As you may or may not know, the comedians Penn and Teller have a series on Showtime entitled Bullshit. This series supposedly debunks myths or falsehoods on different subjects by exposing them as bullshit, thus the name of their program. On June 24 the duo’s program covered martial arts with their main premise being that martial arts dojos are a rip off and a waste of time and money. Of course, being comedians, this show mainly consisted of little more than these two finding a handful of quacks to make fun of and thus show how all martial arts are a joke.

They had a lady on the show, who appeared to being a few cards short of a complete deck, showing her “version” of chi gong, a practice of working with the body’s energy. This practice is not only real, but has been scientifically proven…but on this show, they did not bother to find someone legitimate to demonstrate or talk about this art; instead they found a complete nut-case and made the art look like activity hour at the mental institution. It was funny for sure, but it had nothing to do with chi gong.

The foul-mouthed Penn continues his evaluation of the martial arts by critiquing a martial arts dojo in Florida where the instruction apparently did not understand what this show was all about or that he was being made the butt of the comedians’ jokes. They also looked at a more “realistic” martial arts dojo which was focused on real-life techniques which are more straight fighting than art or sport based…they made this guy look like a complete psycho, especially when he stated that if one of his students killed someone, he would be proud of them.

The comedians also pointed out that maybe it would be cheaper to just give criminals your wallet or buy a pistol than to spend your time and money on martial arts classes. Well, I guess it would also be cheaper just to cut a stick off of the oak tree in the back yard and carry it around with you too, but maybe a better way to save money would be not to pay for Showtime. Not only would this save you some money, but I don’t think you would miss much either, at least not during the Penn and Teller time slot.

This ridiculously, skewed presentation of the martial arts, complete with loads of un-needed foul language and topless dancing girls should be a red flag to anyone who is looking for serious information on the martial arts, martial arts rip-offs, real training, etc. Of course the show was entertaining, which is all Penn and Teller care about, remember these two only want viewers so they can keep the money rolling in, they aren’t concerned about the accuracy of their show any more than any other comedian.

The only part of the show that was not
part of the duo’s joke was the interview clips with Marc MacYoung, who
incidentally wrote the forward to my first book, Warrior Wisdom. Marc
added some common sense comments to the show, but his comments seemed to
support the comedians’ premise that martial arts classes are a rip off.
You may wonder how this could be. Well, the answer is that many
martial arts classes are a rip off – its as simple as that. Marc also has a good blog that discusses this. You may like to check it out also on his My Space page.

There are incompetent, dishonest people in the field of martial arts,
just as their are incompetent, dishonest people in any other field that
you can name. Anytime money is involved, you will find a huge number of
people who are ready, willing and able to cheat or con people out of
their hard earned money. I discuss this throughout my Warrior Wisdom
books. The vast majority of dojos scattered throughout this country are
mainly concerned with one thing – making money.

The truth is that it is very hard to find a dojo that will actually prepare you to defend yourself on the street. Most are concerned with sport martial arts, winning tournaments, practicing katas, etc., none of which prepare you for defending your life on the street, should you ever have to do so. Most of the instructors in these schools have never been in a real fight or if they have, it has been so long ago that they barely remember it.

To truly be prepared to defend yourself on the street, you need to find a dojo that can train you in real-life, scenario-based self-defense, de-escalation techniques, modern weapons (not many people walk around carrying kamas, tonfas, or nunchuks), awareness, and realistic techniques that can end a fight in seconds. There is a big difference in sport martial arts and true martial arts.

There are many reasons that people enroll in a martial arts school, and not all of them have to do with self-defense. Many people are simply looking for fun, a different way to get their exercise, or merely to check off another goal on their “bucket list.” Choosing a martial arts school depends on what you are looking for, but if you are looking to prepare yourself to be able to meet an unexpected assault on the street, you need to choose carefully.

The premise presented on this show that martial arts are a worthless con is completely false. If this were true, the military, police force, and special forces would not waste time training their personnel in martial arts. What is true is that not all martial arts training is equal. As with everything else in life, it is up to you to do your homework. Don’t be naive enough to think that going to a martial arts class twice a week and practice a few punches, kicks, and katas is going to prepare you for a ruthless street-fighter – it won’t.

This should have been the premise of this show, instead these guys dropped the ball, but hey, this is not a serious television show, so we shouldn’t expect anything different from these two. After all, it is much more entertaining for the average viewer to see a little comedy, some topless girls, and some unsuspecting people being made the butt of a joke, and a bunch of half-truths, than to see the real truth, but comedians/magicians never present their audience with the whole truth – that would spoil the show.

Here’s the link to the show if you care to see it for yourself. You may have to cut and paste this link for it to work. Beware that this show is not kid friendly.

Adapt or Die

The wise man adapts himself to the circumstances.
Confucius

The warrior lives by a certain set of
standards, a code of honor if you will. There are certain things that he will
not do because those things go against his beliefs and the standards which he
has set for himself. Many of his principles are not open to compromise; they
are set in stone and he refuses to bend where they are concerned, but this does
not mean that he is inflexible. Although the warrior is not willing to bend
where his principles are concerned, he must be flexible in his strategy.

First say to yourself what you would be;
and then do what you have to do.
Epictetus

Warriors have to be able to adapt to the
changing circumstances. The willow bends and adapts during the storm and is not
broken, where the mighty oak does not bend and will break during the storm. The
warrior must be able to change tactics as the
situation changes. He will adapt his methods to that which the present circumstance requires. Not to do so would be foolish and costly.

This is not to say that the warrior should
lower his standards or set aside his ethics as he sees fit.
There is a difference in changing your strategy to fit the circumstances and in
changing your ethics to suit the situation. This is where
time spent meditating on your code of ethics and honor comes into play. You
must be clear about what you believe and why you hold those beliefs. Change
your methods to accomplish your goal; don’t compromise your ethics to serve
your methods. This may seem like a subtle distinction,
but it is an important one, especially for the warrior.

The secret of success is before attempting anything,
be very clear about why you are doing it.
Guan Yin Tzu

In today’s society, our culture is changing rapidly. This means that the warrior will have to adapt his strategies and methods to be successful in today’s political climate. While being straight forward is to be commended, you do have to carefully consider both your actions and your words, especially in a politically correct, litigation crazy culture. Trying to handle situations the same way as warriors might have even 50 years ago can get you into big trouble.

For example, 50 years ago, if some jerk was using file language or being crude and obnoxious at a public gathering, in front of ladies, chances are there would be a man there who would shut his mouth for him, and not in a peaceful way. On top of that, those around him who have most likely been appreciative of his actions, and if by chance law enforcement was called, they would have probably hauled the obnoxious jerk off to jail instead of the guy who punched this bum in the mouth. Times have changed…

Today, if the same thing happened, it is pretty much considered commonplace. Everyone would basically go about their own business and the jerk would not be called out concerning his behavior. And, if by chance someone did address his behavior and punched him in the mouth, guess who will end up going to the jail house? Not the file-mouthed jerk, oh no, he was innocently assaulted by some macho brute. This is just one example, but you get the point.

Do that which will not afflict you afterward,
nor oblige you to repent.
Pythagoras

The warrior has to adapt and change his strategies for handling situations like the one described above. Not to do so is simply unwise. This doesn’t mean that you have to allow things such as I described above go unaddressed; it simply mean that you have to be smart and determine a better (more acceptable) way of addressing inappropriate behavior.

Emerson stated, “If one method fails, try another, and suit your methods to the characters you have to deal with.” Today’s warrior has to deal with a totally different breed of characters. It is to your advantage to adapt your methods and strategies to fit the culture and the people that you have to deal with in today’s society. Adhere to the virtues of old, but make sure that you adapt your actions to the times. Change your strategies and methods – not your standards or your ethics.

Each is responsible for his own actions.
H. L. Hunt

(Edited from Warrior Wisdom: The Warrior’s Path)

Bohdi

Warrior Wisdom

We live in a politically correct environment, like it or not, that’s simply the way that it is in our current society. Be this as it may, the fact that we are living in less than ideal times, is no excuse for compromising your warrior ideals. The ideals of the warrior lifestyle should be a part of who you are, not things that you use or set aside as you please or when you find them personally convenient. Living according to your ideals or code of ethics, while definitely important, is not the only concern of the warrior, especially warriors who have family members who depend on him.

It is one thing to make a bold stand against wrong when you are the only person who has to deal with the consequences; but the terrain gets a bit trickier when the consequences of your actions affect your loved ones. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting that this is a justification for not living up to your code of honor. What I am suggesting is there is more than one way to take care of business, as is evidenced in the following example.

I will use a comparative example of the way the Samurai achieved their goals versus the way the Ninja accomplished their objectives. Both of these cultures successfully met their objectives, but used completely different means to do so. The Samurai addressed wrongs openly, no matter what the consequences may have been. They considered it a dishonorable act to work in stealth instead of righting a wrong immediately, face-to-face, with all cards on the table.

The Ninja, on the other hand, believed that it was better to achieve their goals through stealth, with as little problems as possible. To the Ninja, working in stealth and manipulating outcomes from the shadows was not only a smart strategy, but one which both accomplished their objectives and kept their family safe. In fact, there are many records of Samurai employing the Ninja to accomplish their goals in this way because the Samurai’s code of honor would not permit him to work from a position of stealth without “losing his honor,” even if the stealth option was the best way to proceed.

This brings me back to today’s politically correct climate. The true warrior today still must adhere to his code of honor; this should be a given. What today’s warrior must decide is how he will maintain his honor, constantly do what’s right, and address the many wrongs that he or she is forced to deal with in daily life. There is the Samurai way, which is up front, abrasive and “in your face,” and there is the Ninja way, which is more subtle and thought out. When the warrior is a “lone-wolf” (single) the decision is purely one which he or she makes depending on the situation and one’s willingness to deal with the consequences.

For example, your boss may be a complete snake who is involved in dirty deals and who misuses his staff. If he approaches you to do something that is dishonorable and goes against your code of ethics, the warrior has two options (going along with his request is not an option for the true warrior.) One option is going ballistic on him and letting him know how you feel about him and telling him where he can shove his job. The other option would be to explain to him that you do not feel comfortable with what he has asked of you and working behind the scenes to have this man replaced by someone more deserving.

These two actions have will most likely have very different consequences for the warrior, but both serve to keep your honor intact. In both cases the warrior has refused to lower his or her standards and has addressed the issue. One results in the warrior giving up his income, moving on, and the boss continuing to do as he has always done, with one less obstacle. The other, results in the warrior continuing to provide for his or her family, while at the same time working to set things right.

Some may see the second option as the coward’s way out, but that point of view is not accurate. The warrior has not compromised his honor, and he has not acted selfishly by considering only what he feels like doing at the time instead of what is wise and best for his family. The first option may be a viable option if the warrior is single and has no one else who depends on him, but things change a bit when one has a family to consider. The warrior’s first and foremost duty is to his family, and when considering how to respond to different problems, he must take into consideration how his decisions will affect his family.

Now, there may be times when honor requires that the warrior make a move that will temporarily put his family in a position where their lifestyle is not as cushy as it has been. Sometimes one’s code of honor will require sacrifices, but to do so when things could be handled just as well without putting ones family out, is simply acting out of selfishness. Sure we would all like to put our boss in his place and tell him what he can do with his job, when he is out of line, but that temporary feeling of power and satisfaction is a selfish act if it affects someone other than the individual warrior.

In today’s politically correct climate, you should always think before you speak or act. Freedom of speech is nonexistent. If you don’t believe me, try making some openly offensive remarks concerning religion, sexual orientation, or similar subjects in your workplace and see what happens. If we actually had freedom of speech, there would be no consequences (with the exception of someone maybe shutting your mouth for you). Today’s climate creates a slippery slope for the warrior; you have to watch what you say(you should always do this anyway, but today it is vital to your well-being).

It is dangerous to swim against the current when you are caught in a rip tide. It is also dangerous to swim with the current; doing so would take you out to sea. Either way, there is a good chance that you will end up drowning. The wise man will swim parallel to the current until he reaches a safe position. Just as it is dangerous to swim against the current or with the current, it is dangerous to the warrior to openly go against the current of political correctness or with the current of political correctness. Swim parallel until you are out of the current and can safely return home.

This does not mean that you condone what is happening or that you are afraid to address the idiocy of political correctness; it means that you are wise enough to know that there is a right place and a right way to attack your enemy. Every action of the warrior must be calculated and thought out. Strategies should be carefully considered with rational thought, not made rashly from an overly emotional mind. Your emotions have a way of setting you up for a fall.

This takes self-discipline, especially for the warrior who would love nothing better than to go against the ridiculous flow of things and set everything right, but strong rip tides can drown even the strongest swimmers. Use your mind and respond from a place of rational thought instead of allowing your emotions to take the lead. Consider the consequences, maintain your standards, think rationally, and then respond as the sage warrior. Rash actions rarely benefit you, whereas rational thought and listening to your spirit will always give you the best options.

Misguided Youth -
Warrior Vision Quest

Native American warriors were responsible for the protection of their people and also had the responsibility for providing the basic material needs of their people such as food. There were no grocery stores for them to go to when the pantry was bare, nor any refrigerator or freezer to preserve meat over long periods of time; this was an ongoing responsibility and one which fell directly on the shoulders of the warrior. If the warrior did not or could not provide these needs, his family did without or depended on the charity of others. This lifestyle was one which defines self-sufficiency and was an awesome responsibility.

Native American youths had to learn the skills to provide for their wives and children; they could not afford to grow up as the vast majority of our young men do today – aimless, self-centered, selfish, and immature. Native Americans knew this. They knew that their youth were their future. There were no government supplying guaranteed health care. There were no insurance policies for their old age; their sons and daughters were their insurance and were expected to provide for them as they reached the point where their bodies could no longer meet the demands of this self-sufficient lifestyle. Educating their children as to their filial duties and to respect their elders was a major part of the Native American life-cycle.

The Native American tribal leaders understood something that people today neither understand or seem to care about. I am referring to the important role of a meaningful rite of passage into adulthood – the vision quest. In today’s society, most teenagers seem to connect the transition from youth to adulthood as a certain chronological age or the time when they are simply able to drink legally. Now there’s a great rite of passage, “I’m now an adult…Let’s celebrate and get totally wasted!” What a wonderful way to step into the role of adulthood. It is not the youth’s character or accomplishments which determine whether or not they have become an adult, but rather our all-knowing government’s determination that the youth has turned 18 and is now anointed “an adult” or now he is 21 and can legally drink his life away.

To the Native Americans, becoming “an adult” had more to do with an individual’s character and accomplishments than with his chronological age. The focus was on the internal character of the person; the vision quest had more to do with spiritual strength and proving oneself worthy of respect and admiration, than the mere fact that one’s parents kept him alive for a certain amount of time. The purpose of the vision quest was to allow the youth to transform himself spiritually and mentally into a responsible adult, and eventually a warrior.

The young boy would go away on his own for as long as needed, a period of days, to survive on his own and to acquire this spiritual knowledge and seek guidance for his life and his future. He would not be trusted with any adult responsibilities until he had proven himself spiritually fit to be an adult. During the vision quest, the young man would meditate and pray for guidance for his life. It was expected that he would meet his spirit guide, usually in the form of some animal which would for that point on, be sacred to him. This animal spirit guide would clarify God’s expectations for this young man and help guide him throughout his life.

The spirit guide was not randomly assigned, but rather came to the boy during his prayers and meditations while he was focused on finding his life-path. This spirit guide became a part of the warrior’s identity. When the boy returned from a successful vision quest, he would first visit with the tribe’s medicine man or religious leader, who would discuss his dreams and meditations with him. He would further help to direct his path. Then their would be a celebration for this boy indicating that he was no longer a child, but now a respected adult on his way to becoming a warrior, and he was expected to conduct himself accordingly. This was a crucial rite of passage and one which was taken seriously by all involved.

The vision quest focused the boy’s mind on becoming a man – on no longer being a child. During this adventure, he learned to rely on himself, he developed self-confidence, self-esteem, and courage. He learned to rely on God to both provide for him and to give him guidance through spiritual means. This was not merely his tribe celebrating his birthday, but this was rather a total transformation of the boy into the man, or at least the beginning of this transformation.

After the vision quest, the boy was then deemed ready to ride with the warriors and count coup to demonstrate his courage, another milestone in his transformation in this warrior culture. In short, the transformation from youth to adulthood was a serious matter and not something to be taken lightly. This was a transformation of a boy on his way to become a warrior.

This is quite a contrast from today’s youth which considers the transformation to adulthood simply a time to party, get wasted, and continue to do so for weeks, months, or years, enabled by parents who proudly declare, “You’re only young once. Live it up while you can!” Is it any wonder that our society is seeing such a decline in both morals and attitudes among our people? This party attitude has been dominant for several decades and we are now starting to see the results. We have missed the mark with our youth when it comes to educating them and guiding them into adulthood. We have taught our youth to be self-centered, selfish, arrogant, and shallow.

Parenting should be taken seriously – very seriously. And, although this will surprise many of you, I do agree with the African proverb which our corrupt politicians have twisted into a political barb, “It takes a village to raise a child.” The meaning of this was known to the Native Americans, but has been lost on our society. The true meaning is that every responsible adult should help guide our youth in the right direction when he or she sees a young person acting inappropriately. It has nothing to do with the government controlling families or individuals.

Care enough to attempt to help guide a young person if you see that he or she is headed in the wrong direction. You never know, you may just be the only guidance that the young person in question has available to him or her. Don’t just mumble something about, “young jerks” under your breath and keep going about your business – make a difference, or at least attempt to make a difference. Your words may not make any difference at all, but then again, they may completely change someone’s life.

This lack of guidance and quality parenting is the cause of many of the problems in our country today, and it has a domino effect. Maybe it is time to reconsider the vision quest or something equivalent, to give our youth a vision of how their lives should be lived. Nobody just happens to live a lifestyle of excellence by accident; it is something that has to be fostered and taught. The warrior lifestyle requires effort. It requires someone to teach the benefits and reasons behind taking the road less traveled. It is not the easy, party road, but rather to steep road where life is lived a little more seriously and with purpose and character.

Letting children determine their own path without any guidance is equivalent to not caring; if you care about their future or yours, you should take the time and effort to provide wise guidance for tomorrow’s adults. One way or another, you will be held responsible for you choice where this responsibility is concerned – the choice is yours.