maximizing proficiency which is slow, easy, and over time. Practice, Practice, Practice! Even in the FMA we get caught up in how fast we can get to that wearing of the black belt. We gear or training to suit shorter time spans which I believe is a symptom of the technological era in which we live, if you can call it living.

The dojo is a place where we should turn off the technology, turn off our minds, and allow the flow and patterns of practice to bring us present moment peace and tranquility. After all if we allow technology to run our minds in lieu of our minds running it then our minds will be clogged up with information overloading caused by the constant chatter of information, etc.

Use the time in the dojo to leave behind the hustle and bustle of technology and multi-tasking and constant instant gratification. Don't even let those thoughts or ideas enter your mind. Focus grasshopper, get into the moment, allow the zone to take you into yourself in this exact moment, leave it all at the dojo door.In Isshinryu to accomplish to goals that the first tome of the Ken-po Goku-i is to achieve a level of equilibrium where our hearts are in motion that mirrors that of Heaven and Earth thus achieving its goal of wholehearted human beings, persons, which is, in part, remaining ever present to the moment. Thus the singular physical practice opens to the esoteric of the same where the influences of the Universe as taught by the I Ching through the Ken-po Goku-i being about our personal humanity. This humanity morphs us into a contributor to societal humanity.