The Relevants of Martial Arts Literature in the SDTS Pt 1

[poeseldc]

Are martial arts “classical literature” still relevant to modern day close comat? Over the past 23 years of my military career, I have greatly benefited from reading and applying many of the principles outlined in military classical literature. The principles have addressed a variety of topics such as leadership, strategy, and tactics. As a student of the martial arts an equal portion of study should be given Martial Arts classics. Books such as

[Damian (Instructor)]

Like the gunslingers of the old west, the samurai were subject to great interpretation and exaggeration at the expense of entertainment.

Mushashi was notorious for showing up to challenges late or ambushing his enemies early as they were on their way to the fight.

One of his most famous duals was with Kojiro. He showed up a day alte, unwashed and cursing Kojiro. He did this precisely because he knew it would take Kojiro out of his game.

The dual was set on a small island beach, Mushashi arrived by row boat (BTW Kojiro sent water with an assistant for Musashi to bathe. He did this knowing Mushashi’s reputation for being unkept. Obviously Musashi took the opportunity to piss Kojiro off and drank the bath water instead).

The fight took place in a matter of seconds, Mushashi got off the boast yelling obscenities at Kojiro, as Kojiro charged, Musashi cracked him in the skull with a bokken (large wooden training sword).

The point is, Musashi wasn’t about style, just results. It’s not a matter of who’s right, just who’s left.

Martial artists in particular are consumed with the complexities of technique, we are more focused on results. Hit with power, run fast, jump high, swim far.

Yes, there is a right way and a wrong way to do something. Good teachers guide you to discovery, poor teachers tell you what to do.

[Damian (Instructor)]

“Good teachers guide you to discovery, poor teachers tell you what to do.”

That is a wonderful statement. I’ve never heard the teacher/learner scenario put that way.

I’ve recently embarked (no pun intended) and a new career: dog training. (Also one of the reasons I can’t afford SDTS classes!) and that line exactly represents the proper way to train a dog. You can scream, yell, pull, jerk, contort the dog into what you want him to do, but if you guide him into what you want him to do and let him figure it out, he will learn (faster) and be much more happy and willing to keep doing it and learning more.

Well, I know this post doesn’t directly relate to self defense, but your last line in your post will be my mantra for all my future clients.

Rob

[Damian (Instructor)]

Rob,,,the Dog Screamer?

Congratulations and good luck on the new business venture. It has been my experience that teaching dog and kids have a lot in common.

Be consistent, specific and patient.

Now, I don’t say I do all those things, its more of a work in progress.

Damian

[Author]

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