The Way

"The real Way of the Warrior is based on compassion, wisdom, fearlessness, and love of nature." This world is full of people that take many things for granted. The clothes they wear, the food they eat, the job they have, the people in their lives, the roof over their heads.....the senses they don't truly appreciate, or are naive to fully embracing. They believe these things will always be there. Those people live in complacency and ignorance; "Everything's going to be okay, I have absolutely no reason to worry," "Another day, another dollar, same s***, different day," and "Nothing's going to happen to me, there are billions of other people in this world." This type of thinking could do us in (a Chevelle album reference by the way). Every day is not the same. Anything can happen on the way to work or school; a store can be robbed, a man stabbed, a woman raped. One minute you can be excited about the day, but the next you can have your day shot down by discovering something was stolen from your car or witness your apartment building on fire, or you suddenly have a medical emergency. Random, but not impossible.

As the days go on, more and more I grow accustomed to living outside of complacency. I truly cherish what I have, and who I have. Materialistic items stolen can be bought again (even though it may have been an important gift, or something of a limited number) but people cannot. Once they are gone, there is no bringing them back. Waking up today, I went outside after a good breakfast and the weather was beautiful. The air held a bit of a haze as the sun shone through the trees in the backyard and birds chirped while leaves blew in the satisfying breeze. I inhaled a lungful of air through my nose, held it, then exhaled through my mouth as the breeze picked up slightly. While I was hanging my clothes to dry, I was enlightened to a new feeling, discovering that this is what it is like to live with Bushido....beauty in every breath. With no job all I can do for finances is sell things on ebay, get paid to do chores and maintain the yard and garden. Is this how a noble Samurai lived back in the feudal age? Is this how he felt, to measure life by every breath and practice a ritualistic chore of being? Every single day, wake up, get ready for the day, eat, do chores, read, meditate, train, write, eat, (not necessarily in that order) then turn in and do it all again the next, grateful for the gift of life and ready to die at any moment? If that's how a warrior felt and lived by that great feeling, then I believe I have acquired that awareness on my path to enlightenment and my goals in life. It's just a shame more people can't experience this....because this realization is very pleasing.

"To put the world in order, we must first put the nation in order. To put the nation in order, we must first put the family in order. To put the family in order, we must first cultivate our personal life; in order to cultivate our personal life, we must first set our hearts right." -Confucius

"Do not look upon this world with fear and loathing. Bravely face whatever the gods offer."

"Unification of body and spirit through the Art of Peace is an exalted state, so high and pleasant that it brings tears of joy to your eyes." -Morihei Ueshiba

Tides of Breathing II

In each inhalation and each exhalation there are countless instants of time. Your intention is to live in each instant, in each moment.

A meeting of two warriors

Sometime in May I was walking around the mall with a couple of friends, when I went into a Gamestop to check out the new games and look through the newest Game Informer. I was browsing the XBOX 360 section of games, when I looked up and came face to face with a living legend: Anderson Silva, the best pound-for-pound UFC fighter in the world right now! I don't usually get starstruck, but this guy was a favorite of mine in the sport for a long time, and although I held dry hopes of meeting him someday, I never thought I'd be standing right in front of him in a video game store, of all places! So as soon as I said hi to him, I turned around and grabbed my friend by the shirt and whispered to him, "It's ANDERSON SILVA! He's here." I asked the cashier for a pen and paper, and I confronted Silva again and asked him for an autograph, and he delightfully accepted. I told him it was an honor to meet him and the renowned Ultimate Fighting Championship competitor played it down like he didn't deserve to be praised so well. After the autograph I asked if we could get a picture and he didn't mind that either. Upon finishing the shot, I bowed to him and he bowed in return.
For being such an excellent veteran fighter, he was definitely a humble individual, and that I have great respect for. He's also a lot bigger in person than I expected! Then I later discovered he moved up in a weight class for his future fight with Forrest Griffin.



I posted Silva's autograph in the photo as well. Great guy.

The meaning of the bow

"Traditionally, bowing is the first thing you do when you enter a dojo and the last thing you do before you leave. It is a reminder that you come and go in peace. Bowing is a form of respect used in the martial arts, as well as throughout Asia. In a dojo the act of bowing is considered proper etiquette, equivalent to a handshake in Western cultures. In sparring the gesture sets an atmosphere of good sportsmanship, trust, and safety--implying that no one is there to hurt anyone else.
There is hidden meaning to the bow--it is recognition of the Divine in another person. This notion is literal. Within each person and everything in our universe is a portion of Divine energy. This may sound blasphemous, but traditional martial arts teaches you to bow to another person because you see the Divinity in that person, because you are both directly connected to the Infinite and thus to each other. The study of martial concepts is a way to unlock this amazing power and to discover what can be done with it.
Another hidden concept of the bow is the praying hands--where you position your palms to face each other and hold them together as if praying. The gesture is an ancient sign of humility and respect that is often combined with a bow as a greeting. Symbolically, the right hand represents the spiritual self. It reminds you that life is a composite of both body and spirit, and your mind is the pathway between the two. Ceremonially, martial artists form the right hand into a fist and cover it with the left. This represents your partnership to everything in the universe. It also signifies that you can always be entirely who you are, physically, mentally, and spiritually, and still be part of something bigger--what many call the Infinite or God. It marks your agreement with the world to be authentic at all times and to heighten joy. All life is physical and spiritual. Agree to honor both in everyone and everything."

I got that passage out of a martial arts philosophy book. Very profound definition of the bow.

On my path to freedom and lessons of life

I have read many books on the path to bettering myself, improving my way of life personally, consciously, at the same time researching and practicing, applying what I learn. I enjoy experiencing moments of contentment and I am humbly satisfied sharing my knowledge and lessons with others (if they are willing to learn!) and I am always open to learn from others.

Here are a few books I have read that may help you see things differently and possibly help you live better:

The Shaolin Workout: 28 Days To Transforming Your Body and Soul the Warrior's Way by Sifu Shi Yan Ming
-I always tell people everything happens for a reason. On a day when I was emotionally distraught and letting my anger get the best of me even after all my training and research and practice, eying this book and opening it made me feel even more enlightened and feeling better. Sifu Yan Ming is a widely known Shaolin monk and teacher of Kung Fu and Chan Buddhism and has trained many people all over the globe from businessmen to chefs, from police to gymnasts. He has even trained various celebrities such as John Leguizamo, the RZA, and Wesley Snipes among others.
This book not only gives the reader an excellent workout routine, it emphasizes how important it is to be grateful to have this mind, body, and soul every single day you are alive and teaches in each meditation(aptly inserted after every stretching and training exercise) to be grateful, use martial arts only as a means of defense, and to find peace and paradise within yourself first and foremost----since in Buddhism it is taught nothing is permament and all your money and material possessions are temporary happiness. In one section Sifu Yan Ming states that no matter how wider your tv screen gets, you are still the same person in front of it. An insightful, educational, and important book whether for improving your body, mind, or spirit...I highly recommend reading it(and practicing the workout, no matter what fitness background you hail from!)

If you would like to check out Sifu's website, you can check it out here: Shaolin Temple U.S.A.


The Spiritual Practices of the Ninja: Mastering the Four Gates to Freedom by Ross Heaven
-I know Ross gets somewhat of a bad rep, but I didn't read this book for Ninjitsu. I skimmed through it at the bookstore and thought it would be good to open my eyes more to a better understanding of life and spirituality, and to increase my discipline. Upon taking it home and reading it, I came face-to-face with an early death and a future self, and I have taken the path that leads me to a longer, more fulfilling life. Give it a chance if you want to better your mind, body and soul, or at least open your eyes to shamanism and a different spiritual mentality.


Bushido: The Soul of Japan by Nitobe Inazō
-A very insightful book into the educational outline of the code of ethics such as Bushido. Nitobe wrote it in English to be originally for Western readers, then it was later translated to Japanese. At first, it may be a little difficult to understand or hard to read, but it will sink in with time and with rereading. Being someone that is extremely based on "feeling" things and others, and having good intuition or gut feeling, I understood what I was reading after it settled in. In other words, I didn't quite understand what I was reading until I stopped reading it or until I passed the sentence I was on. Weird, but that's how I understood it. A great read, Nitobe explains the Soul of Japan in very noble words.


Hagakure: The Book of The Samurai by Yamamoto Tsunetomo, translated by William Scott Wilson
-Hagakure means "Hidden by Leaves" or "In the Shadow of Leaves". This book, if you haven't read or heard of it before, is basically a collection of quotes and day-to-day anecdotes of a samurai retainer of Nabeshima Mitsushige, the third ruler of what is now the Saga prefecture of Japan. Upon being denied an honorable samurai death(seppuku, or ritualistic suicide), Yamamoto became a Buddhist monk. A beautiful book, it details the very life of a samurai in 17th century Japan and emphasizes the utmost duty, honor, and loyalty to one's master. Throughout the book, there are humorous little stories or thoughts by the author which add to the entertaining read. I recommend it for anyone who wants to read what life was like as a warrior in feudal Japan.


Of course, there are more I have read and more I am reading, but for now one can start with these. Enjoy.

"There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting."
-Buddha

Ah, those quotes...

"No one knows what he can do till he tries."


"In the practice of tolerance, one's enemy is the best teacher."

"Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions. "

-the Dalai Lama


"Have compassion for all beings, rich and poor alike; each has their suffering. Some suffer too much, others too little. "

-the Buddha


"Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience. "

-Ralph Waldo Emerson


"I know you've heard it a thousand times before. But it's true - hard work pays off. If you want to be good, you have to practice, practice, practice. If you don't love something, then don't do it."

-Ray Bradbury

To Live in Humility

Big arms, large upper body=Western intimidation.

Many people think that size matters in a fight. Not always true. Speed coupled with power is a lethal combination, but even that alone is not always practical. Technique is great to have, great to know, but without speed and accuracy and with a lack of practice, application of the technique is weak and useless...unless one uses the technique in a kata or practices Tai Chi, which flows smoothly, gracefully as it naturally should. Altogether, the harmony of mind/body/soul and speed/power/accuracy in a fight is tantamount to survival. It's a cycle that comes full circle, one value leads to another, therefore gradually increasing the defense or offense in a person with each addition of the next value.

Now, there is no need to go out in the world and look for a fight, just live your life. Be aware of your environment and the people in it, and as far as you get in achievements and status, whether it be a promotion at a job or a new car, don't showboat it and talk down to others. Live in humility. The aim of Aikido was the Art of Peace, to win a battle with words, before it gets physical. If the conflict reaches a physical level, you lose that battle. This does not mean you should allow everyone to walk all over you, it simply means that as long as someone is teasing you or insulting you verbally, pay no attention to it and do not act upon it. Not allowing a verbal abuse to get to you is a great test of patience and control, especially when it is undoubtedly easy to open our mouths and "tell off" the person. I can agree that the world today is full of assholes and idiots that need an ass-kicking to shut them up and show they're nothing but filth, and to them words can mean a world of hurt, but to you, the warrior, words are petty and are not worth getting injured or losing your life over.
"True patience is bearing the unbearable."
Only when the abuse becomes physical and the person(s) touches you or your loved one, or attempts to, should you act. If you are the one standing after a physical confrontation, it is self-defense and thus, it is not your fault. You didn't start it (but some of you are probably saying to yourselves, "...but I sure as hell ended it!"). So again, figuratively "turn the other cheek" and just ignore verbal discourtesy until it gets physical (IF it gets physical! You don't HAVE to fight.) As Lt. Col. (retired) Dave Grossman discussed greatly in his book, On Combat, the Universal Human Phobia is conflict. The goal is to inoculate yourself to conflict or confrontation, or learn all you can and prepare yourself mentally so when the time comes you will be ready. The motto for the Boy Scouts is "Be prepared," and it is righteous to suggest so. Although the Boy Scouts do not have their own school, or dojo, they do have a warrior mentality, a lifestyle full of character and discipline and lessons in survival, and their motto can be held true in any walk of life.
Returning to conflict, there is nothing like a real street fight. Even sparring with one partner or more is different compared to a real physical encounter. There are no rules on the street, and most individuals today don't fight with honor. We should only use force as a last resort. As it is expressed in Budo, the ninja never used his sword unless deemed absolutely necessary. As quoted by Lt. Col. Grossman, "The more willing you are to kill, the less likely you have to do it." That means the more you learn, the more you train, the more ready you become physically and psychologically, the more prepared and willing you are to kill if it was life-or-death, the less likely you will ever need to actually take a situation that far.

It is important to learn the inner workings of martial arts to balance out the physical techniques (the outer workings). The internal is just as important, if not more so, than the external. Men can look alike in body if not similar to one another by working out, getting toned, etc. Same with women.. But if one person has an enlightened mind, open and intellectual and experienced, then that one mind can be greater than all the superficiality in the world.


"In extreme situations, the entire universe becomes our foe; at such critical times, unity of mind and technique is essential - do not let your heart waver!"
-Morihei Ueshiba

"Show strength when you are weak and weakness when you are strong; do this and your opponent will underestimate you."

Sights of Sites

I took this while in upstate New York in the middle of March, it's the Niagara Falls frozen.

It was quite a superb sight, seeing the Falls twice before with rushing water and the Maid of the Mist(the tourism boat that travels close to the Falls) riding around. The night shots are from the Canadian side looking at the Falls. I have told many that Niagara Falls at night looks like cotton candy because of the lights underneath. They change color by the way, which is really cool.

Experiencing natural wonders like Niagara Falls and the Grand Canyon in Arizona help me appreciate being alive to see something so beautiful; every time I am in another state or country enjoying my time and freedom either by myself of with friends, I can't help but smile because in that moment I am content. I am happy, and as quoted in Jon Krakauer's Into The Wild, "happiness is real when it's shared," and that rings true in my life.
I want to share my happiness with others, taking them away from their stressful, everyday existence, even if only temporarily, to just take a step back and breathe.



Random fact:

If you exercise to lose weight - choose your sport wisely. Swimming in cold water tends to make people crave high-fat foods, according to new research at Loughborough University in the U.K. 

-The Week Magazine, 3/27/09

You also have to factor in the abundant use of carbohydrates and expulsion of electrolytes (lost through sweat) because of intense activity (i.e., swimming, sprinting, hard working out, etc.).

The Tides of Breathing

One important principle to live by is gratitude. Many samurai of feudal Japan lived every day like it was their last, finding the greatest appreciation in the smallest things. They believed that there was beauty in every breath, because in that moment it meant you were alive. When I wake up every morning, I am extremely grateful to wake up alive; having all my fingers and toes, limbs, and all my senses. In an "attitude of gratitude," food tastes better and aromas smell stronger. Cherishing everything and everyone you have in life is important for a healthy mind and body, but it also helps get through the day easier. Next time you get the chance, take time to actually feel the breeze on your skin during a nice day, or listen to the sounds of nature: birds chirping or singing, wind rustling the leaves of a tree.

Many people will never truly feel what it is like to be grateful every single day. The warrior experiences it in battle; a law enforcement officer who survives a firefight on domestic soil or a soldier who lives through an ambush or IED(Improvised Explosive Device) in a third-world country. Through that close encounter does one truly know how it feels to be physically and psychologically grateful to be alive. We are not promised tomorrow. That is why we should live in gratitude and live by the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would like done unto you."

"If you can, help others; if you cannot do that, at least do not harm them."
-the Dalai Lama