History of the WBA

An idea that is a week old and deemed false, a joke, etc, but gains great value in time. Take that same idea decades later, and now it is worth very much. It has history, etc. Somehow makes it better. And so the History of the WBA.

Introducing a new concept in a world that only exists because of new concepts, but in that same world new concepts are shunned, isn’t easy. The martial arts are great. The martial arts world is outright insane at times. In modern times, if an idea on an organization, or method of movement comes from you, in the present, it is ridiculed.

But, if you are following an idea, that centuries ago was founded by an individual who claimed to have obtained their knowledge from a spirit, that impregnated their dreams one night, well, that get’s the stamp of authenticity.

Anyhow, enough on that point.

History of the WBA [World Budo Alliance]

That is information for another day, but I mention it here to give you an idea as to why I started all of this in the first place, 24 years ago. I’m the type that never quits, but will change something and strike out on my own at anytime it makes sense to me. I don’t fear the court of public opinion.

I only care about my motives, and my vision. Sometimes, doing that has filled rooms. Sometimes, has left me standing alone. Love it either way, and I still operate in that fashion. Bring the noise.

History of the WBA - Martial Art Organizations

When I started on my own, opening my first club at 17, I joined an international organization, then another, then another…then another. They were all the same, no real purpose. They collect a fee, send materials, be there to promote in grade, etc, But big deal. What were we together, contributing to the world, through our martial arts?

Always in the back of my mind, was “what can I do to give through the martial arts, to not just martial artists, but non-martial artists as well..?” I always felt the martial arts were good for all. But how to deliver that good.

Teaching classes only goes so far. Being a religious reader of martial arts magazines back then (remember magazines…?), I came across a news piece, about a cluster of clubs in the USA that had conducted a seminar, with an entrance fee, that was 100% donated to charity.

Light switch moment! Back then I was much younger, thought I could do anything, so always shot big. Failed most of the time, but shot anyway. Too young, stupid and brave to do it any other way.

What if, one could do this:

1- Form a martial arts organization of practitioners from around the world.
2- Have that organization’s only purpose, be 1-3 major seminars per year
3- Have all the membership vote on a charity of choice leading up to the next seminar
4- Hold said seminar, with all proceeds going to that charity.

If one could build an international group of this kind, imagine how much we could do for society, through martial arts, without a person being a martial artist to reap the rewards? Isn’t martial arts about helping fellow man, being selfless, etc?

In time, as I grew older, I learned the tenants of the martial arts come mainly from the religious beliefs attached to the founders and practitioners of martial arts systems, but again, another subject for another time.

History of the WBA - A Winner?

I was sure I had a winner. Again, enthusiasm of youth. Great spirits and intentions, but not enough foresight to think of logistics. Where are these people located, how far apart, and how can the physical gatherings actually be facilitated?

Another side I had not anticipated, was the reception of large charitable groups to the idea. I thought visiting these groups in person, pitching my idea of trying to form a body to raise funds for them, would be received very well.

Nope. They mostly thought I was some dude looking to commit fraud, and use them as a front to do my dirty deeds. (insert the “F” word here). But, that didn’t deter me. Shoot, see where we land. 

I started sending letters out to well known martial arts leaders, including an info pack, membership form, and a certificate of membership.

History of the WBA - Black Belt Magazine

Should they accept, simply send the form back. Should they decline, send it all back. To my surprise, completed membership forms and acceptance was what was arriving in my mailbox. I then placed an ad in Black Belt magazine (Oct 1999 edition, page 123). This brought about more support.

Answer was the same: The status quo of other organizations, is what gets asses in the seats. Perhaps re-brand as such, but attach part of your original philosophy to it. OK. So I did.

Instead, I went this way:

1- Create an organization, bringing martial artists together, to share their expertise, resources, and friendship, with other martial artists, and agencies worldwide, that all have the common goal of friendship and sharing.
2- Do not limit the above thinking to fundraising for charities. Instead, anything of a giving or assisting nature.
3- To live step number two, this would mean offer for free, what other organizations charge for.

World Budo Alliance is Born

But, as any past members can easily attest, many of the world’s most recognizable martial arts leaders, were in some shape of form, affiliated with the World Budo Alliance during the short golden years, of 2000-2002.

Some of the great works we completed together:

• Time in grade promotions, and support to instructors and clubs in nations where the paying of fees for the same with other groups, was not possible.
• Recognition of individuals looking to form their own systems, and share with the world their own martial arts expression (which is every person’s right). Some of these folks, then enjoyed massive followings, still in existence today.
• The creation of safety courses on such topics as Women’s Self defense, Youth safety, and other subjects. These courses, would be used not only by our membership, but by some police agencies as well. I personally donated such courses to various police agencies in the Southern USA, as well as in Portugal, and the UK.
• And much more, to list here.

History of the WBA

New challenge, new direction. We brought in minimal fees. Not received well.

The folks we were helping that simply could not pay, felt betrayed. So we continued to help those we could….but if you do it in one part of the world, you have to do it across the board. So, now we’re shooting ourselves in the foot.

Further, some of our more well known members, understood, actually had a hand in suggesting that change. But some others, shocked us by expressing the opinion that we had recruited them for their status, to eventually use them and their status, as means to charge money of others. Thunder rolling.

History of the WBA continues

Further, when you are open to everyone, globally, you sometimes have friends of one another joining, but, you also have sworn enemies of one another joining. Being a close-knit group, we would announce in a mass email to the membership, anytime there was a new addition to the WBA family.

Sometimes, an email from a current member would come in, detailing how evil that person is, and should not be here.

As you can imagine, the new member would have equal amounts of “facts” and “history” to “expose” the current member, who is a charlatan, and has fooled us all. Then, each might even go as far as to individually contact various other members, and now you are refereeing a global internet martial arts feud.

History of the WBA

Now if you make a decision (which I always did), you can guarantee not only a direct confrontation from the disgruntled party, but normally all of their friends in the martial arts world as well. Sheesh!

Once this became the main activity of the WBA, I shut it down. Not only were we no longer achieving our goals, the organization was now becoming a vehicle for everything that can be wrong in the martial arts world. War and ego, 24 hours a day, no commercials.

History of the WBA Continues....

So now you’re thinking: “well, that’s not a great story. Why in the world would I want to be a part of this re-birthed group?”. Here are some points to ponder, that I now understand in retrospect, being middle age vs the young adult I was then:

1- While there were many involved, I held the reigns at the front of the sleigh. Error!
2- It took me many years of painful experience, to learn my ideas alone, are not always the best.
3- I ran the organization, politically. Meaning, I made decisions based on what was demanded that day, just to scratch my head the next day at the fallout, and wonder how to manage this new scenario.

In retrospect, I should have launched the organization, started it’s growth, then made it owned by all, and then step back and be a part of what more experienced folks could build upon. We would have been one of the most successful, sustaining multi-style martial arts organizations on earth. Many thought we would be.

History of the WBA - Rebirth of the WBA

The good news, is that can all still be true. My true friend and brother in Budo, Grand Master Art Mason, is a true level headed soul of reason, thoughtfulness, and foresight. The foundational intentions of the WBA, now led by him and his humble steady hand, allows a 2nd chance, and opportunity to get this right. I was the founder of the original WBA, the rough prototype, and he stood by my side.

He is now the founder of the new chapter of the WBA, the finished and improved model, and I am honored to stand by his side. The battles of the past have taught us much, and this new launch, totally initiated by Grandmaster Art Mason, is the way to go for any and all true martial artists. I am honoured, that he scoured the earth to find me, and dig me up to be a part of this.

History of the WBA - Honouring the Past

In closing, I want to give honorable mention to a past member of the WBA executive during the original version. He and I would spend many Sunday afternoons on the phone, discussing many things of budo, and of life. He was older than I (as was everyone, I was in my early 20’s then).

We had nicknames for each other. I would call him “Yoda”, because of his wisdom, experience, and demeanor. He would call me “Young Skywalker”, because in his view I had all the right ingredients and intentions, just needed life experience to make it all real.

Soke Raymond Hayes

After the WBA ended, we lost touch. I was saddened when searching for him on the web years later, to come across his obituary. I consider him one of my teachers. He never taught me any physical aspects, and we never shared company in person. But my, how he taught me many things of the Budo mental and spiritual! Soke Raymond Hayes, thank you for everything. Soke Hayes was a very important part of the History of the WBA.

In many times during my life, I remember a conversation you and I had. It was about the rapid growth of the WBA. I was gushing that we were growing in leaps and bounds. You said “Leaps and bounds can be great, unless you find yourself on the moon. Then, those leaps and bounds are a bad thing, as everything will spiral out of control."

There is no gravity on the moon. Stay grounded. Take those leaps and bounds, but be sure to take the time to be tethered to something solid. ” Wise Yoda, most wise."

Humbly yours in the arts,
Kyoshi Dave DeGrouchie

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I want to take a moment to personally thank my old friend Kyoshi Dave DeGrouchie for this article called History of the WBA. It will be one of many from him. I was so very happy and honoured to have reconnected with Kyoshi Dave and have him agree to return to the organization he founded.

All ideas have their time. And Kyoshi Dave was an is a visionary in our martial arts world. 

Most of all ideas and truth go through a process. That process is:

1. 1st they are laughed at
2. 2nd they are violently attacked
3. And finally accepted as self evident

The time for the World Budo Alliance has come. But its success comes from the rich History of the WBA and the members who walk the path with us. 

Thank you for your time and have a wonderful day! Keep Learning!

Vă mulțumesc pentru timpul acordat și o zi minunată! Continua sa inveti!

Al vostru în arte,
Mare Maestru Art Mason

And from a self defense aspect because of the overactive Triple Warmer [Heater] Meridian they are easy to deal with on the streets. And they tend towards never ending conflict in their lives. 

But what I am talking about is pride and prejudice, two very normal states of the human mind that hinder successful martial arts training.

Of Pride and Prejudice - There is a path

There is a path of training, and pride in what you do is normal for the beginner. But you need to move past this. Pride is a part of the Ego. And Ego prevents learning.  Years ago I spoke to a very well known Judo grand master whom I invited to a seminar. He laughed at me and told me "I do not attend seminars I give them." Obviously learning was off the table for this man. He was, back in the day, on the WBA board. So I removed him for his lack of interest in promoting us beyond his name on the website.

I am coming up on 40 years in the arts. Plus I have never stopped my study. And today this is still true. Very importantly I am still research, learning and training in new things. Someone of pride stops learning, because they start to believe they know everything. And they will be the first to tell you.

The next is prejudice. We all have prejudices. Therefore we judge things in our environment and this is a good thing! Prejudice or judgement are needed skills. Tied to ego this is something that keeps us safe! That feeling that perhaps something is wrong is important. 

But on the Dojo floor to be of Pride and Prejudice limits our training. We must overcome both to continue to learn.

Of Pride and Prejudice

Let's look at some examples.

• I love Kata, but do not like Kumite
• Kumite is all that matters
• Competition translate to street
• Pressure points do not work
• and on and on...

This is tunnel vision in training. Classic examples of missing the boat on the martial arts path of training. And this is normal for the human experience, but death to the Karateka. This is closed minded, limited thinking. The martial artist who thinks like this is standing at a road block, believing they have arrived. This is far from the truth.

Most of all this is actually a failure of the current paradigm of the Dojo. Because the commercial world is a big challenge, one I have much experience in after running my own Dojo Art Mason's Peaceful Warriors Martial Arts for 15 years, instructors try to make students happy.

Of Pride and Prejudice

This does not turn out well because students become comfortable, and then bored because they are not challenged. Those who do not want challenge are bad choices for your Dojo. The bored student leaves creating financial issues for the Dojo. Then more concession are made to keep the students happy. It is a vicious circle.

Now I cannot say this is all bad. However when Pride and Prejudice are the normal result of training because of incomplete martial systems, and the instructors no longer continuing their own training, the path themselves. The benefits are lost. And the benefits of training come with time. 

Of Pride and Prejudice in Conclusion

Thank you for reading Of Pride and Prejudice!

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Thank you for taking time to read this article called Of Pride and Prejudice.

Thank you for your time and have a wonderful day! Keep Learning!
Vă mulțumesc pentru timpul acordat și o zi minunată! Continua sa inveti!

Al vostru în arte,
Mare Maestru Art Mason

This made me smile from ear to ear. Back about 2 or 3 years ago I wrote an article called Kyusho Jitsu Winter Season about how important pressure point study is for those of us aging. And guess what, we are all aging! This is a very important article because aging with grace in the arts means understanding the human body. And over 98% of my follower are over 45 years of age.  But I have always offered the training in Natural Laws know Kosho as part of this. 

Old Man's Martial Art

The study of Kosho Ryu is about understanding more than just "what to do," Every martial art teaching this. Most importantly however very few martial arts teach "when to do it." or "where to move." There is a proclivity in the arts taught today to stand and fight. In my opinion that makes these martial arts only for the young, and the foolish. Why would I accept taking on mass, taking on damage when it is simply not necessary.

This is because today martial arts training is about BODY. Training for strength and endurance ONLY. The Mind - Body connection is therefore poor. Mind -Body - Spirit is missing. Those who do not agree are young of age and low on experience.

I recall my competition days. I was young and egotistical. However as the years went by, after a tournament while nursing my wounds, I would think to myself, "and I paid to do this." Somehow the trophy seemed worthless at this point. 

An old man's martial art, as I age that makes sense. And when I was 25 I was sure I knew everything about everything. As I aged I began to realize I know nothing. 

Old Man's Martial Art - Kosho Ryu

Today I am refocusing my martial art training and teaching on Kosho Ryu. I began that journey in late 2000. However today I see these teaching of great important. The current state of the martial arts world is not good. If we do not change this many of these teachings will be lost to time. The days of the Dojo will be gone if we do not change things. That is why the resurrection of the World Budo Alliance and returning to the teachings and paths of old. 

Old Man's Martial Art in Conclusion

And you can write me via the form below to get information on submitting articles. I hope you enjoyed this article called Old Man's Martial Art. And you can write me via the form below to get information on submitting articles..

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Thank you for taking tim to read this article called Old Man's Martial Art.

Thank you for your time and have a wonderful day! Keep Learning!

Vă mulțumesc pentru timpul acordat și o zi minunată! Continua sa inveti!

Al vostru în arte,
Mare Maestru Art Mason

The man is a self proclaimed coward. And I must agree.

A Good Coward is the Path to Bravery

But, I have handled him wrong. I have always told him there is no shame in running. But this massive issue of being a coward caused his self worth to decline. And now manifests itself in him arguing with people to the point of them turning violent. He is self destructive and puts himself in bad situations.

I should have taught him to run, to be a good coward.

Most of all I personally do not like the image the martial arts has today. They were never intended to be sport. Now I have no issue with the idea of competition. I did it for 8 years in the 80's and early 90's. But it has gone to far.

The martial arts needs to be for the average person not just the elite athlete. 

Teaching Martial Arts

The issues with the commercial school are showing in the decline of the arts. Many of the complete systems are disappearing along with their history because of the need of paying high rents. Teachings are watered down to suit the masses rather than tailored to the student.

History is no longer taught, language is no longer taught. 

When I began my training it was survival of the fittest thereby eliminating many of the students from success. While I am completely in favor of hard training. There needs to be teaching. It is important we TEACH and if necessary teach a person to be a good coward, then once they are, we can teach them how to defend.

A Good Coward is the Path to Bravery

I am not a fan of the term to fight. I believe this also gives the wrong impression. I teach the values and benefits of martial arts training. On the path of Budo. Self Defense is a byproduct. 

I am also not a fitness instructor or as I call them "professional counters." I am a teacher. This means I adapt to the students needs to bring them along the path. This is why there is a certification program in my old Dojo for teachers. 

As martial arts teachers many of us have lost our way. We have subscribed to the Western Culture lie of instant gratification. Most of all we have to remember that the benefits of martial art training come with time. And the learning must continue for our entire lives. 

A Good Coward is the Path to Bravery in Conclusion

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I hope you enjoyed this article A Good Coward is the Path to Bravery.

Thank you for your time and have a wonderful day! Keep Learning!

Vă mulțumesc pentru timpul acordat și o zi minunată! Continua sa inveti!

Al vostru în arte,
Mare Maestru Art Mason

Because we as both teachers of the martial arts, and I hope lifelong students, need to understand is because we have the ability to do harm to others does not give us the right to do so. And this includes the barbarism that much of sport has become. It is discussing to see a man sitting on another punching his bloody face to a pulp. With people screaming for blood. How is this good for society? What is it teaching the children? If you think that is cool we have NOTHING to talk about. 

Do no Harm

The world today is insane, with masses of people with serious mental illness, attacking others. This includes the media like CBC, CNN and BBC. There was once a time you could trust a doctor to DO NO HARM, but today a large number of these sellouts violate their oath for money. Hospitals in much of the west have become KILL CENTERS for the evil pharma industry. I personally know now 11 people who have been murdered by the lies and incompetence of this industry. Why do I say murder? Because they covered it up.  And I do not mean Facebook friends either, real people. Facebook is a lie destroying the fabric of society. Aside from posting article in my Kyusho Jitsu groups I do not do Facebook. Facebook is and should be irrelevant. 

And also Police, who take an oath to uphold the law and protect the people yet beat woman on the streets in protests. They forgot their oath to do no harm for money, power or blackmail. The police work for the people not the government. And government officials are civil servants not leaders. They are no different than someone picking up trash on the streets. But those picking up trash are better human beings. 

If you fall to blackmail you have lost your humanity. Perhaps if you lived a life of morals and values, something like your keepers' do not believe in, there would be nothing to blackmail.

We as Martial Artists - Do No Harm

This situation today needs to stop. And it can be us as martial artists to start the wave. Stand up for what is right, leave your ego and "i am a touch guy" crap at home. NO ONE CARES ABOUT YOUR RANK, YOUR TITLES, YOUR HALL OF FAME BS. The only one who cares is YOU! I don't brag about my past. 

Live a life of moral values. Lead by example.

And take not just the oath to do no harm, but to always tell the truth. Or at the very least never lie.

Do No Harm in Conclusion

Plus he was an untalented clown. We all makes mistakes, but what he did is not a mistake. And can never be tolerated. Martial Artist must hold themselves to the highest possible standard. I hope you will join us. 

I hope you enjoyed Do No Harm.

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Thank you for taking time to read this article called Do No Harm.

Thank you for your time and have a wonderful day! Keep Learning!

Vă mulțumesc pentru timpul acordat și o zi minunată! Continua sa inveti!

Al vostru în arte,
Mare Maestru Art Mason

I do not believe in the paradigm of the West of sitting in front of a TV all day. 

While this is not an article for me to bash the failed and useless educational system in Canada I am going to call out English speakers in one way. Learn the definition of the words you use. 

As an example the work "phobia" means "an irrational fear of."

Because I disagree with someone or their ideology does not make me phobic.

The the same with the word conspiracy. A conspiracy is a plot between two or more people to carry out an illegal activity. Therefore Conspiracy Theory is a "belief there is a plot to carry out an illegal activity." It does NOT mean PARANOID or being WRONG. If correct then it is Conspiracy FACT. 

People who use words incorrectly to me look foolish. Especially when they have lots of meaningless letters behind their names.

Language of Budo

I come from a Korean root art. During my training Korean words were used and tested upon. While I taught this was pretty cool I really did not understand the reasons why it was done, other then tradition.  Grand Master, Mr Chung Oh, my root Grand Master, spoke pretty decent English, so language was not really an issue. 

So why Korean?

The Japanese arts are very good at teaching the terminology to their students. But as time goes by this is disappearing. And I have been guilt of it too! When I opened my school in 2000 I continued the teaching of Korean. And I had a BIG test for it at Black Belt level.

But I got lazy and stopped. And it was not because I decided, and wrongly so, that there was no benefit to this. I was just being LAZY.

Benefits of Language of Budo

What are the reasons and benefits to the Language of Budo? 

Recently I was watching a video of Hanshi Juchnik teaching a Kosho Ryu class. He caught one of his instructors teaching ONLY in English. Upon asking the man "why" he did this.

He was honest, he said "because it is easier."

Hanshi then replied, "I know, but you are cheating both yourself, and the student of the chance to THINK." ( Like Kosho, in the west, a lost art of itself ). 

Learning the Language of Budo in Conclusion

In a commercial school or Dojo customers pay the bills, students grow up to keep the teachings and the tradition alive.  I hope you enjoyed this article on Learning the Language of Budo.

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Thank you for taking time to read this article on Learning the Language of Budo. If you enjoyed it I hope you will return. You can learn more about the World Budo Alliance from this link.

Thank you for your time and have a wonderful day! Keep Learning!

Vă mulțumesc pentru timpul acordat și o zi minunată! Continua sa inveti!

Al vostru în arte,
Mare Maestru Art Mason

It is sad because these men and women MISS THE POINT of training. It is not about a championship or trophy. Most of all it is a journey of life. A hunger for more knowledge. Most martial artist today are stuck. And this is because of BIG EGOS. If you are not always learning and moving forward with your training you not still, you are regressing.

20 years of martial art training and its benefits can be lost in week when someone stops their progress.  The Mind Of A Martial Artist is a thirst For knowledge.

Mind Of A Martial Artist A Thirst For Knowledge

Today many martial artists are what I call "technique bound." Then you hear all sorts of whining stating that the "martial arts does not work on the street." No, it is not the martial art you study. YOU ARE THE FAILURE. But today the failed Western Culture is all about blaming others for your failures, and demanding equal outcome without doing the work. This is just so PATHETIC. 

What is technique bound? It is believing a technique or WAZA works.  And this is because of incomplete teaching systems where the teachers refuse to continue their own learning because they "think" they know everything. EGO.....

Mind Of A Martial Artist

And it is youth that makes them think this way. In the west OLD PEOPLE are a burden and to be locked away in a home so that their children can make money and consume. Now this is not every person in the west, but a very large percentage.

This is from a LACK of values. Values come from a philosophy, and philosophy is the mother of concepts. The Mind of a Martial Artist should be looking for wisdom from their elders and the masters of old. Not virtue signalling about how GREAT they are and how they know more than all these others. 

My mother was my mentor in life. She passed away at 96 with all her mental facilities in place. And she was very wise, the wisest person I have ever known. But this came from her endless thirst for knowledge. Very importantly she believed she knew nothing. My son Scott and I took care of her in her final years. 

The way it is supposed to be.

Mind Of A Martial Artist - Seeking Knowledge.

When someone is honest with themselves " I have no time" means I do not want to something. 

I train everyday. That does not mean that I necessarily do Kata. No, it means I understand that my martial arts training, like Zen, exists in everything I do. I also study and train concepts each and every day. Sometimes for hours, other times for minutes. And I take quiet time to reflex and be thankful for all I am and have learned. 

Today people seeking out martial art training often want "sport" or an activity for fitness. That is fine, but that is not what I wish to teach. Therefore I stepped away from commercial schools. 

Mind Of A Martial Artist in Conclusion

I want to network together like minded people interested in learning more and sharing their knowledge with others. I hope you enjoyed this article on the Mind Of A Martial Artist

I hope you will join us. 

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Thank you for your time and have a wonderful day! Keep Learning!

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Al vostru în arte,
Mare Maestru Art Mason

And religion is not the focus. The focus of Buddhism is the Mind. To control the mind and remain centered in all things. 

This helps you to shift through lies and propaganda, which today runs crazy. In the western culture lies are now considered to be virtuous. Small lies are still lies, there is no degree of bad. 

Zen Mind Martial Mind - Dualism

We live in a dualistic existence. And the world of Yin Yang. I wrote a book a while back called Power of Kyusho Yin Yang Theory. It is beyond this article to explain this very deep and detailed subject.  Zen in a nutshell is about mastering the mind to remain in balance. And It is not about peace or violence. It is the balance that exist between those 2 parts. Because no matter how much wishful thinking people have. Or how often they say "it is the 21st century and people should be better," none of that is realistic.

Peace is and always will be kept at the end of a sword. And the withdrawal of the sword since the middle of the 20th century is why we have escalated to the current level of evil in our world. The sin of apathy was the vehicle. 

Hence, it is because of the lack of the Zen Mind Martial Mind and a belief that consumption, greed, and lies are the way to happiness.  Nothing could be further from the truth. 

Zen Mind Martial Mind

Training in the martial arts, when it is a study of the self, a path of life will lead you to become balanced. But unlike the lies of the western culture this is not an instant or guaranteed result. There is no car, amount of money in a bank, house or boat that will make you happy. Power and career will not do it ether. Only the conquering of the mind. Which was the original purpose of Martial Art training. It was never about winning a fight. No one ever wins a fight. 

I hear often in the industry that is today the martial art world that "this person is the best fighter in the world" or "I am an expert in this style or system." One of my favorites is "I am a Black Belt."  Like it actually meant something.  I had one former student and friend who made similar comments. He is where he is. But thinking this idea or statement of understanding and positioning, of the self above something or someone else, is false. When in truth the Black Belt of any rank is simply a signpost along the Path of Budo. 

Bragging about rank is like me saying I am in Bucharest today. It has no meaning at all. Only ego makes you believe it is important. 

Zen Mind Martial Mind

The Zen Mind Martial Mind tells me to improve myself using the vehicle of martial art training. This self improvement then is shown to others as a "way" by my actions in life. 

Very importantly this is "living through humility by example." And then for me is too teach other about this path. Note I am saying "about" this path, not "teaching this path." All paths are personal. My path I walk alone. And the Zen Mind Martial Mind tells me that as an irrevocable, self evident truth. 

Zen Mind Martial Mind - Martial Art Vehicle

As I stated, for me the vehicle is to walk the path is the martial arts. That vehicle can take many forms. But I can only talk about mine. As I have been walking this path for 2/3rd's of my life. 

And something I found along the way was that some vehicles break down. My first study of Kul Sul Hapkido as an example. When the learning stopped because the teachings ran out, the vehicle stopped. I had to get out and look for a new vehicle. Or never progress again.  Most of all I needed something complete and endless. A true study. 

The problem today as people get letters behind their names they believe they have arrived. And most importantly they have not. Some of the stupidest people I met along the path of life have the most letters behind their names. They truly cannot see the forest for the tress. Titles become more important than learning for some. 

What answers can I offer you on the path of life? So, I have NO ANSWERS only questions. I am wise because I know that I know nothing.  And I can however share the questions. 

Therefore I am offering my vehicle to others. Most of all the study I am involved in within the martial arts is Kosho Shorei Ryu which is not a style but a true study.

 The study of natural laws. This is an endless path and will not break down like other arts along the way. If I do not stay in the vehicle, it is my fault, not Kosho's. Formal training from me in Kosho, and when I say formal I mean live in person then visit my Wolf Den Dojo. This page will provide more information on this subject.

Zen Mind Martial Mind in Conclusion

While I make a living teaching Kyusho Jitsu I provide more content and "service" free to students that anyone in the field I am aware of. My Dojo was and is run based on service to the student.

There is no higher purpose.

I hope you enjoyed this article on the Zen Mind Martial Mind.

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Thank you reading this article on the Zen Mind Martial Mind. Please consider joining us here at the World Budo Alliance. 

Thank you for your time and have a wonderful day! Keep Learning!

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Al vostru în arte,
Mare Maestru Art Mason

At any given moment there is somewhere in the neighborhood of two million bits of sensory information trying to make its way into the subconscious mind. And this is actually a low ball number. 

Of that information the subconscious mind can only process about 40,000 bits of incoming data per second.

Therefore the data that comes in the mind has to be filtered, to decide which data is important and which is not.

Unimportant data gets filtered out by a bundle of nerves situated at the core of the brain stem known as the Reticular Activating System or R.A.S.

R.A.S Reticular Activation System

This is the reason, as an example, if you have a desire to own a certain type of car, and owning that car becomes part of your predominate thoughts, you begin to see that car everywhere.

I recall in 1979 when I was looking to buy a Corvette I saw Corvettes everywhere, wherever I went. The R.A.S Reticular Activation System was filtering my thoughts and giving me the results I was looking for. 

Another example is when people have negative self talk about failure. They continue to fail because the brain will provide the conditions this negative talk is requesting. Once the talk is changed, the reality changes with it.

The subconscious mind gives you the results without discrimination.

Your Perception equals your Reality

The average person has over 76,000 thoughts per day and better then 90% of them are negative. Yet they wonder why their reality is undesirable. This is why the saying above that your "perception equals your reality" is true.

It is hard wired into your brain. How the Reticular Activation System works.

ideas, beliefs, values or emotional reactions. 

Reticular Activation System

People have a motivational drive to reduce dissonance by altering existing cognitions or adding new ones to create a consistent belief system.

This is what causes people to stop thinking critically and accept lies told to them. They will even fight to defend the lies.

When you engage in negative self-talk your RAS filters out your environment so that it aligns with your beliefs. What you say becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

You must become aware of the way in which you are talking to yourself.

Anytime you tell yourself you can’t do something, something is hard, it or that it’s not going to work you are programming your mind to give you reference experiences that are in alignment with these beliefs.

If you tell yourself you can’t catch the ball, then you mind will go to work on not being able to catch the ball. Your thoughts actually structure the experience you have of the world around you. 

Then not only is "your perception equal to your reality" but "your opinion equal your illusion" of what is factual and truth about yourself and your environment. We are what we think.

Martial Art Training - Reticular Activation System

Now I am not going to talk to you about goal setting here. Yes the R.A.S is the part of the brain programmed to achieve goals. However it is also needed in daily training in martial arts. If that is, you wish to take your training to a different level. 

People have been programmed today to FOCUS on things in their environment that are not important AT ALL. Billboard littering the countryside pushing the failed Western Culture ideology of consumption for consumption sake.

And because your R.A.S Reticular Activation System has been programmed to look for this garbage you miss most of your environment. You are no longer AWARE of your surrounding. Even if you think you are.

Martial Arts awareness training falls SHORT because they do not understand how the brain works. People exist in a perpetual state of tunnel vision due to the non stop focus on this programming or external stimulus.

They are programmed to focus on the unimportant and miss the important. 

You must train to use your peripheral vision, and see everything. Relax the mind, and therefore stop the adrenaline rushes and reprogram the R.A.S for the desired results.

Learning to use what I call "soft vision" also increased the sensitivity of the other senses like hearing and smell. 

Reticular Activation System - How is this done?

First I am going to suggest a Free Video on Kosho from this link. There will also be a form below to download as well. This type of training teaches you to understand the visual plane.

To learn not to focus on the attackers incoming fist but instead see movement. Do not look at the face, but learn to soften your vision by looking at the knees as example, thus allowing the peripheral to see motion. 

You therefore respond to the attackers motion and not react to a punch. This is a lost teaching of the masters of old. Learning when to move above just what to do.

Everyone learns what to do, but not when to do it. 

Martial Arts are taught wrong on purpose but the training is not evolved as it was intended. Understanding the Reticular Activation System starts the process to continue properly learning and results.

Reticular Activation System in Conclusion

Technique comes from concepts. But today the focus is on technique and not the concept that gave birth to it. Thank you for reading my article on the R.A.S Reticular Activation System.

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Thank you for having read about the Reticular Activation System. You should also checkout my new book which is dedicated to this topic. It is called Kosho Ryu the Awakened Mind. 

Thank you for your time and have a wonderful day! Keep Learning!

Vă mulțumesc pentru timpul acordat și o zi minunată! Continua sa inveti!

Al vostru în arte,
Mare Maestru Art Mason

Walking Cane in Street Defense

My oldest son decided after an incident with his grand mother at a Chapter's Book store in the dystopian city of Windsor Ont, where a young PUNK tried to kick her cane out from under her, that we needed to add the Cane Masters system to our program. He contacted GM Shuey for help. And GM SHuey was very happy to help.

This also caused us to reach out to the seniors centers, as well as the MS society to work with too.  And Cane Masters is a great system also! I highly recommend the system for all martial artists despite the fact I have created courses myself on Hapkido Cane Defense.  So how important is Walking Cane in Street Defense?

Walking Cane in Street Defense

Weapons have a great tradition in the martial arts. As an example the farm implements used in Okinawa. These were weapons of the times. And are still practiced today. But times have changed and new implements of self defense are needed. You are going going to walk the streets with a Tonfa.

And in my view the Walking Cane therefore leads the way. Now do not get me wrong, I love knives. But carrying one can be very problematic. And depending on where you live a Gun may or many not be an option for you. Gun Laws vary and penalties for violation are harsh.  Anyone can carry a cane, and there is nothing any alleged "authority" can do about it. This is why Walking Cane in Street Defense matters more today than ever.

Walking Cane in Street Defense

Most of all, no matter if you wish to deny it or not, the streets are getting more and more dangerous day by day. Especially in the BIG cities like dystopian Chicago, and the most corrupt mayor since Young in Detroit. The root cause is overreach by the vehicle of corruption. But this has caused a rise in serious mental illness among the general population. The deliberate destruction of society is why. 

A large percent of society have simply lost their minds, programmed by the evil media to an extreme. Recovery will take decades. 

Therefore this makes Walk Cane is the perfect tool for protecting yourself.

Most of all as we are aging and the body changes, well lets just say we will all need a cane eventually. I used to be able to kick well above my head. Today I like my feet on the ground! While I do not need it for support walking I love my cane!

Walking Cane in Street Defense in Conclusion

This makes the Walking Cane very powerful. I have a new Cane Book called Kosho Book of Cane which you can look at. Or my Hapkido Cane Course, Mastering the Cane Course etc. But also do checkout Cane Masters.

I hope you enjoyed this article on Walking Cane in Street Defense.

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Free Stuff!

I hope you enjoyed this article on Walking Cane in Street Defense. 

Thank you for your time and have a wonderful day! Keep Learning!

Vă mulțumesc pentru timpul acordat și o zi minunată! Continua sa inveti!

Al vostru în arte,
Mare Maestru Art Mason