the book of five rings audio

Follow the link to YouTube for the remainder of the episodes.

 

for those who haven’t met him already let me introduce Mr. Murphy

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MURPHY’S LAWS OF COMBAT OPERATIONS
1. Friendly fire – isn’t.
2. Recoilless rifles – aren’t.
3. Suppressive fires – won’t.
4. You are not Superman; Marines and fighter pilots take note.
5. A sucking chest wound is Nature’s way of telling you to slow down.
6. If it’s stupid but it works, it isn’t stupid.
7. Try to look unimportant; the enemy may be low on ammo and not want to waste a bullet on you.
8. If at first you don’t succeed, call in an airstrike.
9. If you are forward of your position, your artillery will fall short.
10. Never share a foxhole with anyone braver than yourself.
11. Never go to bed with anyone crazier than yourself.
12. Never forget that your weapon was made by the lowest bidder.
13. If your attack is going really well, it’s an ambush.
14. The enemy diversion you’re ignoring is their main attack.
15. The enemy invariably attacks on two occasions:
– when they’re ready.
– when you’re not.
16. No OPLAN ever survives initial contact.
17. There is no such thing as a perfect plan.
18. Five second fuzes always burn three seconds.
19. There is no such thing as an atheist in a foxhole.
20. A retreating enemy is probably just falling back and regrouping.
21. The important things are always simple; the simple are always hard.
22. The easy way is always mined.
23. Teamwork is essential; it gives the enemy other people to shoot at.
24. Don’t look conspicuous; it draws fire. (For this reason, it is not at all uncommon for aircraft carriers to be known as bomb magnets.)
25. Never draw fire; it irritates everyone around you.
26. If you are short of everything but the enemy, you are in the combat zone.
27. When you have secured the area, make sure the enemy knows it too.
28. Incoming fire has the right of way.
29. No combat ready unit has ever passed inspection.
30. No inspection ready unit has ever passed combat.
31. If the enemy is within range, so are you.
32. The only thing more accurate than incoming enemy fire is incoming friendly fire.
33. Things which must be shipped together as a set, aren’t.
34. Things that must work together, can’t be carried to the field that way.
35. Radios will fail as soon as you need fire support. Corollary: Radar tends to fail at night and in bad weather, and especially during both.
36. Anything you do can get you killed, including nothing.
37. Make it too tough for the enemy to get in, and you won’t be able to get out.
38. Tracers work both ways.
39. If you take more than your fair share of objectives, you will get more than your fair share of objectives to take.
40. When both sides are convinced they’re about to lose, they’re both right.
41. Professional soldiers are predictable; the world is full of dangerous amateurs.
43. Military Intelligence is a contradiction.
44. Fortify your front; you’ll get your rear shot up.
46. Weather ain’t neutral.
47. If you can’t remember, the Claymore is pointed towards you.
48. Air defense motto: shoot ‘em down; sort ‘em out on the ground.
49. ‘Flies high, it dies; low and slow, it’ll go.
50. The Cavalry doesn’t always come to the rescue.

 

i pledge allegiance…

 

I remember a teacher that I had, Now I only went through the 7th grade, I went through the 7th grade… I left home when I was 10 years old because I was hungry… I used to, this is true, I’d work in the summer and go to school in the winter. But I had one teacher who was the principal of the Harrison School in Vincennes Indiana. To me this was the greatest teacher, a real sage, of my time anyhow. He had such wisdom. And we were all reciting the pledge of allegiance one day, and he walked over this little teacher, Mr. Lasswell was his name. He says I’ve been listening to you boys and girls recite the pledge of allegance, all semester. And it seems as though it’s becoming monotonous to you. If I may, may I recite it and try to explain to you, the meaning of each word.

I ; me, an individual, a committee of one.
Pledge ; dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self pity.
Allegiance ; my love and my devotion
To The Flag ; our standard, old glory, a symbol of faith, where-ever she waves, there is respect, because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts that freedom is everybody’s job.
(of the) United ; that means that we have all come together.
States (of America) ; individual communities that have united into 48 great states. 48 individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose. All divided with imaginary boundaries yet united with a common purpose, and that’s love for country.
And To The Republic ; “republic” a state in which sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern, and government is the people, and it’s from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people…
For Which It Stands;… (no explanation was necessary)
One Nation ; one nation, meaning, so blessed by God.
Indivisible ; incapable of being divided
With Liberty ; which is freedom, the right of power to live one’s own life without threats, or fear, or some sort of retaliation.
And Justice ; the principal or quality of dealing fairly with others.
For All ; for all, which means boys and girls, it’s as much your country, as it is mine.

And now boys and girls, let me hear you recite, the pledge of allegiance:
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our country, and two words have been added to the pledge of allegiance; “Under God. ”

Wouldn’t it be a pity, if someone said that is a prayer, and that would be eliminated from schools too?

 

very interesting Bullshido post

Keith Schwartz is a 6th degree black belt in JuJitsu  and 5th degree black belt in Judo. He created a high quality instructional video series back in the 1990’s that was widely sold. He has recently walked way from the martial arts entirely to pursue a religious calling. He just posted a very interesting reply over at Bullshido :

http://www.bullshido.net/forums/showpost.php?p=2240736&postcount=34

That is a good very good question and not “Foolish” at all – you may have to change that name of yours Foolish – lol! My answer would be that Kano was oversimplifying the situation of perfection of human character, i.e.: his contention was the diligent adherence to the maxims of Judo and its physical training/discipline would in themselves bring about an “eventual perfection of human character”. In this, I believe Kano was wrong.

Martial Arts do not intrinsically improve human character. However, they DO put people in a very intense discipline demanding situation that does EXPOSE character – both good an bad.

This – in itself is a very valuable service the martial arts can bring to humanity, for that reason alone I still believe it has purpose beyond a physical discipline, BUT: Whether or not that character gets improved, or mearly remains exposed (we all know as many self-seeking mat show offs and bullys as there are truly caring giving individuals) is directly proportional to an individuals wisdom and ability to honestly asses their faults AND the humility and perseverance to correct them.

I do not see a great difference between most martial artists and general society, but for that matter I do not see a vast difference between social club Christians who attend church on Sunday, and live like the world the rest of the week either.

A true Christ follower is both rare and precious to this old world.

I find that bold part to be a profound truth…..

 

the art of war

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No blog about tactics, strategy or warriorship would be complete without a post about The Art of War, one of the oldest and most well known books on military strategy.

The Art of War is military treatise written in 6th century China by Sun Tzu. It is composed of 13 chapters, each one devoted to a different aspect of warfare. The Art of War was the definitive work on military strategies and tactics of its era, and is still one of the basic texts on the subject. It has had an influence on military thinking, business tactics, and many other fields. The Art of War is still studied by soldiers in many modern military schools such as the USArmy Command and General Staff College.

The English translation of The Art of War can be read here.

 

victimhood, revenge, forgiveness and mindset

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Published in the 1920’s, The Tales of the Samurai was a collection of stories transcribed by Asataro Miyamori and was subtitled “Stories Illustrating Bushido, the Moral Principles of Japanese Knighthood”.It has recently been released for “fair-use” non-comercial purposes so I will be utilizing it as a source from time to time.

The following story is titled Ungo-Zenji . It takes an interesting perspective on what it means to be a victim, how the desire for revenge can take over ones life and how even such base desires can be used as a tool to transcend and improve oneself if you look at life from a different perspective.

IT was snowing fast.

Already as far as eye could see the world was covered with a vast silvery sheet. Hill and dale, tree and field, all alike clothed in virgin white. Caring nothing for the bitter cold, but loving the beautiful, Date Masamune determined to go out to enjoy the scene. Accordingly, accompanied by a few attendants, he wended his way to a pavilion set on a low hill in the castle grounds whence an extensive view, embracing the whole of his little fief of Osaki, could be obtained.

In later life Masamune distinguished himself by signal service rendered to the state, eventually becoming one of the greatest daimios in Japan, under lyeyasu, the first Shogun, but at this time Osaki was his sole estate, and his income did not exceed 1 00,000 koku of rice a year. “What an enchanting picture! What can compare with a snow landscape? ” he exclaimed, as he stood enraptured, gazing with delight from the balcony of the pavilion at the pure loveliness of the scene before him. “It is said that snow foretells a fruitful year. When the harvest is abundant great is the rejoicing of the people, and peace and prosperity reign over the land! “

While his lordship thus soliloquized, Heishiro, the sandal-bearer Makabe Heishiro as he was called from his birthplace, Makabe in Hitachi, a surname being a luxury unknown to the third estate waited without. Having adjusted his master’s footgear there was nothing more to do till he should come out again. But presently Heishiro observed that the snovvflakes fell and lay somewhat thick on his valuable charge. He hastened to brush them off with his sleeve, but more flakes fell, and again the geta (clogs) were covered with icy particles. “

This will never do,” he said to himself. ” His lordship disdains to wear tabi (socks) even in the coldest weather, deeming it a mark of effeminacy ; should he place his bare feet on these damp geta he will assuredly catch cold. I must keep them warm and dry for him.” So the good fellow in the kindness of his simple heart took up the heavy wooden clogs, and putting them in the bosom of his garment next his skin, continued his patient waiting.

“His lordship comes!”

Heishiro had just time to put the geta straight on the large stone step at the entrance before the double doors slid open right and left and Masamune appeared, young, imperious.

He slipped his feet on to the geta. How was this? They felt warm to his touch! How could that be in such freezing weather? There could be but one explanation. That lazy lout of a sandal-bearer had been using them as a seat sitting on the honourable footgear of his august master! The insufferable insolence of the fellow!

In a passion at the supposed insult he caught the offender by the nape of his neck, and shook him violently, exclaiming between his set teeth, ” You scoundrel ! How dared you defile my geta by sitting on them! You have grossly insulted me behind my back! Villian, take that!”

Catching up one of the clogs which he had kicked off, he struck the poor servitor a heavy blow between the eyes, which caused him to reel stunned and bleeding to the ground. Then hurling the companion geta at his prostrate victim, he strode proudly back to the castle, barefooted, for he was in too great a rage to wait until another pair of geta could be brought. No one stayed to look after Heishiro. None cared what became of him. For some time he lay as he had fallen, but presently the cold brought him back to consciousness, and he rose slowly and with difficulty to his feet.

He picked up the geta with which he had been struck, and with tears mingling with the blood on his face gazed at it mournfully for a few moments. Then, as the thought of his master’s injustice came over him, he gnashed his teeth in impotent rage.

“Haughty brute, that you are, Masamune,” he muttered,” you shall pay for this! The bond between us as lord and vassal has snapped for ever. I have been one of the most devoted of your humble servants, but now I will never rest till I have had my revenge on you for this cruel treatment! “

Then Heishiro again put the geta into his bosom, though with how different an intention from before, and descending the hill on the side furthest from the castle, limped painfully away.

From that time forth the man had but one idea to wreak condign vengeance on the arrogant noble who had so abused his kindness.

 

know what you have to work with

While reading the Hagakure I noticed this passage:

Lord Katsushige always used to say that there are four kinds of retainers. They are the “quick, then lagging,” the “lagging, then quick,” the “continually quick,” and the ”continually lagging.” The “continually quick” are men who when given orders will undertake their execution quickly and settle the matter well. Fukuchi Kichizaemon and the like resemble this type. The “lagging, then quick” are men who, though lacking in understanding when given orders, prepare quickly and bring the matter to a conclusion. I suppose that Nakano Kazuma and men similar are like this. The “quick, then lagging” are men who when given orders seem to be going to settle things but in their preparation take time and procrastinate. There are many people like this. Other than these, one could say that the rest are ”continually lagging.”

After a few years of being a supervisor I can see the truth in this.

 

jack of all trades?

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I just read this passage from the Hagakure:

There are many people who, by being attached to a martial art and taking apprentices, believe that they have arrived at the full stature of a warrior. But it is a regrettable thing to put forth much effort and in the end become an “artist.” In artistic technique it is good to learn to the extent that you will not be lacking. In general, a person who is versatile in many things is considered to be vulgar and to have only a broad knowledge of matters of importance.

The way I read it, Yamamoto Tsunetomo was saying that some people look at teaching, practicing or dedicating themselves in a martial art as the pinnacle of “warriorship” but that becoming an “artist” and being a “warrior” are two different things.

He furthermore says that when learning “artistic technique” it is good to learn only enough to be proficient, but he says that only having a broad knowledge of matters of importance is “vulgar”.

I am a bit confused by this passage. The first part, where he says that it would be “regrettable” to become an artist, I think I understand. It seems to me that he is saying “look..a warrior USES martial arts to accomplish his goals…martial arts do not define the warrior. Don’t get so involved in practicing the martial arts that you forget what your job is.”

I tend to agree with that sentiment. I have stated repeatedly in my writings here that I think that simply teaching or training in a martial art doesnt place you in the “warrior class“. If you want to BE a warrior, you have to get out there and put your ass on the line FOR something. Enlist, become a Fireman, an EMT, a cop, join the Peace Corps…get out there and DO something. Even if you have no martial arts experience I believe that you are closer to being a “warrior” than someone who goes to the corner dojo twice a week.

The people who hone their martial skills, the citizens who attend every firearms school from Blackwater to Gunsite…they are training in the “warrior arts” or perhaps trying to live “AS a warrior”, which is perfectly fine and honorable. Many of them are simply enjoying a hobby, some are preparing themselves to be self-sufficient in defensive skills, and myrid other legitimate reasons. Then there are some who think that practicing the skills of the warrior somehow “makes” them a warrior, but paying to learn all the skills and techniques of a Navy SEAL isnt the “same as” BEING a Navy SEAL.

So I agree…being an “artist” and being a “warrior” are different things. Then again, perhaps I am simply interpreting this writing to match my opinion because Tsunetomo goes on to say:

In artistic technique it is good to learn to the extent that you will not be lacking. In general, a person who is versatile in many things is considered to be vulgar and to have only a broad knowledge of matters of importance.

I can read the first part  in two ways. Either he is saying; “when you are an Artist you can “get away with” learning enough so as to not be lacking”. Or he is saying; “when you are a warrior who is learning an artistic technique it is best to not waste your time honing it too much to the detriment of other skills”.

I think that the last sentence tends to support the first interpretation. As if the writer is saying “well..if you are an Artist then learning enough to get by in many skills is all well and good, but being a generalist is vulgar.”

That tends to run contrary to my understanding of what “artist” means though. I would think that the “artist” would be concerned with refining and honing every minutiae of technique, while the warrior has many skills he/she needs to do their job.

Then again perhaps the authors “artist” was different than our modern interpretation of the term. Maybe he was saying; “Martial Artists are interested in learning anything and everything to do with their art so they tend to learn just enough to be skillful in those many things. The Warrior should not worry about gaining many mediocre skills, he should focus on becoming expert at his necessary skills (i.e. swordsmanship, archery, horesmanship etc.).”

To make a modern military analogy, this is like saying a “military artist” would be someone who tries to learn about everything; artillery, airborne operations, naval operations, intelligence, infantry tactics, armor etc. As such the “military artist” gains a broad but shallow knowledge of all these skills. Its as if Tsunetomo is saying “dont be a Military Artist…focus on your infantry skills. You may not know squat about Tank Warfare but you will be an Infantry expert.”

I wish that Tsunetomo was around so I could ask him to clarify. Does anybody else have an interpretation of this passage that differs from mine?

Any way you interpret it, this passage raises some interesting thoughts about the relationship between your “mission” and your training goals.

 

relics from the past found in my nightstand drawer

For a long time I have had the habit of maintaining notebooks. I think it started in my middle school years when the “ninja craze” was just heating up and I became fascinated with military and martial arts “stuff”. I used to fill them with “reference materials” lifted from books, magazines and military manuals. I would diligently copy information about poisonous plants, L-shaped ambushes and how to “take out” enemy sentries into these “little black books”. I always enjoyed the fantasy of finding some secret knowledge in a dusty book found buried in a corner of a library or under a pile of old magazines in a second hand bookstore and in hindsight perhaps this is a manifestation of that. Or perhaps this is one of the side effects of living out in the styx with no girls to chase or friends to play ball with.

As the years went by I would write short “posts” about my thoughts into these books. I recently came across a stack of these black, hardbound “blank books” in my nightstand drawer under a pile of holsters, old badges, military paraphernalia and Army FM’s.The most recent one has entries from when I was deployed to Bosnia Herzegovina. A passage I found in it says:

When I purchased this blank book I did so with the intention of writing my beliefs and ideas in it and through that process learn something about myself. Now that I have started I don’t really know what it is that I believe, I’ve read many books about ancient and modern philosophies, religions, psychology and myth but in the end I cannot determine if any of them have changed or influenced  who I am or if I just took from them what I always believed.

I guess that my current life view is similar to the eastern concept of the Tao. We all think of ourselves in individual terms…separate from each other and from the rest of the world. I tend to think of our existence as being manifestations of the same “reality”. From a college philosophy class, I remember watching a film where Joseph Campbell made an analogy to a light bulb. The bulb is a vessel for light, when the switch is thrown it illuminates. When it is turned off the light vanishes but the energy..the “potential” is still “out there”. Do you identify with the “bulb”…your physical manifestation? Or do you identify with “the light”? That same current that runs through all of our “bulbs”? When our “light” goes out the energy doesn’t “go” anywhere because it never really “came” in the first place. We are just material manifestations that come and go.

I’m realizing that there is going to be a rambling quality to this writing endeavor, but I’m going to just let that go…it’s funny how I’m sitting here spouting off all this highminded stuff but inside I know that I can be just as jealous, insecure, hesitating and brooding as the next guy…

…All my life I’ve wanted to be a “good soldier”. I’ve read comics and books about war. I’ve watched countless action movies. Under it all there’s a part of me that wants to prove something to myself. I’ve jumped out of planes, climbed cliffs and done some “stupid dangerous” things. I’m still not certain if I did these things for enjoyment or simply to spit in the face of my own insecurities. Either way I did enjoy the adventure and in the end it has lead my life in a direction that I find fulfillment in….”

I wont belabor you with the rest…the reason I even bring this stuff up is because, when I think of it, blogging can be much the same sort of thing as this journal writing. By posting things that interest you and through writing about things that you believe in you start to reach a “critical mass” of posts that can become a “snapshot” of your “self”.

 

the things worth believing in

 I like to resurrect this post every now and then to remind me why I titled this blog the way I did.