護身術-Goshinjutsu-Self Defense-What is that?

Typical image of Self Defense

     

      How many of you started any martial art for the sole purpose of self defense? How many of you have had to actually use anything you've learned in an actual confrontation. I hope that most of you have not experienced the need to do so. One, you may be in for a major shock! Or Two, you may be thankful for the days you've sweated in the Dojo. There are too many variables. "Reality training", "Alive training" exponents often pooh pah traditional methods of martial arts training. On some points I may agree. They often like to point out that in traditional martial arts training, it takes a long time before anyone is capable of mastering any technique and use it effectively. Perhaps true, I have posted in the past about a Nidan who was attacked and killed by a sexual predator. But does that mean karate is ineffective? I should say not. It is case by case. We cannot paint it with a broad brush. Some hold disdain for Kata and promulgate "drills". Where is the difference? To me "drills" are a version of kata. They teach you certain physical movements in response to a predetermined attack. No different from Kata, just shortened.


     On the other hand,"instant" SDF courses are not what they are built up to. Just like all those commercials for fitness in the media which display perfectly sculpted bodies using gimmick tools and exercises, have viewers believing that their own bodies will achieve the same results. What they fail to understand is that those models put in hours of sweat and dieting to get those bodies. I feel it is the same with all those SDF courses out in the market. None of those "teachers" gained their skills instantly. If they had actually trained in something, I would guess that they paid their dues in "sweat" and are now trying to collect some dues. This topic has been around as long as I can remember. (^^)

     As we can see in reports from Afghanistan and other spots of violence, all the mental and physical skills training don't save an elite soldier from death or injury. You can prepare all your life, but fate or destiny may make it all null in one instant by an IED, RPG Rocket or bullet. There are those who are "blessed" or "lucky" go through their entire lives without injury or sickness, other experience multitudes of anguish and pain that last a lifetime. It does not matter whether to have trained all your life in meditation or any other skills, when your time comes it comes. I have no other answer to that but I can accept that. However, it is different to allow yourself to become unhealthy, overweight or underweight, to indulge in excessive drugs or alcohol or to put yourself in harm's way by recklessness. You have the innate power to choose and make your own life. This is where your Shugyo makes a difference. Something an instant seminar that cannot give you.

       So why bother with Self Defense? Can’t we get through our lives without learning such physical skills? Is it a necessary component to being observant, making sound judgments and living in peace and harmony? Is it critical to know how to disable an attacker? What about tolerance and civility?  Can’t we get the same skills by reading "Dummies Guide to Mental Awareness"? Perhaps. But, you need to be able to read first. (^^)

      Sometimes we all live in a mystical world of martial arts. We think that by training in martial arts it gives us some sort of key to awareness and purpose in life. That Western and , Eastern philosophies, Bruce Lee's proverbs, the mystery of Ki will open the gates to peace and calm that we seek.. Let us not deceive ourselves. (^^)If you REALLY WANT TO you can get all the peace and calm you desire by disappearing into the mountains and severing all contact from modern civilization. Of course that would require you to shed all the modern conveniences and life styles. Don’t forget to have minimal survival skills! Are you willing?

     I was once asked by a Jehovah's Witness how can I be a Christian and still follow Eastern Philosophies and practice Martial Arts? WhaaaaaT??? Is this a Koan? Where is the difference? Christianity, Buddhism. Taoism is all about the "self" and how you strive to attain the "best" that you can be. No. no, not the Army Commercial of "Be the Best You Can Be" Don't all philosophies and religions try to show you a path to take towards self realization? Don't all of them point to a way to handle your weaknesses, doubts, guilt and all the other "stuff” that falls on our shoulders?

     Isn't that what Self Defense is all about? Knowing what you are about and the choice of accepting it or changing it. Just like Peace, Self Defense begins within.

Are you all confused with my ramblings? Not to worry. That is why to train or shugyo. (^^)

AUMMMMMMM.

Fufufu. It has been that sort of day for me. Peace be with you!