What Makes A True Warrior?

Warriors are not what you think of as warriors.
The warrior is not someone who fights.
Chief Sitting Bull

There are a group of so-called “experts” (self-proclaimed experts I might add) in the world of martial arts/self-defense who constantly opine that being a warrior is nothing more than being paid to engage in war. This is such an ignorant point of view that one would think no one would take them seriously, but in fact, they have quite a large following. These “experts” publish books which proclaim their “expertise” in everything to do with violence and “real” self-defense. They slam traditional martial arts as outdated and useless on the streets. They mock the fact that honor, character and integrity play a major part in being a true warrior, and instead, insist that being a warrior is nothing more than taking orders on the battlefield.

While everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion, no matter how asinine it may be, when someone has young, impressionable people reading and hanging on every word that he writes or speaks, he has a responsibility to the truth. The truth of the matter is that this definition of a warrior is shallow, opinionated, narrow, and, well, simply untrue. I know that this may offend many people, but the unvarnished truth usually does.

A master warrior is a man of character, a man of wisdom and insight.
Forrest E. Morgan

The truth is that what these people declare to be a warrior is one of three things: a soldier, a mercenary, or just plain a thug. A soldier takes orders and does exactly what he is told. That is his job. This does not make him or her a warrior. Don’t get me wrong, there are many true warriors who are soldiers. The military is packed full of true warriors, but this doesn’t mean that everyone in the military or who has been to war is a true warrior. I can show you of many examples of soldiers, who have gone to war and who are not true warriors.

Mercenaries are involved in war, killing, and battles of many kinds, but that doesn’t make them true warriors. In fact, I would argue that most mercenaries are far from being true warriors. They value money over life, and most will do whatever they are paid to do, as long as the money is right.

Is this the attitude of a true warrior? Not in my book, and not according to many people throughout history who were both involved in war and were also true warriors. Killing someone does not make you a warrior, it simply makes you someone who has killed another human being – period. These people have little if any honor or principles, both which are required to be a true warrior.

The man of principle never forgets what he is, because of what others are.
Baltasar Gracian

There are also many trained thugs out there. Some are on the battlefield, some are in the police departments, some are on the streets robbing people, and some are found in martial arts dojos. Just because someone is trained to fight, to use firearms, or to go to war, doesn’t make them a true warrior.

The people who write and teach the philosophy that a warrior is merely someone who engages in war, merely teach this train of thought because they can’t measure up to the real requirements which make someone a true warrior. Their character falls short, so they downplay the importance of such traits as honor and integrity.

Keep your distance from unvirtuous people.
Takuan Soho

If you study what true warriors have said on this issue throughout history, you will find that the men and women that commanded men and women on battlefields agree, being a true warrior requires much more than simply being involved in war. In fact, the vast majority of them will state that war has nothing to do with being a true warrior.

So what does make someone a true warrior? The answer lies much deeper than any battlefield. At the core of every true warrior you will find the traits of honor, integrity and justice. Yes, I know that the people that I described above will laugh and state that “being a warrior has nothing to do with character or honor.” They will shout that these traits have nothing to do with war or with the warrior, and will do so with the same enthusiasm that you hear in their voices when they pat themselves on the back for being so tough. But, they are wrong – period.

While it is true that the word did originate from the term “war,” and can mean someone who takes part or is experienced in warfare. This definition is not the one that should be used to define the true warrior, and is not an accurate definition for the warrior lifestyle. A better definition for a warrior is, “Somebody who takes part in a struggle or conflict.” No, this is not my definition; it actually comes from Webster’s dictionary.

The true warrior is engaged in a struggle and it is a daily fight. His battle is not necessarily on the battlefield, but rather a personal battle to perfect his character and to become a man of excellence in every area of his life. And, according to those who have “been there and done that,” being on the battlefield doesn’t make one a warrior. For someone to be a true warrior, he has to have honor and character. Without those traits, as well as others, he is simply a trained thug.

The true warrior is not a programmed killing machine, although he has the ability and the knowledge to render lethal applications of his skills if his duty requires such extreme actions. Though he is capable of rendering devastating injury to others, he never desires to do so. He is a man of peace and benevolence.

His training in the martial arts is strictly for defense. The warrior pursues knowledge in the art of self-defense and martial arts in order to keep himself and those around him safe, not for personal egotistical reasons.

Honor is central to warriorship.
Forrest E. Morgan

The great Sioux chief, Sitting Bull, once stated that, “Warriors are not what you think of as warriors. The warrior is not someone who fights…” He goes on to explain himself saying, “The warrior, for us, is one who sacrifices himself for the good of others. His task is to take care of the elderly, the defenseless, those who cannot provide for themselves, and above all, the children, the future of humanity.”

This is what he was doing at the Battle of the Little Big Horn, fighting for those who needed his protection, and this is also a very good description of the true warrior and the warrior lifestyle. This takes much more than martial arts or military training. This takes character and honor, the exact things which some well-known authors proclaim have nothing to do with warriorship.

Character and honor are only two of the traits which are essential to the true warrior; there are many more. I will not list them all in this short article for the sake of space. The point is, being a true warrior is much more involved than these self-proclaimed experts would have people think.

Don’t believe the macho, “I’m tougher than you” BS that these authors, “experts” and lecturers assault people’s intelligence with on a regular basis. It is not true. Being a true warrior is a lifestyle choice, not a profession.

Hear all sides and you will be enlightened.
Hear one side, and you will be in the dark.
Wei Zheng

Bohdi Sanders
author of: The Warrior Wisdom Series and Modern Bushido

Death of a True Warrior

I just found out that my good friend, world class martial artist, and true warrior, Dr. Charlie Ward, passed away on Dec. 8. I called Charlie to see why I hadn’t heard from him in a while and to see how his new book was coming along, and his mother informed me that Charlie had passed away unexpectedly. Charlie was 41 years old, and during his time on this earth he accomplished much and touched the lives of many people.Charlie was a true warrior in every sense of the word. He was inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2009 and was the Bare-knuckle Freestyle NHB World Champion. He was also the head of the U.S. Muay Thai Association in AZ, as well as a professor in martial science at Arizona State University, where he developed the first accredited course in martial arts.

Known as the MMA Professor, he was a great martial artist, a good friend who I thought very highly of, and one of the rare human beings who lived by a true code of honor. Charlie lived the life of the warrior in every part of his life. At the time of his untimely death, he was working on a couple of writing projects which were guaranteed to be the kind of martial arts books that true martial artists would have benefited from reading.

I first met Charlie when he contacted me after reading my first book. He told me that it was one of the best martial arts books that he had ever read and over the next couple of years Charlie
and I become close friends and he loved and endorsed my books. One of his endorsements is actually printed in
Warrior Wisdom: The Warrior’s Path. In that endorsement, Charlie wrote:

“I am honored to call Dr. Sanders my friend, and I am very proud to have him as a professional colleague and fellow warrior….Dr. Sanders’ writings provide his readers with an accurate understanding and appreciation of the true Martial Spirit, and the art of “Right Living” as a warrior.”

The same could be said of Charlie’s life. He taught many people the true meaning of the martial spirit and the art of right living as a true warrior! Charlie was inducted in the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2009 and invited me to travel with him to Los Angeles for the presentation. I could not attend because of personal issues that were going on at the time; a decision that I now greatly regret.

Charlie lived life to the fullest. For Charlie, there was no “off-season” as one of his article discussed; he lived his life right up until the end. At the time of his death, he was writing his soon to be published book. He put his laptop down to take a short nap, and never woke up again in this world. The Celtic warrior died peaceably in his sleep. Please join me this week in raising a glass in the honor of Charlie Ward, the MMA Professor. His passing is a loss, not only to the world of martial arts, but to those who know the true meaning of the warrior lifestyle.Before his death, Charlie informed me that he had nominated me for the Martial Arts Hall of Fame for my literary contributions to the martial arts. I was informed three weeks after his death that I was selected to be inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame in March 2011. Charlie’s picture will be framed on my wall in the same frame as my Hall of Fame certificate. Charlie, you will be missed my friend.Charlie wrote many articles over the years. You can check out links to his articles and find out more about Charlie’s life by visiting his websites. Here is the link to his My Space site:

Bohdi Sanders
Warrior Wisdom

Click on the below link to read the Nov-Dec Wisdom Warrior Newsletter

The Wisdom Warrior Newsletter Nov-Dec

Pick You Battles

If a battle cannot be won, do not fight it.
Sun Tzu

You have to pick your battles wisely. Not every conflict is worth turning
into a major battle. There are certain battles which simply cannot be won no
matter how much effort you put into them or what strategies you use. They
are simply losing causes and fighting such battles does little to help you
accomplish your ultimate objectives. The wise man will not let his pride get
in the way of obtaining his goals, and fighting a battle which cannot be won
is a prime example of allowing your pride to cloud your thinking.

What lies in our power to do, it lies in our power not to do.
Aristotle

It is important to keep in mind that retreating from an individual battle
does not mean that you are surrendering or declaring defeat in the war. A
battle is no more than that – one battle. To continue with the battlefield/war
analogy, a battle is simply one skirmish; your ultimate objective is to win the
war. Many a pawn has to be sacrificed in a chess match in order to capture
your opponent’s king, which is ultimately all that matters in the overall scheme
of things.

Always keep your ultimate objective in mind. Don’t let your pride or anger
interfere with your overall victory. I know that this is easier said than done at
times, but it is a very important part of the game, and one that takes some
self-discipline and practice to perfect. Have an overall plan for victory. Be
willing to sacrifice a battle here and there in order to win the war in the end,
and don’t expend energy fighting a battle which cannot be won at any cost.
Be rational and deliberate.

Not being able to govern events, I govern myself.
Montaigne

Many people feel the need to fight a losing battle just to prove to themselves or
others that they are committed to their cause. This is not someone who is
ultimately concerned with their final objective, but rather someone who is
concerned with impressing those around them. This kind of action has more to
do with pride than it does with strategy or common sense. Don’t get wrapped up
in what other people think about your actions. Stay focused on your ultimate
objective.

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

There is wisdom behind Sun Tzu’s teaching. Fighting a battle that cannot be won
is simply wasting your time, energy and resources. It is not the act of staying
busy that makes you successful; it is what you are busy doing that matters in the
end. Don’t do something merely for the sake of doing something. Have a purpose
and strategy behind everything that you do. Sometimes it is wiser to do nothing,
at least what looks like nothing to the outside world, than it is to do something
just because you think you need to be active.

The act of waiting for the ideal moment or simply patiently mulling over the
situation, is not the same thing as doing nothing. What may seem like doing
nothing to other people, may actually be good strategy on your part. Do not
act because of your concern about what other people may think; their thoughts
should not influence your actions. Take time to meditate on each situation and
you will know what you have to do.

You must carefully consider the merits of any action.
Takuan Soho

Don’t fight losing battles. Move with wisdom, not emotion. Let strategy guide
your actions, not pride or anger. Always focus on your ultimate goal. Pick your
battles wisely and strategically in order to accomplish your end goal. It is not
the battle that counts, but rather winning the war. Always think rationally. If
you will do this, you will not fight the battles that you cannot win; instead you
will carefully select your battles to accomplish your ultimate goal.

In whatever position you find yourself, determine first your objective.
Marshall Ferdinand Foch

Bohdi
Warrior Wisdom

Joe Bad Ass:
The Psychology of Intimidation

The psychology of intimidation can be a tricky thing. I have friends who are ex-lawmen or long-time martial artists who have asked me about the fact that people they meet seem to be intimidated by them, and I have experienced the same thing when I meet someone new or at the beginning of school when I have all new students who do not know me. Students seem to think that I am a mean, no-nonsense kind of guy, even before I open my mouth for the first time. What is it about certain people that intimidates others?

One of my favorite authors, Forrest Morgan addresses this in his book, Living the Martial Way. Morgan states, and I paraphrase, that after a certain amount of time training in the martial way, warriors develop a certain energy that other people can sense. This energy, you can call it chi or ki or whatever you like, emits a certain feeling that other people can sense. They really do not know exactly what it is that they are feeling or sensing, but they just get the feeling that you are someone that should not be crossed.

The warrior is not consciously trying to intimidate those around him at all. In fact, it can be quite frustrating to give off this energy which seems to intimidate those around you instead of endearing them to you, as those of you who have experienced this can attest to. Mind you, this unseen energy is very useful when dealing with some thug or predator, but most of us prefer not to be seen as intimidating to our everyday acquaintances or the people whom we meet at our friends’ parties.

This unseen energy develops naturally as you continue to hone your skills in martial arts or self-defense. Some sense it as a strong self-confidence and other can sense it as simply someone who is standoffish or dangerous, but I can assure you that people can sense something different about true warriors. Many of you reading this know exactly what I am talking about – there is just something different about the warrior and people can sense it.

Although the true warrior appears to be intimidating to many people, it is truly not his intention (unless he is controlling and directing this energy intentionally in a dangerous situation). Predators and ruffians, on the other hand, intentionally use intimidation as a tool to achieve their dishonorable goals. The tools that they use to breed fear and intimidation can range from how they dress and look, to how they speak and present themselves. For example, take a look at the following group of photographs…

Imagine that you are walking down a dark street on your way home from having a couple of drinks with your co-workers. Which of these guys would you find the most intimidating? Which would you find not intimidating at all? Why? As you have probably already figured out, all of these photographs are of the same person, David Beckham, but even knowing this fact, some of these shots appear much more intimidating than others. Why is that? What makes him appear much tougher or more dangerous at one time than he does at some other time?

Is it the scowl on his face in some pictures? What about the tattoos or the hair style? Maybe it is the clothes he is wearing. Is someone more dangerous or deadly because he is unshaven and wearing jeans and a torn tee-shirt, than he is if he is wearing a polo shirt or a suit and tie? Under all of his different hair styles, tattoos, scowls, and poses, he is the same man. None of the external appearances make him any tougher or more dangerous. So why do we find different appearances to be so intimidating?

This is something that every true warrior needs to think about. You cannot allow your mind to dwell on the external appearance of your enemy (by enemy, I mean anyone who is a danger to you or your loved ones). Intimidation has to do with your mind, not the other person. Whether or not someone intimidates you is totally up to you. You have to realize that all of those external appearances mean very little. If things degenerate into a physical confrontation, you will not be fighting his weird hair, the ink spots on his body, or his raggedy looking clothes; you will be fighting a human being (I use the term loosely in this case).

Your path may cross with some tough
looking thug covered from head to toe with tattoos, with long, greasy
hair, and the meanest face you have ever seen, but does any of this make
this guy tougher or more of a threat than the clean cut guy you see at
the movie theater? All humans have pretty much the same anatomy – the same joints, ligaments, tendons, etc. No matter how scary some thug may look, his joints and bones can be attacked and destroyed just like the average Joe in the corner office, and just like your own.

Speech and threats are other forms of intimidation. It can be very intimidating when someone is yelling in your face or making overt threats to your well-being. This can make anyone uncomfortable, but remember, just as the tattoos, mean looking face, and rough exterior are not a sign of physical strength, neither is loud, boisterous speech. Many times yelling and threatening signify someone who is not capable of following through with his threats, but is merely trying to bluff and intimidate you into getting his way. It is the silent predator, who acts with no warning that is the most dangerous.

Do not allow someone to intimidate you by the way he looks or the way he talks. The intimidation factor is merely another weapon in his arsenal; it is his crude form of mental warfare. Protecting yourself from being intimidated in high-stress situations involves training for such a situation in advance. This is one of the purposes of realistic scenario training. Being confident in the face of an imposing, intimidating threat is something that you have to develop. It does not come naturally for most people.

If you lose the battle in your mind, your body will also fall to defeat. You have to develop your mind as well as your body. Self-defense involves much, much more than learning physical fighting techniques. Allowing fear and intimidation to cloud your mind puts you at a severe disadvantage. This fact has been well-known for centuries, thus the reason that even ancient war strategies included intimidation techniques. There can be no holes in your self-defense. This means that you have to keep your best weapon, your mind, prepared to defend against the intimidation factor.

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.

The Noble Eightfold Path of the Warrior

1 – Right Understanding

Right understanding is essential to the warrior. It is not good enough to just memorize your martial arts techniques or to memorize some wise sayings. You have to go past rote memorization and get to the point of having a thorough understanding of the underlying principles behind your art and your values. Simply scratching the surface doesn’t cut it. In whatever you do, pursue understanding…correct understanding.

Knowledge without wisdom is a load of books on the back of an ass.
Japanese Proverb

2 – Right Thought

Science has proven that our thoughts are actually energy and have an effect on exterior things. No, I’m not just talking about the information such as the theories contained in the book The Secret. Our thoughts have a powerful influence on both our emotions and our body chemistry. Sad/depressed thoughts will cause the body to produce different hormones, enzymes, etc. than happy/excited thoughts do. This can even be measured in the composition of someone’s tears. Tears of joy have a different chemical make-up than tears of pain or tears of sadness.

In addition, your thoughts control your emotions and it is very important, especially for the warrior, to keep your emotions in check. If you doubt that your thoughts control your emotions, sit and meditate on something very sad for a while and see what affect it has on you, or put on some great music that you love and see if your thought pattern and your emotions don’t get a boost. Thoughts matter…

It is the mind which makes a man, or mares him.
Sai Baba

3 – Right Speech

This is a biggie! The person walking the path of the warrior has to watch his speech. It is so easy to say the wrong thing, especially if you are out of sorts. Be even more careful to watch what you say if you are angry or upset with someone. You can say something in a split second, which will cost you dearly for days, months, or even years to come. Right speech is a form of self-discipline. Simply put, it is self-control. Control your emotions and your speech, instead of letting your emotions control you or your speech. If you want the respect of others, watch what you say.

Don’t talk too much – your ignorance exceeds your knowledge.
Spanish Proverb

4 – Right Action

A man’s action is evidence of his creed. Every action that you take, everything you think, say or do, either brings you closer to your goals, or takes you further away from your goals, on the journey through the warrior lifestyle. Your actions matter. Make your actions right. Listen to your spirit and follow your intuition. Let your personal code of ethics and honor guide your every decision. Do the right thing, at the right time, and in the right way.

Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard
than anybody else expects of you. Never excuse yourself.
Henry Ward Beecher

5 – Right Livelihood

There is nothing more draining for a warrior than going to a thankless job, which he absolutely hates, every single day. This sucks the life from your spirit, the energy from muscles, and the vitality from your mind. Nevertheless, the warrior will continue to do his job to the best of his abilities until the right livelihood comes along. Finding the right livelihood makes life so much better, especially if it is one in which the warrior can feel he is fulfilling a higher purpose with his life. When you do find the right livelihood you will know it because work will no longer be work, but rather a passion for you.

The talent of success is nothing more than doing
what you can do well, and doing well whatever you do.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

6 – Right Effort

Buddha said that whatever you do, you should put your whole heart into your task, being diligent and energetic. Put forth your best effort. If it is worth doing at all, it is worth doing well. If the task is only worthy of a partial effort, why even bother with it. The warrior aims for excellence in all that he does; there is no room for half-hearted effort in the warrior’s world. If the mind and heart are right, the effort will be right.

Put your heart, mind, intellect, and soul even to your smallest acts.
This is the secret to success.
Swami Sivananda

7 – Right Mindfulness

Right mindfulness is very close to right thought. Right mindfulness is what you keep your mind focused on throughout the day. Are you focusing on your goals, your training, and becoming the best person that you can be, or are you simply daydreaming your time away? It is important to keep your mind focused in the now. If you continue to focus on what is happening at this very moment, you will not find yourself regretting the past or worrying about the future. Stay in the moment.

It is the mind that leads a man to power, not strength of body.
Crow Maxim

8 – Right Concentration

According to Hsun Tzu, the superior man is committed to focus. Learn to concentrate on what you are doing, and do only one thing at a time. Today, we are all too prone to multi-tasking, doing several things at once. The sages taught that to do two things at once is to do neither. In order to perform at our best, we have to give our total attention to the task at hand. Take care of one thing and then move on to the next. Concentrate all your thoughts on the work at hand. Concentration is key to proper martial arts techniques. Without concentration your technique will lack energy.

A concentrated mind will pierce a rock.
Japanese Proverb

Bohdi
Warrior Wisdom

The Warrior’s Path

The path of the warrior is lifelong, and
mastery is often simply staying on the path.
Richard Strozzi Heckler

The warrior lifestyle is a journey, not a destination. It is a lifelong approach to living your life, day by day, by the standards and code of ethics that you have set for yourself. To stay on this path you have to follow to certain directions, just as you would follow a road map or signs to make sure that you remain on the right highway when you are traveling. You can’t just aimlessly go through life with no direction.

Remember this: whoever lives a life of chance
Will in the end find himself a victim of chance.
Francesco Guicciardini

Character training is the road map to the path of the warrior. You must study the qualities that make up the character of the warrior. Meditate on these character traits until they become a part of your spirit; until they become who you truly are deep inside. No one is born with all of the character traits which make the warrior the extraordinary human that he truly is. These traits have to be developed through study, training, meditation, and learning from our mistakes.

He who plants trees in the morning
does not saw planks in the afternoon.
Chinese Proverb

I was not born knowing what I teach you.
Being fond of the past, I sought it through diligence.
Confucius

Yes, the warrior makes mistakes.  No one is perfect. The difference in the ordinary man and the warrior is when the warrior makes a mistake he learns from his error and makes the necessary changes that will help him make better decisions next time. He is constantly trying to improve his character. His mistakes do not mean defeat unless he allows them to cause him to give up the path of the warrior. Mastery will come if you simply stay on the path and continue to learn and improve your character every day. Don’t get frustrated with the apparent lack of progress in your journey. Remember, this is a journey, not a destination.

Though the wind blows, the mountain does not move.
Japanese Proverb

We are what we repeatedly do.
Excellence is not an act, but a habit.
Aristotle

Bohdi Sanders
The Wisdom Warrior

Hedonism vs Sacrifice

Drink nothing to the dregs,
either of the bad, or of the good,
for to moderation in everything
has one sage reduced all wisdom.
Baltasar Gracian

What is the “good life?” What makes a life good as compared to bad? What characteristics determine whether a life is good or bad? I’m not talking about whether or not someone is a good person or a bad person; I am simply referring to someone’s overall life. Can you have a good life without being a good person? Well, I guess that depends on how you define a good life.

Return to the root and you will find the meaning.
Sengstan

If you define a good life as a life filled with purely hedonistic pleasures, then someone can definitely have a good life without being a good person. On the other hand, if you define a good life as a life that is to be admired for its sacrifice and service to other people, you can’t have a good life without being a good person. Thus, your definition of the good life determines what a good life actually is.

How do you define a good life? Is it a life filled with adventure, wealth, travel, and pleasures, or is it a life filled with sacrifice for your fellow human beings, filled with love, relationships, and good deeds? Do you see a life of luxury as the good life or a life lived with character and honor as the good life? There are lives that we envy because of their appearance of ease and hedonism, and then there are lives that we admire because of their character and honor.

Live as you will wish to
have lived when you are dying.
Christian Furchtegott Gellert

Life demands to be lived.
H. L. Mencken

For example, we may envy the life of someone who has millions of dollars for the freedom that it affords that person or for the luxury that his wealth can buy. This is a life that is obviously enviable. On the other hand, we may admire the life of someone such as Socrates who spent time teaching others, but ultimately died of poison in a jail cell. These are obviously two distinct kinds of lives: one to be envied and one to be admired.

Which of these would you choose for yourself or for your children? Well, I would not choose a life for my children where they have to spend time in jail under a death sentence, but we look at the life of Socrates with admiration. At the same time, I would not choose the life of Michael Jackson for one of my children either, although we may look at the lifestyle that his wealth afforded him with envy. So what’s the answer?

Beware lest you lose the substance
by grasping at the shadow.
Aesop

To me the answer lies in one word – BALANCE. The good life is one which is balanced. It has to be filled with more than simply wealth or hedonistic pleasures, and at the same time, it should be much richer than total sacrifice for others. You can actually have the best of both worlds. You can have adventure, travel, personal pleasures, and at the same time live a life of honor and character, which serves others and is fit to be admired.

Drink wine by all means,
but do not get drunk.
Confucius

The key to the good life is the same key that opens most of the locks in this world – BALANCE. There is no need to live an isolated life of poverty, giving all your time and money to others at the expense of your own enjoyment of life. At the same time, a life where you think of nothing but your own pleasure is a selfish life and not fit to be admired by anyone other than the shallowest of human beings. The good life is the life that you can both admire and envy. It is the best of both worlds.

Moderation is the key to lasting enjoyment.
Hosea Ballou

The secret of life is balance, and the
absence of balance is life’s destruction.
Hazrat Inayat Khan

Bohdi
Warrior Wisdom

To Die For

Greater love has no one than this,
that he lay down his life for his friends.
Jesus

There are not a lot of things in life that people are willing to die for. Not much is as important to someone as his or her own life. Actually, it is rare to find someone who is willing to lay down his life for anything or anyone else. As Jesus said, no man has greater love than when he lays down his life for someone else. It really takes someone with a special spirit to even consider laying down his own life for someone else. The true warrior is just this type of person.

The warrior knows that there are times which may require him to put his life on the line to protect those he loves. This doesn’t mean that he has a death wish or that he doesn’t value his life just as much as the next man, but rather that he knows that some risks are worth taking and some people are worth defending, even if it means putting your own life on the line. This begs to question, who is worth defending with your life and why?

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

Many people say that they “would die for” their spouse or their children, but would they really? When the hammer is cocked, would they really take the bullet, or is this some chivalric fantasy that they have in their mind? Are they living in their own little fantasy world where they are the hero or do they really have the courage and character to put their life on the line for those that they love?

Let’s make this even more personal; do you have the intestinal fortitude to lay down your life for those you love if it came down to that? How do you know? This is something that most of us have never experienced before, so how can you be sure that you would not fold under pressure? Is there even anyone in your life that you would be willing to put your life on the line for? Who? Why? These are essential questions for the warrior to ask himself before he finds his back against the wall.

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

Most people never stop to think about these questions because it is not really a jovial exercise to imagine yourself dying, for any reason. Nobody likes to focus on their own mortality. To the average person this seems like an exercise in depression, but to the warrior, this is an essential practice. The knights of old did this. The samurai did this. These warriors did not partake in this mental visualization out of a morbid death wish, but rather as a preparation in case they ever found themselves in such a circumstance.

This is the same reason that you should give some thought and even visualization to this subject – to be prepared for such an event, even if it never comes. Being prepared never hurt anyone. Don’t plan on losing. Don’t plan on dying. Never visualize yourself losing, but at the same time you need to know when and why you would be willing to put your life on the line.

A man’s action is only a picture book of his creed.
Emerson

Who is worth this much to you? Why? How far would you go to protect those you love? Reflect on these questions and then prepare so that if you do find yourself in a situation where you do have to place your life in danger to protect others, you will ultimately come out victorious. Being victorious is never guaranteed, but preparation always increases your odds of succeeding. Don’t fold when your loved-ones need you most.

Courage is grace under pressure.
Hemingway

Cowards die many times before their deaths,
the valiant never taste of death but once.
Shakespeare

Bohdi
Warrior Wisdom

The Enemy’s Strategy

What is of supreme importance in war
is to attack the enemy’s strategy.
Sun Tzu

Whether you are referring to war or business, if you want to win, you need to be able to counter your enemy’s strategy. You first need to know exactly what your enemy’s strategy is, in order to attack his strategy. Don’t just shoot in the dark. You need factual knowledge concerning what he plans to do. Take the time to do a little research and find out who your enemy is and what makes him tick. You must know your enemy. Know his weaknesses and his strengths. Know what his goals are and what he wants to achieve and why. Gather as much information on him as possible.

Method is more important than strength,
when you wish to control your enemies.
Nagarjuna

Once you know your enemy well, you are ready to start thinking of ways to disrupt his strategy. Only after you understand your enemy, can you begin to devise a plan to attack his strategy. Attacking your enemy’s strategy without doing your homework can backfire on you. You must be able to understand what is going on in your enemy’s mind in order to plan your own strategy. You must know who he is and how he thinks in order to predict how he will react and what his next move will be.

Our friends show us what we can do,
our enemies teach us what we must do.
Goethe

Things are not always as they appear to be on the surface. In fact, they are seldom what they appear to be. You must work hard to get through all the layers and find out what your enemy’s true purpose is. Don’t just discover his strategy, but look deeper and find out why he has developed this strategy. What is his ultimate motivation? What is his ultimate objective? Once you know what his motivation is and what his objectives are, you ready to develop a plan to counter your enemy’s strategy. Knowledge is power.

Do not be the victim of first impressions.
Baltasar Gracian

In planning, never a useless move;
in strategy, no step taken in vain.
Sun Tzu

(Taken from Warrior Wisdom II: The Heart and Soul of Bushido)

Bohdi
Warrior Wisdom

What Women Want

The wise focus their
attention inside.
Lao Tzu

I get a lot of emails, and many of them come from women who read my blogs or have read my book. One of the common topics that I hear repeated, not only in the emails that I received, but also in listening to conversations throughout my everyday travels, concerns what women actually want from a man. A lot of the emails that I receive are from female readers who say, “YES! The warrior is the kind of man that every woman wants! Where are men like this today?”

Let them know a real man,
who lives as he was meant to live.
Marcus Aurelius

It seems that no matter how hard ….Hollywood…., celebrities, feminists, etc. try to push the image of the metro-sexual male or the feminist man who has to depend on the wife to take care of things because he is a spineless, witless, buffoon, deep inside most women still love the stereotypical warrior which I write about in my book and blogs. They want a man who has character, integrity and honor. They want a man who has courage and who is willing to take care of them, provide for them, and protect them.

Now, I’m not saying that women want someone who simply wants to keep them pregnant and barefoot. That is not how the warrior looks at his wife or his girlfriend at all. If you have read much of my writing, you already know that. The warrior has the utmost respect for his wife and family. He spends time with them. They are the most important thing in the world to him, which is why he is willing to provide for them and protect them, even unto the death. No matter what other duties the warrior has, his wife and family always come first, if he is truly walking the path of the warrior. And this is something that every woman wants.

If you would be wise, provide for your house,
and love your wife in your arms. Fill her stomach,
clothe her back; oil is the remedy for her limbs.
Gladden her heart during your lifetime,
for she is an estate profitable to his lord.
Do not be harsh, for gentleness
masters her more than strength.
Give to her that for which she sighs
and that toward which her eye looks.
Ptah-Hotep

I realize that many of my readers will disagree with me on this point. They will want to argue that their duty to their country or their fellow soldiers comes first, or that their duty as a cop or a fireman comes first. To this I say hogwash! As a warrior, your first and foremost duty is to your wife and family, not your job or your profession. It is one thing to put other things first when you do not have a wife or family, but once you make that commitment, your priorities have to change. And this is what most women that have either written me or talked with me, seem to want – a man who is willing to put her first, a man that she can always count on to be there for her.

I can hear the feathers ruffling as I type, “What do you mean Bohdi?? Are you saying that I should neglect my duty??” Not at all, that is not what I am saying. What I am saying is that your wife and family have to come first. We all still have to work and do our job, and many times we had rather be at home with our family instead of working, but that’s life. This doesn’t mean that you don’t put your family first. Working is providing for your family, and is a necessity in life, but you had better have the pecking order straight in your mind. If you don’t put your family first, who will?

What I am saying is that the warrior walks by his own set of rules and values, his own code if you will. He has the courage to live by his own law. He isn’t a sheep. No one else controls him or tells him what does or does not come first in his life. He sets the rules and sometimes they may not jive with the norm of society. So what? He is not concerned with society’s political correctness or the way things have always been done. He is concerned with his personal duty, and he decides the hierarchy of his duties.

Highly evolved people have
their own conscience as pure law.
Lao Tzu

What I must do is all that concerns me,
not what the people think.
Emerson

The women that I have talked to want a man who is strong enough to decide what he believes in and who will stand for those beliefs. They want a man with backbone and character. They want someone who they can trust with their life, who they can depend on without question. Women want a man who they know is honest, sincere, and who will put their family first. A man who will honor and respect them is at the top of their list. No matter how much our “advanced” society pushes the image of the lovable buffoon as the image of the nice, desirable husband, this is not the feedback that women are giving me.

Do the character traits above sound familiar? Well, they do if you have spent much time reading my blog or have read Warrior Wisdom, they describe the warrior. The warrior is a man of honor, character, and integrity. He has a strong sense of filial duty and duty to his family. He is honest, trustworthy and sincere. He is a man of courage and has both the will and ability to back up his ideals. The warrior understands respect and honor, and they are a synergistic part of his life. The true warrior is truly the man that women describe to me as their perfect man.

The master warrior is
a man of character,
a man of wisdom and insight.
Forrest E. Morgan

Many women seem to go for the bad boy. Maybe this is because they really want someone who is a warrior, but their image of what the warrior really is, is skewed by movies and television. They consider a man who is rugged and tough to be the image of the warrior, but soon they find that this bad boy, is not a true warrior, but rather a thug. He lacks the character and principles of the true warrior, which is truly what women are looking for in a man. Soon they trade the bad boy for the nice guy, which although he may not be a warrior, he is at least not a thug and will provide a home for her.

Look for benefits that last.
Ten Bears

It is not enough to make something look good.
The underlying principle must be good.
Joyce Sequichie Hifler

What women are truly looking for is the perfect combination of the bad boy and the provider. The man who has principles, character, and is rugged and tough enough to protect her if the occasion arises. This is the picture that has been painted for me from the many emails that I have received, and it is the image of the true warrior – the man of excellence. Balance is important in everything, and I think that it is also important when it comes to what women what from men.

Stop talking about what the
good man is like, and just be one.
Marcus Aurelius

The superior man demands it of himself;
the inferior man demands it of others.
Confucius

Bohdi
Warrior Wisdom

Opinions Vary

Fear not the reproach of men,
nor be afraid of their revilings.
Isaiah

People are fickle. They will sing your praises one day, and they will turn on you like a pack of wolves the next day. Throughout history, people have shown this same erratic behavior, and sages have always taught us, just as Chuang Tzu taught, to be indifferent to the praise or blame of the masses. Let their praise and blame roll of your back just as rain beads up and rolls off of a newly waxed car.

The wise live among people,
but are indifferent to their praise or blame.
Chuang Tzu

This advice sounds easy enough to do. After all, it doesn’t take much effort to ignore what other people say, right? Well, this is another piece of wisdom that is easier said than done. It is very enjoyable and ego-boosting to have people praising your work and patting you on the back. It is a pleasurable experience for people to tell you how great you are or how smart you are.

Likewise, it is a very uncomfortable feeling to have people attacking you and blaming you for this or that. It can be very stressful to have people harass you verbally. Being indifferent to the public’s opinions, either positive or negative, is something which has to be learning and perfected. It doesn’t come naturally.

I do what is mine to do;
the rest doesn’t disturb me.
Marcus Aurelius

Just remember that the same people who cheer for you today, would cheer just as loudly if you were about to be hanged. Don’t seek the approval of the public. Seek the approval of men of wisdom and honor. These are men whose opinions actually have substance. Above all, seek to live according to your own principles. Only you truly know if you are worthy of praise or blame.

A noble spirit will seek the reward of virtue
in the consciousness of it, rather than in popular opinion.
Pliny the Younger

Bohdi Sanders

Warrior Wisdom

Does Everyone “Deserve” Respect?

Dignity is not circumstantial.
Kotoda Yahei Toshisada

Have you ever noticed how, if a football team develops into a dynasty, everyone wants to see them get beat? This is because nobody likes to feel inferior to anyone else, and a team who has practiced, worked, and grabbed hold of excellence, makes those who have not, feel inferior. The same principle applies to individuals. Those who have developed their lives to the point of excellence, make others who have not, feel inferior, unless they are very careful about how they carry themselves.

Noblemen discipline themselves to be dignified at all times.
Matsura Seizen

The warrior should develop his life to the point of excellence, while at the same time living in such a way as to not make those who haven’t feel inferior. Yes, this is a tall order on both accounts. It is hard enough to live the life of the superior man who has worked to develop his character through many hours of discipline and training, but once you start to feel that you are making progress, it can be even harder not to make others feel inferior. You have to watch what you say and how you treat those who are less inclined to live a life of honor.

People hate those who make them feel their own inferiority.
Lord Chesterfield

Those who do not live by a code of honor or revere integrity and character, many times look down on those who do. They will ridicule you for your strong beliefs in the warrior lifestyle. The warrior lifestyle simply does not make any sense to them. When they hear you discuss things such as honor, respect, your code of ethics, doing right, etc., they feel as if you are talking down to them or that you feel like you are better than them. Nobody likes to feel inferior, and they despise those who make them feel that they are not living their life to their full potential.

You cannot talk to a frog in a well about the vast sea;
He is limited to his area of space.
A summer insect has no knowledge of snow;
It knows nothing beyond its own season.
Chiu Shu

How do you live a life of excellence and honor without making others feel inferior? The answer lies in respect. You have to treat them with respect, even if you don’t really respect their lifestyle choices or their actions. This is not being hypocritical. It is simply treating others as you would have them treat you. Inside, you may know that men of honor, who live the warrior lifestyle, deserve more respect and reverence than those who don’t, but this fact doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t treat others with respect as well. Treat everyone with a certain degree of respect.

Each action [of the warrior] is performed from a place of fundamental wisdom…
It is completely different from the ordinary behavior of a fool.
Even if it looks the same, it is different on the inside.
Takuan Soho

Moreover, you don’t have to actually respect someone in order to treat that person with respect. This is a fact that takes a little getting used to for most people. You can have very little or no respect at all for someone, and yet still treat them with respect. No, this is not being hypocritical. This is simply living according to your own standards, standards which require you to treat people in a certain way, whether they are your enemy or your best friend. You live your life by certain decorum regardless of how other people live.

The man of principle never forgets what he is, because of what others are.
Baltasar Gracian

Treating others with a certain amount of respect and manners has nothing to do with their actions; it has to do with how you have decided to live your life. Does everyone deserve respect and honor? No, not in my opinion. Should everyone be treated with respect and good manners? Absolutely. There is a difference in what someone deserves and in how the warrior should treat them. Treating someone with respect and manners says something about you, not about what they deserve. What do you want your actions to say about you?

The warrior acts first according to his heart and his sense of righteousness.
Kensho Furuya

Bohdi
Warrior Wisdom

True Warriors

If you understand, things are just as they are.
If you do not understand, things are just as they are.
Zen Maxim

My friend Kevin, who is now serving in Afghanistan, once asked me what my ultimate definition of a warrior is. I understand that my definition differs from Mr. Webster’s definition, and it also differs from the definition that many people use today. I constantly get letters and emails from people telling me, in no uncertain terms, that I don’t know what I am talking about and have no business talking about what a real warrior is, after all, I am just some peon martial artist, not a soldier or a cop…what do I know about being a warrior! Well, if you define the term “warrior” as someone who is experienced in military combat, I guess that counts a lot of people out.

“Ohhh! Great warrior!
[laughs and shakes his head]
Wars not make one great!”
Yoda

My definition of a warrior, and the definition that I have deduced from the many, many writings passed down throughout the ages, both from military and martial arts sources, doesn’t define a warrior in those terms. My ultimate definition of the term “warrior” is someone who has the ability and will to fight to protect himself, his friends, his family, and his ideals, and at the same time, seeks the perfection of his own character through a life lived with honor, integrity, and an unflinching dedication to what is right according to his own code of honor which has been refined from intensive study and meditation. That is a lengthy sentence, but I wanted to have a one sentence definition of the warrior. In my opinion, this is a better definition of the true warrior.

A thing does not therefore cease to be true
because it is not accepted by many.
Benedict Spinoza

All truth passes through three stages.
First, it is ridiculed.
Second, it is violently opposed.
Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.
Arthur Schopenhauer

Warriors should exhibit the best qualities among men. The true warrior makes a firm decision to try to perfect his character and to live by a strict code of ethics. His word is his honor. His duty stays fresh on his mind. He lives life a little more seriously than most, but at the same time lives life to its fullest. He sees through the veil of appearances covering most parts of this world, but does so without looking down on those who are less perceptive.

Family and friends are important to him, and they know that they can always count on him for protection and help in their times of need. He bases his decisions on his code of ethics, and instinctively knows right from wrong, and chooses right. He knows that, at times there is a difference between what is right and what is legal. He is able to hold his head high with honor because he knows that he lives his life to the best of his ability, with honor and integrity. His code is ingrained in his spirit and is a part of his being. The warrior is a man who shoots for excellence in everything that he does.

The master warrior is a man of character,
a man of wisdom and insight.
Forrest E. Morgan

If you notice, the definition of the warrior, that is taken from description of the warrior’s character from throughout the ages, doesn’t require one to be engaged in military duty or law enforcement. Being a soldier or a cop doesn’t automatically make you a warrior any more than knowing how to throw a football makes you John Elway or Joe Montana. I know many cops and military people who I have absolutely no respect for…they are scum, pure and simple. Their job doesn’t change their character. I also know military guys and cops for which I have the utmost respect for. They are warriors in every sense of the word. It is not the job which determines whether or not you are a warrior.

You can be a warrior without being in a profession that requires you to enter into combat, and you can find your butt in the middle of a fire fight and be no more of a warrior than someone who finds themselves caught in a drive by shooting. I know that many of you will disagree on this…opinions differ. But let’s take a look at Webster’s definition of a warrior once more. By the strict definition both Nazis and Islamic terrorists would be classified as warriors. I know that many of you think that they should be. I know this from many of the attacking emails that I receive. I have had many people tell me that they absolutely are warriors, but that is asinine.

The fact that an opinion has been widely held
is no evidence that it is not utterly absurd;
indeed in view of the silliness of the majority of mankind,
a widespread belief is more often likely to be foolish than sensible.
Bertrand Russell

Nazis were not warriors. Sure they were soldiers. They were trained to fight. They may have justified their actions by saying that they fought for their country, etc. But were they really warriors? A warrior puts what is right above all else. He puts what is right above his marching orders. He thinks for himself. If his commander orders him to gas innocent women and children, or to murder defenseless, starving people, does he comply with those orders? If he does comply with those orders, is he so dense that he considers that to be morally right and an honorable act?

To avoid action when justice is at stake
demonstrates a lack of courage.
Gichin Funakoshi

Some have been thought brave,
because they were afraid to run away.
English Proverb

Are Islamic terrorists warriors? Many have argued with me that yes they are…after all, they fight for what they think is right. OH REALLY?!?! They think murdering innocent women and children is right? Well they may think that my stove is not hot, but you won’t see them sitting on the burner for an hour while they watch Bin Laden’s new propaganda speech. Just because someone thinks something is right or wrong, doesn’t change the truth. The truth is the truth irregardless of your perspective. These people also feel it is “right” to kill women if they dress or act in a way that they disagree with; just because they feel it is right, doesn’t make it right.

Truth doesn’t change because it is, or is not,
believed by a majority of the people.
Giordano Bruno

No, Nazis were not warriors. Islamic terrorists are not warriors. Just because they run around with weapons and know how to kill people, and claim they are just, doesn’t make them warriors. Soldiers? Maybe. Murderers? absolutely. Warriors? Not on your life. Anyone can take a gun and kill someone else. That doesn’t make them a warrior. A warrior entails much more than combat and killing. The warrior lifestyle goes much deeper than training. As I have said before, dogs and rooster can be trained to fight, but that doesn’t make them warriors.

The sky is not less blue because the blind man does not see it.
Danish Proverb

Truth will always be truth,
regardless of lack of understanding, disbelief or ignorance.
W. Clement Stone

There is a difference in being a soldier and a warrior. There is a difference in being a fighter and a warrior. There is a difference in being a cop and a warrior. You can be a soldier, a fighter, a cop, a martial artist, a cowboy, a teacher, or anything else that you want to list, without being a warrior. At the same time, you can be a warrior while being any of the above. You make the decision about whether or not you are going to be a warrior and live the warrior lifestyle, not your profession, not your training, and not your bloviating, opinionated friend who thinks that he is the ultimate authority on the subject because of his past experiences.

My friend Kevin is a true warrior, not because he is in Afghanistan fighting, but he is a true warrior who is in Afghanistan fighting. There is a difference. Would Kevin be less of a warrior if he were back at home driving a tractor or teaching in his local high school? Would that all of a sudden change his abilities, his character or his code of honor? A warrior is a warrior, no matter where he is or what he may be doing. That is just who he is. Moreover, a man who is not a warrior is not a warrior, even if he finds himself on the front lines. Things are not as black and white as most people would like to think…

A change in scenery does not change one’s character.
Aesop

We never fully grasp the importance
of any true statement until we have a clear notion
of what the opposite untrue statement would be.
William James

Bohdi
Warrior Wisdom

IF

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don’t give way to hating,
And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream – and not make dreams your master;
If you can think – and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build ‘em up with worn-out tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: “Hold on!”

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings – nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run -
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And – which is more – you’ll be a Man, my son!

Rudyard Kipling

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;

The warrior has to keep a calm mind in everyday life and in emergencies. Thinking rational is vital to the warrior. Others may panic over the situation; they may point the finger at you, but nonetheless, you have to keep your mind calm. Be a rock in the midst of the storm. Don’t allow some else’s panic to become yours; just continue to stay the course and meet each obstacle with a calm and rational mind.

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;

As a warrior, you have to spend time meditating on your sense of right and wrong, and your code of honor. You don’t do this in order to feel superior to others, although living life by these standards will make you superior, or as Confucius said, “A superior man.” The reason that you need to meditate on your standards of honor and integrity is to develop this trust in your sense of right and wrong. You have to know why you live according to your code. You have to develop trust in your sense of right and wrong.

At the same time though, you have to be able to understand that the majority of people do not live life this way. They do not spend time meditating on how they should live their life, or what determines what is right or what is wrong. Don’t expect others to understand you, but you should be wise enough to understand others. They will doubt you and your way of life, that’s ok; just don’t doubt yourself. Demand honor and integrity from yourself, but don’t demand it from those who do not understand the concepts.

Or, being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don’t give way to hating,
And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise;

People will lie about you and they will hate you for standing up for your principles and not being willing to bend where your integrity is concerned. This is not your concern. Your job is to do what you know is right. You are responsible for YOUR actions, not the actions of other people. If they lie, it doesn’t give you the green light to lie. If they hate, it doesn’t give you the ok to hate them back. You do what you know you should and let them be responsible for their own actions.

Although you understand this, it is important not to make a show of your understand. You don’t want to go around acting like you are better than others or wiser than others, even though you may be. Just simply understand that your job is too concentrate on living your life the best that you can, not to correct the faults of others. If they ask for your advice, give it. If they don’t ask for your advice, keep it to yourself. Nobody likes someone who makes them feel inferior.

If you can dream – and not make dreams your master;
If you can think – and not make thoughts your aim;

It is ok to dream and have goals, but at the same time you have to actually live your life in the present moment, not just dream for the future and sit around and wait for things to be perfect before you start to live. You should have dreams and goals. You should spend time in thought and meditation…but at the same time, you can’t only do these things. You must live life to the fullest, rather than live in a fantasy world constructed in your mind.

If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;

Good things will happen. Bad things will happen. This is life. Just live life and understand that you will have ups and downs, and neither will be the “be all, end all” in your life. They are just part of life. You should enjoy your triumphs and you must endure the disasters which will most likely cross your path. These are just part of life. Live your life to the fullest. Don’t get too high or too low, but rather just deal with each and every event in your life the best that you can.

If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build ‘em up with worn-out tools;

People will take your words and twist them around to make you look bad or simply to start controversy. And yes, fools will believe what they say. They will look at only one side of the coin because they aren’t wise enough to look beyond what is presented to them as truth. People will attack and try to destroy the things which you stand for; men of honor are frequently attacked for their beliefs. Just expect it and learn to deal with it. That is the way it is. It doesn’t matter. What matters is that you continue to walk the path of the warrior.

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;

Don’t put too much importance on material things. Material things come and go; they aren’t permanent. The sages tell us that your good name, your character, and your honor are permanent, but not things such as your wealth, your health, or your looks. Therefore you should be more concerned about things which are lasting, as opposed to things which are fleeting. Make sure that you have your priorities straight. Know what is really important and what is not.

If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: “Hold on!”

What forces you to continue when you have nothing left? What is it in a man that will give him the strength to continue to fight even when his body can no longer function? It is his warrior spirit or as Kipling says, “The Will.” No matter what is going on in your life, don’t quit. Don’t give up. Things change and they will change when you least expect them too. You don’t want to find that you have quit on minutes before your victory. Be stubborn and make your warrior spirit your courage.

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings – nor lose the common touch;

Do not let the actions of others affect you. Be yourself. Live according to your standards, whether you find yourself in the company of scumbags or the President. The warrior shouldn’t live one way around high class people and one way around low class people. He is not a chameleon. He should have enough confidence in his way of life to walk by his code in whatever company he finds himself in.

Don’t lower your standards just to suit those who live by lower standards, and don’t think so highly of yourself that you can’t carry on a civil conversation with those who obviously do not understand the way of the warrior. The warrior shouldn’t put his honor and a shelf when it is inconvenient or put it on for show simply to impress someone else. Don’t appear to be a man of honor; be a man of honor.

If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;

Understand that people will do and say hurtful things and that there are a multitude of reasons and factors behind their actions. Try not to take their actions personally. Most of the time their actions have nothing to do with you, they are just venting and they don’t really mean what they say or do. Remember, not everyone lives by the same high standards that you live by. Don’t let the actions of other affect you.

Yes, I know this is a tall order, but you will find more peace if you are able to let others’ word and actions roll off your back like water off a duck. Don’t put too much faith in anyone else. You should treat everyone with respect, but don’t expect the same in return. Again, you take care of your actions and your words, and don’t expect perfect from others.

If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run -

Live in the NOW. Don’t waste your time. You only live once in this life and you should live it to the fullest. Don’t allow fear, laziness, self-consciousness, worry, etc. to interfere with you living your life the way that you truly want to live it. As Kipling said, the minute is unforgiving. If you don’t use it, you lose it. There is no second chance.

Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And – which is more – you’ll be a Man, my son!

And a true man is a true warrior. Enough said…

Bohdi Sanders
Warrior Wisdom

The Warrior

Warriors should exhibit the best qualities among men. The true warrior makes a firm decision to try to perfect his character and to live by a strict code of ethics. His word is his honor. His duty stays fresh on his mind. He lives life a little more seriously than most, but at the same time lives life to its fullest.

He sees through the veil of appearances covering most parts of this world, but does so without looking down on those who are less perceptive. Family and friends are important to him, and they know that they can always count on him for protection and help in their times of need.

He bases his decisions on his code of ethics, and instinctively knows right from wrong, and chooses right. He knows that, at times there is a difference between what is right and what is legal. The warrior assesses each man by his intentions and actions, rather than his appearances and words.

He is able to hold his head high with honor because he knows that he lives his life to the best of his ability, with honor and integrity. He lives the code that he professes. The warrior truly is the best among men.

The cherry blossom among flowers, the warrior among men.
Japanese Maxim

Bohdi Sanders
Warrior Wisdom

Right is Right…Wrong is Wrong

The warrior does what is right. He does what is just. Justice is foremost on his mind. It doesn’t matter if no one else stands for justice or not. If no one else stands for justice, the warrior is willing to stand alone. He is not influenced or swayed by the majority’s opinion of right and wrong. The warrior knows in his spirit what is right and what is wrong, and it is his own standards that he follows, not the morals of the day.

This is one of the main things that sets the warrior apart from the rest of society. He lives by his own code of honor, not society’s politically correct idea of right and wrong. He sees things as they really are, and is able to look past the façade. A warrior must be clear about the code that he lives by. He must know what he believes and why he believes it, in order to have the conviction that it takes to stand alone for justice.

Right is right, even if nobody does it.
Wrong is wrong, even if everybody is wrong about it.
G. K. Chesterson

How can you be motivated enough to stand alone against injustice if you aren’t 100% sure about what is right and what is wrong? You must be able to recognize injustice when you see it in order to stand for justice. Always do what is right, even if nobody else does. You will find that it will give you much more satisfaction than you could ever get by following the crowd. Be independent of everyone else and make your own decisions. Many times the warrior has to walk alone.

From Warrior Wisdom: Ageless Wisdom for the Modern Warrior
by Bohdi Sanders, PhD

The Wisdom Warrior

What is a Real Warrior?

What makes someone a warrior? Is it the job that he has? Is someone automatically a warrior because he works as a policeman or is in the military? Is someone less of a warrior if they are a school teacher, rather than a policeman? These are all questions which should be considered. We hear a lot about the warrior professions and about how this group or that group are true warriors, but being a warrior has nothing to do with with your profession or which group you may or may not belong to. It has to do with who you really are as a person.

You can be a policeman or be part of the military and not be a warrior. There are countless examples which testify to this fact, many of which have been in the news lately. A person can work as a cop or make a career of the military without ever coming close to being a real warrior. This has always been the case and probably always will be the case. Please don’t get me wrong, I am not bashing cops or the military. These are both honorable professions. But there are many honorable professions in this world.

Often man is preoccupied with human rules and forgets the inner law.
Antoine the Healer

There always have been and always will be warriors who have nothing to do with the “warrior professions.” Was Bruce Lee less of a warrior because he was a teacher and an actor? Or was Ginchin Funokoshi less of a warrior because he chose to be a teacher instead of a policeman? Is the crooked cop a warrior just because he happens to be a cop? I don’t think so. Warriors can be found throughout our society, in different positions and at different levels. You don’t become a warrior just because you get a certain job.

Honor cannot be bought.
Philippine Proverb

Being a warrior goes much, much deeper than how you happen to make your living. It goes to the core of who you are. Being a warrior is a lifestyle, not a profession. I know some cops who are truly warriors and I also know some cops who are as much of a criminal as the people who they arrest. Your profession doesn’t matter, as long as it is not dishonorable. What matters is what is in your spirit. Are you really a warrior or do you merely want to be thought of as a warrior?

One must make the warrior walk his everyday walk.
Miyamoto Musashi

The definition of a warrior is someone who takes part in war or who is experienced in warfare, but I think that the true definition of a warrior goes much deeper than that. A real warrior is more than someone who takes part in warfare. He is someone who lives by a set of principles or a code of ethics. There are many people around the world who have taken part in warfare, to some degree, who I doubt anyone would consider a real warrior. The real warrior is concerned with character, integrity and honor, as well as martial arts skills and training. He takes the lifestyle of the warrior seriously. He has respect for others and for life. He is not a pretender, but the real deal.

The master warrior is a man of character, a man of wisdom and insight.
Forrest E. Morgan

The best book that I have read pertaining to the lifestyle of the warrior is Living the Martial Way by Forrest E. Morgan. If you haven’t read this book, you should get a copy. It is great. There are some other good books on the subject, but this is my favorite. Whether you are a police officer, a martial artist, a teacher, a lawyer, or in the military, you should do your best to live the lifestyle of the real warrior. It is not something that you do, it is something that you are. The lifestyle of the warrior is not something that everyone can live up to, this is why the true warrior is an uncommon find in today’s society. Strive to be different. Strive to be a real warrior.

Bohdi Sanders
The Wisdom Warrior

Training is Essential

Training is an essential part of being a warrior. You have to keep your skills sharp. As the old saying goes, even in the sheath, the knife still has to be sharp and be ready to be used when needed. It is very easy in today’s society it allow other things to interfere with your training. Everyone is too busy and stressed. This is another thing which sets the warrior apart from everyone else; he refuses to allow “things” to constantly stop him from training. He knows how important it is for him to keep his skills sharp. He knows that if he doesn’t, one day it may cost him dearly.

Remember, someone else out there is training on the days that you just don’t feel like training. The thugs are busily braining storming ways to rob you, or worse. Can you really afford to disregard your training or only train when you are in the mood to train? Always remember that no matter how far up the river you paddle, when you quit paddling, you will go back down the river, and you will go back much faster than than you moved forward. It is easy to take a day, a week, a month off from your training, and just relax and gradually float back down the river. Stay motivated and continue to move forward. Keep you knife sharp so it is ready to use when you need it.

Bohdi Sanders
The Wisdom Warrior

The Dichotomy of the Warrior

The warrior is a special breed. Most people can’t really comprehend who or what he really is. To the average person, the warrior appears to be a contradiction. On one hand he prepares for the violent confrontation. He knows how to destroy the human body in a very efficient fashion. On the other hand, he loves peace and quiet. He is meditative and introverted, seeking to understand himself and the world which he lives in. This is the dichotomy of the warrior which many people have a problem understanding.

How could someone who prepares and trains to dismantle someone else’s body, be a benevolent, peace-loving human being? Most people just can’t understand this, but it is the way of the warrior. The warrior, although he knows how to fight and is good at fighting, doesn’t want to have to fight. He trains in order to be prepared in case the circumstance arises in which he has no other choice but to fight to protect himself, his family, or you. If he had a choice, he would choose to live in peace with his family for his entire life, but there are times in life when you don’t have a choice. It is for those times that he trains.

The warrior may be found in peaceful meditation just as he may be found in martial arts training. He enjoys a lifestyle of peace. Peace and war are just two sides of the same coin for the warrior. Together they make up the dichotomy of the lifestyle of the warrior. The warrior knows that in times of peace he should not forget war, and in times of war he should not forget peace.

In peace do not forget war. Japanese Proverb
Let him who desires peace prepare for war.
Vegetius

He has to balance the two in his life. Protesters frequently protest the warrior, calling him vile names in their quest for peace and love, not realizing that it is only the warrior that stands between them and their destruction. It is the warrior who protects them even as they attack his unassailable character.Just as the sheep do not like the sheepdog and fear what he could do to them with his violent skills, these “peace-loving people” do not like the warrior. The sheep do not realize that it is only the sheepdog who stands between them and the wolf, and without the sheepdog that they dislike so, the predators would have them for dinner. They are never really able to comprehend how lucky they are to have the sheepdog around.

You cannot talk to a frog in a well about the vast sea; he is limited to his area of space.
A summer insect has no knowledge of snow; it knows nothing beyond its own season.
Chiu Shu

The same goes for the people who are against the warrior. They do not understand the dichotomy of the warrior lifestyle…but the warrior does not change who he is because of what others are. He just continues the journey of the warrior; a journey of the art of peace and of the art of war.

Bohdi Sanders
The Wisdom Warrior