"The Author, it must be remembered, writes from his own standpoint!"
My personal "Interpretive" Lens!

Do You Have A Question?

If you have a question not covered in this blog feel free to send it to me at my email address, i.e. "snow" dot here "covered" dot here "bamboo" AT symbol here "gmail" dot here "com"

"One thing has always been true: That book ... or ... that person who can give me an idea or a new slant on an old idea is my friend." - Louis L'Amour


"Ideally, your self-defense will never get physical. Avoiding the situation and running or talking you way out - either of these is a higher order of strategy than winning a physical battle." - Wise Words of Rory Miller, Facing Violence: Chapter 7: after, subparagraph 7.1:medical

"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

Warning, Caveat and Note: The postings on this blog are my interpretation of readings, studies and experiences therefore errors and omissions are mine and mine alone. The content surrounding the extracts of books, see bibliography on this blog site, are also mine and mine alone therefore errors and omissions are also mine and mine alone and therefore why I highly recommended one read, study, research and fact find the material for clarity. My effort here is self-clarity toward a fuller understanding of the subject matter. See the bibliography for information on the books.


Note: I will endevor to provide a bibliography and italicize any direct quotes from the materials I use for this blog. If there are mistakes, errors, and/or omissions, I take full responsibility for them as they are mine and mine alone. If you find any mistakes, errors, and/or omissions please comment and let me know along with the correct information and/or sources.

Reader's of this Blog

Search This Blog

What is Jutsu, Do, SD and the Chemical Cocktail?

Blog Article/Post Caveat (Read First Please: Click the Link)

JUTSU: Principles of Physiokinetics and Technique

PRINCIPLE TWO: PHYSIOKINETIC PRINCIPLES (Breathing, posture, triangle guard, centerline, primary gate, spinal alignment, axis, minor axis, structure, heaviness, relaxation, wave energy, convergence, centeredness, triangulation point, the dynamic sphere, body-mind, void, centripetal force, centrifugal force, sequential locking and sequential relaxation, peripheral vision, tactile sensitivity, rooting, attack hubs, attack posture, possibly the chemical cocktail???see below)

PRINCIPLE THREE: PRINCIPLES OF TECHNIQUE (techniques vs. technique, equal rights, compliment, economical motion, active movement, positioning, angling, leading control, complex force, indirect pressure, live energy and dead energy, torsion and pinning, speed, timing, rhythm, balance, reactive control, natural and unnatural motion, weak link, non-telegraphing, extension and penetration, Uke.)

The combination of physiokinetics and technique are the physical or YANG aspects of martial arts disciplines. In whole and mostly in part all martial arts tend to teach this aspect of the discipline while few encompass all the principles as a basis of martial discipline instruction. 

DO (Doh): Principles of Theory and Philosophy

PRINCIPLE ONE: PRINCIPLES OF THEORY (Universality, Control, Efficiency, Lengthen Our Line, Percentage Principle, Std of Infinite Measure, Power Paradox, Ratio, Simplicity, Natural Action, Michelangelo Principle, Reciprocity, Opponents as Illusions, Reflexive Action, Training Truth, Imperception and Deception.)

PRINCIPLE FOUR: PRINCIPLES OF PHILOSOPHY (Mind [mind-set, mind-state, etc.], mushin, kime, non-intention, yin-yang, oneness, zanshin and being, non-action, character, the empty cup.)

The combination of theory and philosophy are the YIN or psychological aspects of martial arts disciplines. It is sad to write that most martial arts teachings fail to address these principles with any sort of depth and breadth. This YIN aspect is what balances out martial arts training, practice and application. It is what allows us the intestinal fortitude to act morally and justifiably against conflict and violence. 

SDCC: Principles of Self-Defense and Chemical Cocktail

PRINCIPLE FIVE: PRINCIPLES OF SELF-DEFENSE (“Conflict communications; Emotional Intelligence; Lines/square/circle of SD, Three brains (human, monkey, lizard), JAM/AOJ and five stages, Adrenal stress (stress induced reality based), Violence (Social and Asocial), Pre-Attack indicators, Weapons, Predator process and predator resource, Force levels, Repercussions (medical, legal, civil, personal), Go-NoGo, Win-Loss Ratio, etc. (still working on the core sub-principles for this one)”Attitude, Socio-emotional, Diplomacy, Speed [get-er done fast], Redirected aggression, Dual Time Clocks, Awareness, Initiative, Permission, )

PRINCIPLE SIX: CHEMICAL COCKTAIL: (Attacked Mind, Train It, Breath It Away, Visualize It Away, Sparring vs. Fighting, Degradation of Technique/skills, Peripheral Vision Loss, Tunnel Vision, Depth Perception Loss/Altered, Auditory Exclusion, Weakened legs/arms, Loss of Extremity Feeling, Loss of Fine Motor Skills, Distorted Memory/perceptions, Tachypsychia (time slows), Freeze, Perception of Slow Motion, Irrelevant Thought Intrusion, Behavioral Looping, Pain Blocked, Male vs. Female Adrenaline Curve, Victim vs. Predator, The Professional, Levels of Hormonal Stimulation, ???)

Although martial disciplines only have need for theory, physiokinetics, technique and philosophy to achieve their goal of Yang-Yin or Jutsu and Do it is these last two that drive home the modern need to balance out applications toward conflict and violence with broad spanning of all those things before, during and after violence that are required to prevent practitioners from suffering often unknown obstacles and dangers throughout the self-defense, defense. If not for these two modern jutsu would not be available for self-defense, combatives or fighting dependent on their individual distinctions, etc.


Bibliography (Click the link)

“Which is more important, the jutsu or the do?”

Blog Article/Post Caveat (Read First Please: Click the Link)

A great question that came up on the Ryukyu Martial Arts (Research and General Discussion) Facebook wall by Brian Veach on July 18th, 2015 at about 6:26am. Here is my comment/answer to his question: 

Actually, BOTH. Using the tai chi model of yin-yang where everything in the Universe is made up of a yin side and an yang side martial arts also must have both to remain in balance. Especially balance because of the potential of its violent side being used for more nefarious things. Think of this like the recent post here of “The Pen and the Sword” by Patrick McCarthy. 

My perception of the pen and sword it the need to balance out the physical potential of martial arts regarding violence with a more academic but a lot of philosophical learning to keep our moral compass pointing in the right direction. 

The fundamental principles are laid out in this yin-yang balance format, i.e., you have theory: the theory of the discipline as to history, culture, the way and the applications; physiokinetics: as in the body mind mechanics that make all martial disciplines work especially in applications of force and power to stop a threat; the techniques: the various principles used in conjunction with physiokinetics that allow us to combine them wholeheartedly in applying in violent situations; and finally philosophy: where things like mind-set, mushin, yin-yang, character and others rounds off our selves and our practice, training and application of the martial disciplines.

When we focus on such principles over other more easily taught and tested models we can begin to see how both the Way or Do along with the Jutsu can achieve our goals. A good example is modern self-defense where our well-balanced study of martial arts gives us the tools and philosophies along with the complete and comprehensive knowledge so when in the actual violence we can make the decisions on how to handle the conflict along with what decisions are necessary to stay within the laws governing self-defense, i.e., having the appropriate emotional intelligence. understanding our three brains, JAM and AOJ along with the five stages, adrenal stress conditions and conditioning as well as other to include force decisions. This is what keeps us within the square and out of jail along with other repercussions.

If you are in the sport oriented martial arts this also applies under heading such as sportsmanship, fairness, and other aspects that make for a great athlete, competitor and social model to others. Think about that!

Bibliography (Click the link)

PRINCIPLES:

PRINCIPLE ONE: PRINCIPLES OF THEORY (Universality, Control, Efficiency, Lengthen Our Line, Percentage Principle, Std of Infinite Measure, Power Paradox, Ratio, Simplicity, Natural Action, Michelangelo Principle, Reciprocity, Opponents as Illusions, Reflexive Action, Training Truth, Imperception and Deception.)

PRINCIPLE TWO: PHYSIOKINETIC PRINCIPLES (Breathing, posture, triangle guard, centerline, primary gate, spinal alignment, axis, minor axis, structure, heaviness, relaxation, wave energy, convergence, centeredness, triangulation point, the dynamic sphere, body-mind, void, centripetal force, centrifugal force, sequential locking and sequential relaxation, peripheral vision, tactile sensitivity, rooting, attack hubs, attack posture, possibly the chemical cocktail???see below)

PRINCIPLE THREE: PRINCIPLES OF TECHNIQUE (techniques vs. technique, equal rights, compliment, economical motion, active movement, positioning, angling, leading control, complex force, indirect pressure, live energy and dead energy, torsion and pinning, speed, timing, rhythm, balance, reactive control, natural and unnatural motion, weak link, non-telegraphing, extension and penetration, Uke.)

PRINCIPLE FOUR: PRINCIPLES OF PHILOSOPHY (Mind [mind-set, mind-state, etc.], mushin, kime, non-intention, yin-yang, oneness, zanshin and being, non-action, character, the empty cup.)

Principle’s One through Four: 
Pearlman, Steven J. "The Book of Martial Power." Overlook Press. N.Y. 2006.

PRINCIPLE FIVE: PRINCIPLES OF SELF-DEFENSE (“Conflict communications; Emotional Intelligence; Lines/square/circle of SD, Three brains (human, monkey, lizard), JAM/AOJ and five stages, Adrenal stress (stress induced reality based), Violence (Social and Asocial), Pre-Attack indicators, Weapons, Predator process and predator resource, Force levels, Repercussions (medical, legal, civil, personal), Go-NoGo, Win-Loss Ratio, etc. (still working on the core sub-principles for this one)”Attitude, Socio-emotional, Diplomacy, Speed [get-er done fast], Redirected aggression, Dual Time Clocks, Awareness, Initiative, Permission, )

Principle Five: 
MacYoung, Marc. "In the Name of Self-Defense: What It Costs. When It’s Worth It." Marc MacYoung. 2014.
Goleman, Daniel. "Emotional Intelligence: 10th Anniversary Edition [Kindle Edition]." Bantam. January 11, 2012.
Miller, Rory. "ConCom: Conflict Communications A New Paradigm in Conscious Communication." Amazon Digital Services, Inc. 2014. 
Miller, Rory and Kane, Lawrence A. "Scaling Force: Dynamic Decision-making under Threat of Violence." YMAA Publisher. New Hampshire. 2012
Miller, Rory. "Force Decisions: A Citizen's Guide." YMAA Publications. NH. 2012.
Miller, Rory Sgt. "Meditations of Violence: A Comparison of Martial Arts Training & Real World Violence" YMAA Publishing. 2008.
Miller, Rory Sgt. "Facing Violence: Preparing for the Unexpected." YMAA Publishing. 2011.
Elgin, Suzette. "The Gentle Art of Verbal Self-Defense" Barnes & Noble. 1993.
Morris, Desmond. “Manwatching: A Field Guide to Human Behavior.” Harry N. Abrams. April 1979. 

PRINCIPLE SIX: CHEMICAL COCKTAIL: (Attacked Mind, Train It, Breath It Away, Visualize It Away, Sparring vs. Fighting, Degradation of Technique/skills, Peripheral Vision Loss, Tunnel Vision, Depth Perception Loss/Altered, Auditory Exclusion, Weakened legs/arms, Loss of Extremity Feeling, Loss of Fine Motor Skills, Distorted Memory/perceptions, Tachypsychia (time slows), Freeze, Perception of Slow Motion, Irrelevant Thought Intrusion, Behavioral Looping, Pain Blocked, Male vs. Female Adrenaline Curve, Victim vs. Predator, The Professional, Levels of Hormonal Stimulation, ???)

What is the origin of the red/white paneled Obi?

“I have been seeing more and more of these checkered belts. Some are Red and black and some Red and white do they have any special meaning or is it just a way to set the founders, Grandmasters and other seniors from the lower Black Belt rank and file?” - Joe Rickard question on FB Ryukyu Martial Arts Wall

Blog Article/Post Caveat (Read First Please: Click the Link)

A very good question and the answers may have a surprise or two when you do the research. Remember first that the Dan-i, the belt system, was created in Japan by a Japanese for the system of Judo. This system was adopted by karate through the efforts of Funakoshi Gichin Sensei who started an Okinawan karate club in Japan. 

In a nutshell, there were five black belt levels back then and as with any discipline it was influenced by its members and modifications were made accordingly to those individual perceptions, distinctions and cultural beliefs, etc. 

The origins of the red/white paneled obi were Japanese and therefore Japanese cultural beliefs had a lot to say about the design. Take a look at the Japanese flag, notice anything in particular about it that connects with the red/white paneled obi? 

I quote the following from one Judo source, i.e., “Around 1930, the Kodokan created a new belt ("obi") to recognize the special achievements of high ranking black belts.

Jigoro Kano chose to recognize sixth, seventh, and eighth degree black belts with a special obi made of alternating red and white panels (kōhaku obi - literally translated as "red and white belt"). The white color was chosen for purity, and red for the intense desire to train and the sacrifices made. The colors red and white are an enduring symbol of Japan, and they have been used in Judo since Jigoro Kano started the first Red and White Tournament in 1884. - http://www.sandokai.co.uk/pages/info/yudansha/red-white-kohaku-belt.php

The selection of red-and-white colored belts to distinguish the highest ranks may have also been based on a simple cultural preference … Japanese typically divide groups into red and white sides, based on a pivotal historical event, the Genpei War - a dispute between two rival clans, the Genji and Heike. The Genji used white flags to identify their troops on the battlefield, while the Heike used red flags.

The "kōhaku [“紅白: red and white; colors for festival or auspicious occasions; red and white singing contest; first character means “crimson; deep red,” the second means, “White.”] obi is often worn for special occasions, but it is not required to be worn at any specific time and the black belt remains the standard obi for all the dan grade ranks.”

In my view the red/white paneled obi spread faster in the Western regions because it spoke directly to that regions ego pride driven cultural belief systems. The one culture that actually created their own system was the Okinawans. If Karate were going to use the grade/level system of ranking then it would be normal for the culture that created karate to have thier own culturally driven belt system, i.e., 

Regarding Okinawan Karate, Okinawan’s have used two models with the first being the Judo Dan-i system. The second is the unique belt system the Okinawans developed for themselves. 

Okinawan Dan System

1st - 3rd: black belt with silver strip in middle lengthwise
3rd - 6th: black belt with gold strip in middle lengthwise
7th - 9th: red belt with gold strip in middle lengthwise
10th: solid gold obi

1961 era development; not fully validated from any official Okinawan source to date. http://karatequestions.blogspot.com/2013/02/did-okinawans-develop-their-own-belt.html

Bibliography:
The origin of the red/white paneled belt is https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_belt_(martial_arts)

http://www.sandokai.co.uk/pages/info/yudansha/red-white-kohaku-belt.php

Bibliography (Click the link)