Realism in Self-Defense Training and Tai Chi as Meditation

News Briefs

Self-Defense Training vs. Martial Arts Fantasy

One of the hindrances to the study of genuine martial arts for adult martial artists is that they often have to contend with pseudo-mysticism and other fantasies that pervade the world of martial arts. These fantasies do not advance the cause of self-defense training or combatives. Nor do they contribute anything to our understanding of bushido and budo.  In this video clip, combatives and self-defense training expert Tony Blauer illustrates why self-defense training is not about make-believe esotericism but instead about body mechanics and physiology.

“Some martial artists teach you to love your enemy. I hate my enemy. When he attacks, I’m going to crush him — physically, spiritually and mentally — and I won’t feel bad about it.” — Kelly McCann (Black Belt Magazine)

Realism in Self -Defense Training and Combatives

Speaking of realism in the combatives and self-defense training, few could match the legendary prowess of the late Bob Kasper when it came to the realities of knife-fighting. Paladin Press has released Bob Kasper, The Lost Tapes: Combative Knife Skills. Kasper was one of the founders of the Gung Ho Chuan Association. The GHCA was the brainchild of a handful of Marines who understood the systematic study of close-combat training, sometimes known as Gutter-fighting. Not only did they do extensive research but they pressure-tested their researches in high-risk environments such as the Middle East and Central America. Here is a sample of Kasper’s genius:

Tai Chi as Meditation

Tai Chi as Meditation is the subject of Sifu William C. Phillips’ thoughtful article in Into Mountains, Over Streams: International Journal of Qigong and Taiji Culture. Like Tony Blauer, Phillips makes his case for tai chi as a form of meditation without any hyped-up mystical claims about meditation. Indeed, he defines meditation simply as “the conscious, controlled focus of the mind.” Phillips says that there is nothing wrong with studying Tai Chi simply for the health benefits it offers its practitioners. Instead, he argues “how and why Tai chi is meditation, and as such, can be of value in one’s mental and spiritual as well as one’s physical discipline.”

Until next time…train hard, stay safe, live well.