Martial Art - A Way Of Life

"One Can Give A Blind Eye To The Bad/Wrong/Evil Words, Actions & Deeds Of Lost People Only When Their Words, Actions & Deeds Are Not Affecting The Body, Mind & Spirit Of Others Negatively/Destructively" - Sensei Michael Rajchandra

2017-09-13T09:53:00.000+05:30

"Always Remember That, It Is Only The Warrior Who Has Given His/Her All To Defend Himself/Herself And Protect Dear Ones Wisely, Ethically And Morally, Using All The Non-Violent, Non-Offensive And Purely Defensive Means, Methods, Tactics, Strategies; Spiritually, Mentally & Physically Possible AND YET FAILED (Because Of The Obvious Lack Of Skills, Knowledge Or Wisdom etc.), Who Is Actually The Only One, Who Has The Right To (VERY UNFORTUNATELY) Resort To Defensive-Offensive Or Worse Purely Offensive Means, That Might Even Result In The Death Of The Attacker... And So Is The Only One Who Can Confidently And Justly, But Not Proudly, Justify It...." - Sensei Michael Rajchandra

2016-01-22T23:51:00.000+05:30

"Just Because A Person Talks Philosophical Things , That Does Not Automatically Make Him A Person Of Good Character, A Spiritual Person Or A Real Martial Artist" - Sensei Michael Rajchandra

2015-10-23T16:45:00.002+05:30

There are many Martial Combat People, who occasionally preach some Philosophical Thoughts and many times even quote a lot of words of Real Martial Art Masters of the past, just so that they can fool people into believing that they are wise old school masters of martial arts...

But even then, being Philosophical does not make anyone Spiritual or a Good Human Being who
# Strives to Perfect his Character,
# Practices Compassion, Forgiveness, Sacrifice, Love and Respect,
# Gives his all to live a Moral and Ethical way of Life
# Practices the Divine Art of Peace.
# Etc.
Which is a Must to become a Real Martial Artist.

Fortunately observing their everyday speech, actions, deeds and choices that overflow with Arrogance, Selfishness, Self Centeredness, Materialism, Hedonism, Substance Abuse, Corruption, and Inclination to wards Violence reveals their True Hidden Self...

There are many such Fight/Combat Instructors who are good at using spiritual and philosophical constructs (that they have got from either their own Culture/Family/Teachers, or Martial Art Books, Movies, Online Websites, Forums, Videos etc) that they Preach but unfortunately themselves don't connect with it.

But better talk about more well known Examples
Bruce Lee
One of the world's well known Fighter, Martial Combat expert who was made larger than life through his movies, and who is also known for a lot of Philosophical & Spiritual Talk (Most of which he has received from his Rich Asian Cultural Legacy) which is opposite of what he was in his real life filled with Street fights, Challenges, Arrogance, Cockyness, Bragging, Showing Off, and not to forget Substance Abuse.

Ref:
Bruce Lee's Lost Interview
Death by Misadventure: The Mysterious Life of Bruce Lee (1994) Documentary
Dragon The Bruce Lee Story

Mas Oyama
He is the best example of An Insecure Fighter who has been wrongly labeled as a Martial Artist.
A spurned revengeful person who went from Dojo to Dojo Challenging and Fighting other Masters, is far from being a Spiritual Person.
Interestingly one can even stumble upon philosophical mumbo jumbo attributed to him.

Ref.
Shihan Essence

In order to understand who is who and to protect yourself from being fooled, conned or misled into believing false Public Images of such people created for obvious reasons, one must first get a clear understanding of various aspects, concepts of Martial Arts Philosophy, Spirituality and Life.

How Training In Martial Arts Protects One's Relationships From Being Murdered

2015-05-09T12:44:00.000+05:30

All Rights of Graphic Belong to Respective Owners, No Copyright Infringement Intended

The Beauty of Martial Arts is that its various Philosophies don't just Help with Conflict/Dispute Resolution or just Defending/Protecting ourselves from Attacks in a Fight or War, In Fact The Teachings of our Enlightened Warriors/Masters, are an Ultimate Guide and Protector our Relationships with Others-> Family - [Parents, Siblings, Relatives, Spouse], Teachers, Friends, etc too...

Seeking 'PERFECTION OF CHARACTER' which is considered the Ultimate Goal of a real Martial Art (Eastern Philosophy) as taught to us by many including the founder of Shotokan Karate Do, Meijin Gichin Funakoshi helps protect our Relationships from being Murdered...

Because It is by the perfection of Character that one Will
# Be respectful to Others
# Be Faithful & Loyal with Others they are in a Relationship with
# Endeavor to Maintain the Health, Quality, Wellbeing and Life of the Relationship with Others
# Refrain from Violent Behaviour with Others
# Have no ATTITUDE, Bad BEHAVIOUR, EGO towards Others
# Always Listen to Others Be Attentive, Compassionate, Understanding, Empathizing, Constantly Learning about Life, etc. that will protect One from making countless mistakes out of IGNORANCE.
# Have Integrity, Will Be Honest, Selfless, Sacrificing, Forgiving, Never Hurt/Cheat Others and so will never have any hidden agendas to derive HIDDEN BENEFITS
# Above all, One is always ready to Identify and accept One's faults, Mistakes, Failures and be ready to face the consequences of one's actions.

Thus no matter how difficult it is, we have to Seek Perfection Of Character in order to be as supportive and constructive and protective to our Relationships with Everyone...

To conclude, I would like to say from my experience of life that, if I was trained in Perfection of Character much earlier in Life and not just punching and kicking, I might been a better and more sensible person and may never have messed up so many of my relationships with others!!!

"The Real Mental And Spiritual Strength Of A Warrior Comes From The Fact That He/She Is Never Afraid Of Being Alone, Pain or Death" - Sensei Michael Rajchandra

2015-01-01T22:28:00.002+05:30

This is an Empowering Context for all to meditate on...

For a Warrior To be Mentally & Spiritually UnHurtable, Unbreakable, Unfazeable and Indestructible He/She must

Never be Afraid Of Being Alone, Pain or Death

and the above is achievable only when a Warrior:

Has the Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Survival Skills/Knowledge/Wisdom to Live Alone.
Is Totally Physically, Mentally & Spiritually - > Independent, Self Sufficient, Self Reliant
Realizes That One's Peace & Happiness Come From Within And Is Not Dependant On Others And Other Things To Be Happy.
Not Afraid Nor Averse to Discomfort or Pain
Understands, Respects and Accepts the Design of Life their by losing all Afraid of Death.

Martial Art Training: Objective 1 - Taming The Homo Sapien In Us

2014-04-02T17:30:00.001+05:30

THE WAY THIS DOG OWNER HAS ABSOLUTE CONTROL OVER HIS DOG

IN A SIMILAR WAY, THE INNER HUMAN BEING (SPIRIT) OF A MARTIAL ARTIST MUST HAVE COMPLETE, ABSOLUTE AND EXCLUSIVE ACCESS AND CONTROL OVER HIS/HER EXTERNAL HOMO SAPIEN (BODY AND MIND)!!!

As Meijin Gichin Funakoshi has said that Karate-Do(As in Martial Art) is about "The Perfection Of The Character Of Its Participants", Thus Martial Art Training Has To Be About The Training Of The Homo Sapien In Us, Cause Its Only When One Is In Complete, Absolute, And Exclusive Control Of His Homo Sapien, Only Then Is One Able To Possess and Exhibit Perfect Character (Which Is A Perfect Amalgam of Discipline, Obedience, Respect, Modesty, Humility, Loyalty, Selflessness, Generosity to name just a few).

"Running Down The Weak Doesn't Make You A Hero But A Sick BULLY!!!." - Sensei Michael Rajchandra

2014-03-22T14:00:00.001+05:30

"Being Honest To Oneself And Others Is Key To Being A GOOD MARTIAL ARTIST" - Sensei Michael Rajchandra

2014-03-22T13:57:00.002+05:30

"It Is Only When We Fail To Defend Ourselves, Using Our Spiritual And Mental Skills, That We Are Forced To Use Our Physical Skills" - Sensei Michael Rajchandra

2014-03-22T13:54:00.002+05:30

"Competition Is For Those, Who Have No Goal In Life, Yet If Your Are Forced To Compete, Then Win Like A Champion And Lose Like A Champion." - Sensei Michael Rajchandra

2014-03-22T13:51:00.003+05:30

If One Has "Perfection", Set As One's Goal In Everything One Does, One Never Needs To Compete With Anyone In Anything, Irrespective of whether it is Education, Sports, Business or Personal Life..

"A Martial Combat Teacher Will Teach You To 'Fight', A Martial Sports Teacher Will Teach You To 'Play Fight', But A Martial Arts Teacher Will Teach You HOW TO, NOT GET INTO (NOT START/ PREVENT/AVOID) A FIGHT..." - Sensei Michael Rajchandra

2014-03-22T13:45:00.003+05:30

WATCH WHAT YOU LEARN AND WHO YOU LEARN FROM.... CAUSE IF YOU DON'T YOU WILL END UP:

Destroying Your Character Rather Than Perfecting It.
Remaining A Homo Sapien/Animal Rather Than Becoming A Spiritually Enlightened Human Being.
Destroying The Peace And Balance Of Not Just Your Life, But of Others, Nature And Everything Around You, Rather Than Protecting, Preserving and Maintaining The Peace And Balance Of Not Just Your Life But, Those Of Others, Nature And Everything Around You.
Becoming A Foolish Competitor, Competing With Others, Rather Than Competing With Yourself (Purely & Solely) For The Process Of Achieving The Ultimate Goal "Perfection In Everything".
Getting Lost In All The Pseudo-Beliefs Of A Martial Sport THAT MAKE YOU FALSELY BELIEVE THAT:

Something As Evil As Fighting With Someone And Causing Him/Her Pain/Injury And Making Someone Feel Inferior To You, Is A Sport.
It is A Matter Of Great Pride To Earn Medals, Trophies, Fame, etc. By Fighting With Others, And By Causing Them Pain, Hitting Them, Punching Them In The Face, Breaking Their Nose, Teeth Bones Etc.
You Can Actually Win Over/Defeat Someone Who Is Identical To And Equal To You In Every Aspect Or Someone Stronger Than You In Every Aspect, USING 100% FAIR MEANS.

Being Programmed by a Martial Combat System That Will Turn You Into A Fighter/Killer, Rather Than A Martial Artist.

"Never Choose A Teacher Who Can Only Bring Out The Best In Himself/HerSelf, Always Choose A Teacher Who Can Bring Out The Best In You" - Sensei Michael Rajchandra

2014-03-22T13:42:00.003+05:30

"Saying That You Love Your Art But Don't Love Or Care About Its Origin, History, Culture, Language and Everything Related To It, Is Similar To Saying That You Love Your Spouse But Don't Love or Care About His/Her Origin, History, Culture, Language, Family and Everything That Is Related To Him/Her" - Sensei Michael Rajchandra

2014-03-22T13:31:00.000+05:30

"It Is Better To Die In A Fight That May Never Take Place, Than To Live EVERYDAY FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE Physically, Mentally & Spiritually HANDICAPPED, ILL AND IN PAIN, Because Of Needless, Violent, Uncontrolled And Unscientific Training" - Sensei Michael Rajchandra

2014-03-21T21:03:00.000+05:30

"In A World Where Fighters Are Respected & Considered Brave, While People Who Hate To Fight Are Disrespected & Considered Cowards, It Is Not Surprising Why Martial Arts Is No Longer What It Was Meant To Be." - Sensei Michael Rajchandra

2014-03-21T20:53:00.001+05:30

The moment a great fighter puts up a Lethal or Acrobatic Display of Combative Skills, people watching end up thinking that Fighting is Martial Arts, which is far from the truth....

In fact, what they fail to realize is that Fighting Solves Nothing it just makes matters worse!!!

Some thoughts to meditate on...

ESSENTIAL FOOD FOR THE WARRIOR: Bone Marrow Soup

2014-03-04T14:14:00.001+05:30

As Warriors We Expose ourselves to a lot of Physical Injuries and need powerful Healing Foods for Speedy and Proper Recovery...

One Such Healing Food is Bone Marrow.
Bone Marrow as obvious is present in ample quantities in the large hollow bones of large animals like Lamb etc. and have the following Benefits:

1. Helps with bone formation, growth and repair.
The calcium, magnesium and phosphorus in bone broth helps our bones to grow and repair.

2. Reduces joint pain and inflammation. The glucosamine in bone broth can actually stimulate the growth of new collagen, repair damaged joints and reduce pain and inflammation.

3. Fights infections such as colds and flu.
A study published in the journal Chest shows eating chicken soup during a respiratory infection reduces the number of white blood cells, which are the cells that cause flu and cold symptoms.

4. Fights inflammation. Bone broth is very high in the anti-inflammatory amino acids glycine and proline.

5. It heals a leaky gut.
The gelatin in bone broth protects and heals the mucosal lining of the digestive tract and helps aid in the digestion of nutrients.

6. Produces gorgeous skin, hair and nails.
The collagen and gelatin in bone broth supports hair growth and helps to keep your nails strong.

7. Promotes sleep and calms the mind.
The amino acid glycine found in bone broth can be very calming.

8. Healthier than buying supplements.
Homemade bone broth contains all nutrients and minerals found in bones and tendons rather than just one or two found in pills. Slow cooking preserves the nutrients better than the high heat extraction used to make supplements.

Best of all its Super easy to make.

In India we have some amazing recipes: Goat Leg Soup aka Kharode Ka Shorma.

Above is a video that shows a simple and tasty way to make it!!!

P.S. THIS VIDEO IS NOT MADE BY A PROFESSIONAL SO PLEASE IGNORE ANY ISSUES IN THE ANCHORING OF THE VIDEO.

THOSE WHO DO NOT LIKE TO CONSUME THE MEAT CAN STRAIN THE SOUP TO GET A CLEAR SOUP :)
Ref:
www.mindbodygreen.com/0-9890/10-benefits-of-bone-broth-gut-healing-recipe.html

"No Person Or Thing Should Be Able To Disturb Or Destroy The Peace, Balance And Harmony Of, The Body, Mind And Spirit Of A Warrior" - Sensei Michael Rajchandra

2014-02-10T20:30:00.000+05:30

Nothing Should be able to Disturb or Destroy a Warrior's Peace, Balance and Harmony... Today It's so easy to observe many Great Fighters/Combatants and so called Martial Artists who claim to be able to fight with or defeat anybody but get irritated with almost anything and everything...

Infact its funny and sad to see them lose their mind, for even small inevitable things like

Being stuck in a Traffic Jam
Having to wait in a Long Queue
A Powerfailure
When Air Conditioning Fails
Extreme Weather
Not Getting a Comfortable Hotel Room
A Tyre Puncture
Not getting Food or Water for a few hours or exactly when they want it.
Not having things their way
Resorting to taking medicines for every small issue

I wonder what use is their Martial Arts Training, if they can't take or tolerate even the smallest inevitable problems that life throws at them... God forbid If ever there are real challenging situations they will be the first ones to lose their Peace, Balance and Harmony... which will ultimately cause his/her inevitable failure and destruction...

Thus its a must that "No Person Or Thing Should Be Able To Disturb Or Destroy The Peace, Balance and Harmony Of, The Body, Mind And Spirit Of A Warrior".

"The Difference Between An Enlightened Warrior And A Fanatic Fighter Is That, An Enlightened Warrior Defends That What Is Right, But A Fanatic Fighter Fights For What He/She Believes Is Right" - Sensei Michael Rajchandra

2014-01-16T00:25:00.000+05:30

What Makes Martial Art Absolutely Uniquely Different From Martial Combat Or Martial Self-Defense?

2013-07-29T13:30:00.000+05:30

Unlike Martial Combat Or Martial Self-Defense, That Focuses On What To Do In The Situation Of Dispute/Conflict/Fight/War, Martial Art Focuses In:
# WHY - To Do/Not To Do
# WHAT - To Do/Not To Do
# WHERE - To Do/Not To Do
# WHEN - To Do/Not To Do
# HOW - To Do/Not To Do
AND IN
# WHY - To Be/ Not To Be
# WHAT - To Be/ Not To Be
# WHERE - To Be/ Not To Be
# WHEN - To Be/ Not To Be
# HOW - To Be/ Not To Be
SO THAT,
# ONE WILL NEVER BE IN
# ONE CAN PREVENT
# ONE CAN AVOID
# ONE CAN ESCAPE BEING IN
THE UNFORTUNATE SITUATION OF DISPUTE/CONFLICT/FIGHT/WAR IN THE FIRST PLACE...

Unquestioned Naive Philosophies of many Martial Combat Systems that are used to Justify their Purely Offensive, Uncompassionate, Violent, Brutal and Killing System...

2013-07-15T16:44:00.000+05:30

Martial Combat Systems have many Unquestioned Naive Philosophies that are used to Justify their Purely Offensive, Uncompassionate, Violent, Brutal and Killing System...

One such Philosophy (sometimes referred to as the Philosophy of "Fighting Gentlemen") states that "We Train/Learn Painfully/Ruthlessly, to Fight & Kill Mercilessly & Brutally So That We Realize/Come To Know How Evil, Dangerous, Brutal and Painful It Is and Thus Refrain From Violence/Fighting/Killing.

Unfortunately THIS IS ALMOST SIMILAR TO Saying That, We must Train/Learn Painfully/Ruthlessly to Rape/Steal/etc Mercilessly & Brutally So That We Realize/Come To Know How Evil, Dangerous, Brutal and Painful It Is and Thus Refrain From Raping/Stealing/etc

Funny but Sad!!!

As a Martial Artist one should steer clear of such destructive philosophies, that could brainwash anyone without a Strong Spiritual Foundation into thinking that it is right and could/should be followed.

"A Warriors Mental Image About His Abilities Governs & Defines His Success" - Sensei Michael Rajchandra

2013-01-11T00:30:00.000+05:30

"The One Who Knows To Befriend/Control The Wildest & Most Dangerous Of Beasts Will Never Need To Or Even Think Of Hurting Or Killing It..., No Matter Even If He/She Possessed The Strength, Power, Ability, Skill Or A Weapon Capable Of Doing So..." - Sensei Michael Rajchandra

2012-05-16T00:32:00.000+05:30

We Kill Only What We Fear...

2012-05-13T14:50:00.001+05:30

PLEASE NOTE: This post will be constantly updated...

THE BITTER TRUTH: "WE KILL ONLY WHAT WE FEAR...."

(I am not talking about Killing to Exploit for food, money etc [even in such cases killing is out of fear of Death due to hunger or poverty etc], or for Sadistic pleasures by the mentally sick)

Interesting isn't it...

So Killing or the Lethal Ability To Kill Anything (Which only Foolish Fighters and Evil Homo Sapiens take fool's pride in) is NEVER a Sign of Strength or Bravery, Rather IT IS ALWAYS A SIGN OF WEAKNESS OR COWARDICE...

The Unique Martial Art Training Methodology In the Karate Kid Movies

2012-04-23T01:37:00.000+05:30

PLEASE NOTE: This post will be constantly updated...

"One of The Most Unique & Ultimate Martial Art Training Methodology ever depicted and immortalized on the Silver Screen is that of Miyagi Sensei's when he trains Daniel San and Julie San in the Karate Kid Movie Series (1 to 4 - The new 2010 one is Kung Fu version of the 1st Part)....

P.S. The reason why I called this Old School and Traditional Method of Training as Unique, is because it is no longer the prevalent or preferred method of training followed by today's modern Teachers...

As seen in the movie Miyagi Sensei did not teach Daniel & Julie San to just Punch and Kick, he showed them how Martial Arts was in everything they did (remember Wax In - Wax Off), he didn't just teach them how to do forms or win a fight, he gave them concepts and principles of Martial Arts that would help them live a "Balanced Life" to the fullest and in the best way possible with Ethics, Morality, Dignity and Righteousness. HE TAUGHT TO THEM LIVE LIFE THE MARTIAL ART WAY....
He taught them how to defend themselves from not just Physical Attacks but from Mental & Spiritual Attacks as well. He enlightened them with skills to handle the battles of life taking place at home, at school, at work and in their personal lives and above all he taught them how to not be affected by the changes of life that cause us pain and how to Move On in life.

Miyagi Sensei knew the "Art of Defending Without Fighting" (The Ultimate Skill of Martial Arts) which is the ability to defend oneself Spiritually first, without the need to be able to defend ourselves Mentally or worse Physically. That is if one knew the art of never Getting Into a Fight or trouble in the First Place, one would never need to move a hair on one's head to defend oneself. (which people like to call "Winning a fight" or "Kicking Butt")

Unfortunately Students today, get "Bored" with the Real Concepts and Principles of Martial Arts, they want to be indisciplined, and wild just like every other Tom, Dick or Harry, with the added ability to Fight... What is equally unfortunate is the fact that, Most Teachers today focus 98-100% on the Physical Aspects of Fighting, Techniques & Forms and only 0-2% on the Real Essence of Martial Arts. Interestingly few Masters don't even Talk, The ones who do, talk only about Competitions, Combat Or Techniques... BECAUSE, Either they themselves were never taught that way, Or might have never been interested in what they call/consider "Boring Lectures"/"Time Waste".

I fell in love with Miyagi Sensei from the very first moment he enlightened me with the Ultimate Philosophies of Martial Arts... which had previously made a home in my heart & soul from the very first time I saw the Movie "Shaolin Temple Strikes Back..." but could never comprehend (why I loved Martial Arts so much), express (the beauty of Martial Arts) or put in words (why Shaolin Compassion was more Appealing to me, than all the Shaolin Combative Skills)...

Almost every nth word he said was filled with deep insight and some unique aspect of Martial Art Philosophy.

Thanks to Miyagi Sensei for having answered a million questions, even my Human Teachers were never able to explain... In fact every time I watch the movie I learn something new that I missed out before...

Miyagi Sensei will forever live on In My Heart and Soul as the Most Amazing VIRTUAL Martial Arts Teacher I have ever had..." - Michael Rajchandra

The Enlighted Warrior

2011-12-28T13:22:00.000+05:30

Please note this post will updated with latest and more detailed info... (when I have more time...)

When one understands the Highest Level of Martial Arts, One realizes that Its pointless to fight and Non-Violence is the only way real way to maintain peace among Humans...

The Enlighten Warrior is one who knows the "Art of Defending without Fighting"...
Thus Enlightened Warriors are not necessarily those with Superior Physical Martial Art Skills, but are those with Superior Mental and Spiritual Skills...

The best examples of "Enlightened Warriors" with their famous Quotes:

Martial Artists

Meijin GICHIN FUNAKOSHI (1868 -1957), Founder and Grandmaster of Shotokan Karate-Do

"The Ultimate Aim Of Karate Lies Not In Victory Or Defeat, But In The Perfection Of The Characters Of Its Participants".

Morihei Ueshiba (1883–1969), Founder and O Sensei of Aiki-Do

"Master The Divine Techniques Of The Art Of Peace And No Enemy Will Dare To Challenge You."
"In True Budo, There Is No Enemy Or Opponent. True Budo Is To Become One With The Universe. We Do Not Train To Become Powerful Or To Throw Down Some Opponent, Rather We Train In Hopes Of Being Of Some Use, However Small Our Role May Be, In The Task Of Bringing Peace To Mankind Around The World."

Sun-Tsu/ Sun Tzu/Sun Wu, Ancient Chinese Military General, Strategist and Philosopher. Author of the ancient book “Art Of War”

"To Win One Hundred Victories In One Hundred Battles Is Not The Highest Skill. To Subdue The Enemy Without Fighting Is The Highest Skill."

Non-Martial Artists

The spiritually superhuman ones:

Jesus Christ

"Put your sword back into its place; for those who live by the sword, die by the sword."
"You have heard it said of old, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, but I say unto you, do not resist the evil person. If he strikes you on the left, turn to him the right.

Buddha

"Better than a thousand hollow words is one word that brings peace"

The more human ones"

Mahatma Gandhi (We are NOT considering what weaknesses he possessed as a human but the Spiritual Strength he had to stand up against what was wrong without being violent)

"I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent."
"An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind"

Mother Theresa

"If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other."
"The greatest destroyer of peace is abortion because if a mother can kill her own child, what is left for me to kill you and you to kill me? There is nothing between."