the things worth believing in

Resurrecting an old, but what I believe to be important post.

Threat Indicators and Personal Safety

PS: Then watch this video to see a real-life example. I see a facial wipe, averting the face, boxers stance and a few others.

Image via Wikipedia

A student went to his meditation teacher and said, “My meditation is horrible! I feel so distracted, or my legs ache, or I’m constantly falling asleep. It’s just horrible!”

“It will pass,” the teacher said matter-of-factly.

A week later, the student came back to his teacher. “My meditation is wonderful! I feel so aware, so peaceful, so alive! It’s just wonderful!’

“It will pass,” the teacher replied matter-of-factly.

I always think about our estimation of our skills when I hear this story. When we think we “suck”..this will pass. When we think we “have it” that too SHOULD pass, otherwise we have stagnated. Unfortunately, there are some out there who, by thinking that they are “the expert”, will never truly discover their real potential.

I know some Russophiles out there will get their budyonovkas in a twist over this one. You know who I’m talking about, those westerners who insist insist that their AK’s are “da bomb”, Russian Vodka is the nectar of the Gods, Systema is the ultimate martial art and the Spetsnaz are the best SF in the known universe (even the Deadliest Warrior show on SPIKE said so, so they MUST be right ) , but you don’t want to get rescued by them if someone takes over your bus.

And before someone starts to explain to me that “Spetsnaz” is an umbrella term for various Russian SF from Alfa to regional groups…I know. But my opinion still stands. They may be in better shape (militarily poorer nations tend to focus more on PT cause its low tech/low cost), perhaps mentally tougher and with fewer constraints than western SF; but when it comes to gear and operational art I’ll side with western SF organizations.

Image via Wikipedia

The Hagakure says the following:

In China there was once a man who liked pictures of dragons, and his clothing and furnishings were all designed accordingly. His deep affection for dragons was brought to the attention of the dragon god, and one day a real dragon appeared before his window. It is said that he died of fright. He was probably a man who always spoke big words but acted differently when facing the real thing.

This passage makes me think about the tendency to confuse the trappings and the skills involved in “warriorship” with the deeds that are the REAL substance of it. How many times have you seen the IT/web professional who accumulates helmets, plate carriers, chest rigs, 2K carbines and attends 3-5 “tactical carbine” courses a year? Nothing wrong with that, but don’t confuse the trappings with the “doings”. And beyond that, to me this passage talks about the difference between the “appearance” and the “guts”. The webdude with the tactical firearms hobby who “dies of fright” when the Tactical Gods drop him into a real firefight illustrates that skills and mindset/attitude are two different things.

It’s the same with the martial arts, strutting around like you are “SOMEBODY” because you have a black belt shows me that you have a self-esteem problem. You are a person with a skill. Your skill is no more or less important than a person with a skill in carpentry, dance, accounting or electrical engineering. Show me what kind of person you are by what you do in the world. You don’t have to be a SEAL or a tactical guru to be “someone”. The type of person you are will always be more important than the skills you acquire.

Image by d'n'c via Flickr

After ten years of apprenticeship, Tenno achieved the rank of Zen teacher. One rainy day, he went to visit the famous master Nan-in. When he walked in, the master greeted him with a question, “Did you leave your wooden clogs and umbrella on the porch?”

“Yes,” Tenno replied.

“Tell me,” the master continued, “did you place your umbrella to the left of your shoes, or to the right?”

Tenno did not know the answer, and realized that he had not yet attained full awareness. So he became Nan-in’s apprentice and studied under him for ten more years.

Image via Wikipedia

While I am not a long range shooter, I found this article over at the Military Gear Blog to be interesting.

Its titled 8 Sniper Rifles to Take Down Terrorists and covers a range of long guns used by the US and our allies abroad.

Never outgrow that kid.