luminouswarrior.com http://luminouswarrior.com Self Defense Meets Shamanic Healing Sat, 26 May 2012 14:52:14 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 Kali Weapons DefenseTactics at Luminous Warrior: Part II http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/luminouswarriordc/~3/AwZbwUT8_Us/kali-weapons-defensetactics-at-luminous-warrior-part-ii http://luminouswarrior.com/blog/kali-weapons-defensetactics-at-luminous-warrior-part-ii#comments Sat, 19 May 2012 00:20:16 +0000 The Ninth Hand http://luminouswarrior.com/?p=7580 May 2012, at the Kali Blade Defense Workshop, Mas Guru Dennis Ocampo brought the art and science of Kali and Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) to Luminous Warrior. The workshop forged new skills in defending against and using a knife and other edged weapons for personal protection. At the end of the workshop, [...]]]> May 2012, at the Kali Blade Defense Workshop, Mas Guru Dennis Ocampo brought the art and science of Kali and Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) to Luminous Warrior. The workshop forged new skills in defending against and using a knife and other edged weapons for personal protection. At the end of the workshop, participants enhanced their self defense capabilities against attackers with or without a blade, learned how to effectively implement defensive tactics against a knife attack, sharpened their skills in situational self defense scenarios, and much, much more.  The first video put together by Mas Guru Dennis himself can be viewed here: Kali Weapons Defense Tactics at Luminous Warrior.

The second video, again produced by Mas Guru Dennis, is finally here.  Take a look!

With the Kali Warrior Arts class, Luminous Warrior is one of the few places in Washington DC offering a dedicated program in Kali and Filipino Martial Arts training.  Make sure you sign-up for Luminous Warrior newsletters and “Like” Luminous Warrior Facebook page to stay up to date on the latest events happening at Luminous Warrior.  Make sure you don’t miss the chance to find out why Kali has become world-renown for its speed, power, and visceral effectiveness.

]]> http://luminouswarrior.com/blog/kali-weapons-defensetactics-at-luminous-warrior-part-ii/feed 0 http://luminouswarrior.com/blog/kali-weapons-defensetactics-at-luminous-warrior-part-ii Kali Weapons DefenseTactics at Luminous Warrior http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/luminouswarriordc/~3/Caij4r49ucA/kali-weapons-defensetactics-at-luminous-warrior http://luminouswarrior.com/blog/kali-weapons-defensetactics-at-luminous-warrior#comments Wed, 16 May 2012 00:18:28 +0000 The Ninth Hand http://luminouswarrior.com/?p=7491 May 2012, at the Kali Blade Defense Workshop, Mas Guru Dennis Ocampo brought the art and science of Kali and Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) to Luminous Warrior. The workshop forged new skills in defending against and using a knife and other edged weapons for personal protection. At the end of the workshop, [...]]]> May 2012, at the Kali Blade Defense Workshop, Mas Guru Dennis Ocampo brought the art and science of Kali and Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) to Luminous Warrior. The workshop forged new skills in defending against and using a knife and other edged weapons for personal protection. At the end of the workshop, participants enhanced their self defense capabilities against attackers with or without a blade, learned how to effectively implement defensive tactics against a knife attack, sharpened their skills in situational self defense scenarios, and much, much more.

This is the second great workshop held by Mas Guru Dennis Ocampo at Luminous Warrior, and he will be back with even more dynamic training.  With the Kali Warrior Arts class, Luminous Warrior is one of the few places in Washington DC offering a dedicated program in Kali and Filipino Martial Arts training.  Make sure you sign-up for Luminous Warrior newsletters and “Like” Luminous Warrior Facebook page to stay up to date on the latest events happening at Luminous Warrior.  Make sure you don’t miss the chance to find out why Kali has become world-renown for its speed, power, and visceral effectiveness.

In the meantime, checkout the video and some pics from the latest Kali workshop with Mas Guru Dennis Ocampo.

 

 

 

]]> http://luminouswarrior.com/blog/kali-weapons-defensetactics-at-luminous-warrior/feed 1 http://luminouswarrior.com/blog/kali-weapons-defensetactics-at-luminous-warrior Raising Our Energy for Healing and Wellness http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/luminouswarriordc/~3/O4dkwWmTqdY/raising-our-energy-for-healing-and-wellness http://luminouswarrior.com/blog/raising-our-energy-for-healing-and-wellness#comments Wed, 09 May 2012 22:10:23 +0000 Sara http://luminouswarrior.com/?p=7128 I recently read the book The Power of Intention by Dr. Wayne Dyer. While not everything he says resonates with me, it’s a fabulous read and I highly recommend it. He quotes 29 years of research by Dr. Hawkins shows the following:

“One individual who lives and vibrates the energy of optimism and a willingness [...]]]> I recently read the book The Power of Intention by Dr. Wayne Dyer. While not everything he says resonates with me, it’s a fabulous read and I highly recommend it. He quotes 29 years of research by Dr. Hawkins shows the following:

“One individual who lives and vibrates the energy of optimism and a willingness to be non-judgmental of others will counterbalance the negativity of 90,000 individuals who calibrate at the lower weakening levels (of energy).

“One individual who vibrates to the energy of pure love and reverence for all of life will counterbalance the negativity of 750,000 individuals.

“One individual who lives and vibrates to the energy of illumination, bliss, and infinite peace will counterbalance the negativity of 10 million people.

“One individual who lives and vibrates to the energy of grace, pure spirit beyond the body, in a world of non-duality or complete oneness, will counterbalance the negativity of 70 million people.”

Think about this. Twenty-nine years of hard research portrays the dynamic that is essentially identical with what the ancient medicine people have always said about our own healing and affects on world peace–all healing starts with the self, a remembering of our connection to nature, and knowing our place in the universe.

One of the most fascinating things about all of these facts is that there is nothing written about being famous, being known, writing books, teaching, convincing people, or even healing others. The only action you have to take is to live and vibrate at a high energetic frequency. You can choose to raise your energy through self-healing, learning, getting a massage, etc, and ultimately, these actions help you feel, live, and vibrate at higher energy levels. When you do, regardless of where you live or who knows you, you will elevate not only yourself, but also the entire human race, and the world.

At first, living at an energy level of pure spirit might sound very daunting. But living and vibrating “at the energy of optimism and a willingness to be non-judgmental of others,” well, that seems more than doable, doesn’t it?! Regardless of where you are and whether you are known or not, living and vibrating in that frequency will counterbalance the negativity of 90,000 individuals! Imagine it! Feel it!

There are tools to elevate to higher frequencies, including journeying, healing, movement (self defense, dance, yoga, fitness class, walking, running), doing things that bring you joy, creating and doing a ceremony for yourself, being in nature, and even essential oils. Of course, you may not need any of these tools. It is possible to instantly and miraculously heal, without explanation and without help. You could find yourself waking up tomorrow and simply feeling elevated and vibrating at a higher frequency. You may not be able to explain it, but you feel it.  Spontaneous healings and miracles happen all the time. Just be open to them!

If you do need support, my goal is to help you elevate your frequency, in authentic and powerful ways. This is the work we do at Luminous Warrior. Our goal is to always give you practical, effective and easy-to-learn tools that can elevate your frequency for the rest of your life. For this purpose, I am inviting you to elevate your energy and experience Luminous Warrior, its programs, and its team of guides and healers. It’s the reason we give away a free Path of Power scholarship every month. It’s also the reason we offer the Sabrina Scholarship. We truly believe in the tools we teach and we practice them daily.

My hope is for you to be able to vibrate at higher frequencies. My vision is to gather a community in DC to become part of Luminous Warrior, so we can elevate the vibration of the city, and the world, together. I hope you start your community of high vibrational individuals wherever you are –most importantly, start with yourself.

]]> http://luminouswarrior.com/blog/raising-our-energy-for-healing-and-wellness/feed 0 http://luminouswarrior.com/blog/raising-our-energy-for-healing-and-wellness Self Defense & Awareness vs. Rising Crime http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/luminouswarriordc/~3/WAM9WRQN1NM/self-defense-awareness-tactics-vs-rising-crime http://luminouswarrior.com/blog/self-defense-awareness-tactics-vs-rising-crime#comments Wed, 04 Apr 2012 16:05:01 +0000 Cary http://luminouswarrior.com/?p=6768 “Armed and unarmed robberies in the District have increased 32 percent from this time last year – from 663 by mid-March of 2011 to 875 so far this year.”

In his Washington Post article, D.C. Police Scramble to Counter Rising Number of Robberies,  Clarence Williams writes about the sharp [...]]]> “Armed and unarmed robberies in the District have increased 32 percent from this time last year – from 663 by mid-March of 2011 to 875 so far this year.”

In his Washington Post article, D.C. Police Scramble to Counter Rising Number of Robberies,  Clarence Williams writes about the sharp increase in the number of robberies that have occurred this year over this same period last year.  A previous Blog Post, Self Defense Options Against Assault and Robbery, featured Courtland Milloy’s piece “Multiple Choices in Self Defense” that also discussed the dramatic rise in armed robberies in the district and focused on options people can take toward personal protection. Milloy’s article took a brief critical look at contrasting the potential benefits of legalizing concealed-carry of firearms  by the average person with alternative protective tactics for person and property.

“There were 875 robberies reported in the District through March 18. Driving the increase has been a jump in incidents in which a gun was used; those crimes are up more than 70 percent.”

Clarence William’s article takes a different approach to the rising robbery statistics.  Using more figures and statistics reported by the Washington D.C. metro police and testimonials from robbery victims William’s creates a fuller portrait of the resulting impact the rise in crime is having. Illustrating the effects on people’s behavior and the tactics being utilized by the metro police to combat the increasing incidents of armed and unarmed robbery.

“The variety of incidents illustrates the reach of robbery, a crime to which almost anyone could fall victim. Four young men took a man’s book bag and laptop after flashing a handgun on Alabama Avenue SE, according to police reports; someone snatched the bag of a woman walking in the Petworth area; a man laughed as he ran off with a 26-year-old woman’s iPhone near Union Station; a man showed a pistol in a Southeast McDonald’s restaurant and made off with cash.”

There are a couple of  key ideas that can be drawn from the article and the rising rates of street-level assaults and robbery.  One, the main protagonist for personal safety and security is the person themselves.  Despite the best efforts of the Washington DC metro police, they cannot be everywhere protecting everyone at a ounce.  Plus, the tendency of criminals and predators is to be where the risk is lowest…e.g. they seek their targets where the police are not present.  Second, one of the best ways to keep yourself safe is to reduce your chances of being targeted through awareness and avoidance.  Being armed with potent skills in awareness and avoidance are powerful modalities of personal protection that are often absent from many self defense and martial arts training programs, but these concepts can  reduce your chances of even having to fight (Decision to Fight for Self Defense).

“Robbers look for opportunities and see them in people carrying expensive electronics and other items that are easily resold”-Cathy L. Lanier, Police Chief

As previously highlighted (Critical Awareness in Self Defense and Martial Arts Training), training in awareness and avoidance are just as critical to self defense and personal protection as developing physical fighting and counter-assault skills.  Awareness of your environment, the people around you, attacker rituals of violence, and various elements of personal, internal awareness are key pieces to understanding how to reduce your risk and hopefully avoid violent assault.   As indicated in the Clarence Williams article, people tend to become more alert when the rate of assaults dramatically rises.  Washington DC Council Member Yvette M. Alexander is quoted as saying “Residents are becoming a little bit more vigilant and aware of their surroundings..”  However, awareness should be a continuous, conscious everyday activity, and not just employed when the crime rate rises.  Walking down the street while staring face-down in your iPhone is a bad option whether the current crime rate is higher or lower than usual.

Luminous Warrior Warrior Self Defense

]]> http://luminouswarrior.com/blog/self-defense-awareness-tactics-vs-rising-crime/feed 0 http://luminouswarrior.com/blog/self-defense-awareness-tactics-vs-rising-crime Self Defense Through Legal Prism http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/luminouswarriordc/~3/tHa1n5GvB64/self-defense-through-legal-prism http://luminouswarrior.com/blog/self-defense-through-legal-prism#comments Thu, 22 Mar 2012 16:16:13 +0000 Cary http://luminouswarrior.com/?p=6684 As discussed in previous blog posts (Martial Law: The Legal Gauntlet of Self Defense Training), understanding the laws pertinent to the concept of self defense is a critical component of any legitimate self defense program (Warrior’s Intent: Combat vs. Sport).  No matter which martial art or self defense system you train [...]]]> As discussed in previous blog posts (Martial Law: The Legal Gauntlet of Self Defense Training), understanding the laws pertinent to the concept of self defense is a critical component of any legitimate self defense program (Warrior’s Intent: Combat vs. Sport).  No matter which martial art or self defense system you train in, the laws of your jurisdiction have a significant impact on how and when you can address perceived threats, and will be a significant factor in the post-action repercussions.

 ”The law of self-defense is at its core about reasonableness. If a person reasonably perceives a serious threat of harm, and uses reasonable force to meet that threat, the law justifies even deadly force, and it does so even if it turns out that the perceived threat was illusory.”- Jeffrey Bellin

In the United States, the laws governing the realm of self defense vary widely by jurisdiction.  The disparity and perceived justness of self defense laws are persistently challenged by a variety of cases involving violent conflict and assault.  When situations of deadly force are involved, the challenges and complications are raised to even higher levels.  The gross disparity of laws governing self defense and the sense of justice that can be applied to them has been brought to full attention by the shooting death of Trayvon Martin in the city of Sanford, Florida.   There are many articles and opinion pieces that have been written about this case, and the details can easily be obtained through an internet search.

Without going into neither judgments about the Trayvon Martin case or the debate about the efficacy of civilians carrying firearms for personal protection, this case highlights the diverging scope self defense law can embody based on location…especially when deadly force is used.  In his opinion piece, How ‘Duty to Retreat’ became ‘Stand Your Ground’, featured on the website for CNN, Jeffrey Bellin, an assistant professor of law at Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law and a former federal prosecutor in Washington D.C., uses this case and Florida’s self defense law to illustrate the potential vagueness of self defense law and the sometimes dubious application to claims of self defense.  Some of the content from Jeffrey Bellin’s article is featured below:

“People have differing views of what’s reasonable and, as a consequence, self-defense laws (which vary by jurisdiction) have always attempted to further define the concept. Until very recently, Florida’s definition of reasonableness, as in many states, incorporated a longstanding principle, the “duty to retreat.”

This principle required that someone who found themselves in a violent confrontation had to try to defuse the situation and retreat “to the wall” before resorting to deadly force.  In other words, deadly force was only permitted as a last resort. The basic idea was simple: If more people backed down, retreated or stepped aside, fewer people would be killed.  The “duty to retreat” also made it easier for prosecutors to prove that a killing was not in self-defense. The facts that can be proven are often murky (particularly when of the two people who know what happened, one is the defendant and the other is dead) and prosecutors could often, by pointing to a defendant’s failure to retreat, obtain a conviction even without establishing the precise facts.

In American jurisdictions there has long been an exception to the duty to retreat called the “Castle Doctrine.” As then-Judge (and later U.S. Supreme Court Justice) Benjamin Cardozo explained in 1914: “It is not now and never has been the law that a man assailed in his own dwelling is bound to retreat. If assailed there, he may stand his ground and resist the attack. He is under no duty to take to the fields and the highways, a fugitive from his own home.”

In recent times, “stand your ground” laws extended this concept in many states beyond the home to any place where a person might lawfully be found, such as a bar or a public sidewalk. Florida’s version enacted in 2005 (over the objection of many in law enforcement) is one of the most far reaching.  The law states that a person “who is attacked” anywhere he is lawfully present has “no duty to retreat and has the right to stand his or her ground and meet force with force, including deadly force if he or she reasonably believes it is necessary to do so to prevent death or great bodily harm.”  Importantly, a person cannot invoke this provision if he is “engaged in unlawful activity” or “initially provokes the use of force against himself.”

Bellin’s article offers salient material for interpreting self defense through the jurisdictional prism of self defense law and the variances that exist across locations.  If you find yourself in a potentially violent situation and have options available beyond the fight (Self Defense Options Against Assault and Robbery, the legal elements of your Decision to Fight should be considered and a part of your training.  Ensure that the self defense program you participate in addresses the factors of self defense law in its training.

The information in this posting does not constitute any form of professional legal advice or claims of formal legal analysis. 

]]> http://luminouswarrior.com/blog/self-defense-through-legal-prism/feed 0 http://luminouswarrior.com/blog/self-defense-through-legal-prism A different perspective on current events http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/luminouswarriordc/~3/UoL9cLwmTH4/a-different-perspective-on-current-global-events http://luminouswarrior.com/uncategorized/a-different-perspective-on-current-global-events#comments Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:11:24 +0000 Sara http://luminouswarrior.com/?p=6706 Happy Spring Equinox! What a great year it’s been so far. The energies are moving, guiding and, at times, pushing us toward our greatest potential. Some of us experience this as an exciting flow of events. Others perceive it as a difficult time to navigate. Our bodies are responding and our minds are trying to [...]]]> Happy Spring Equinox! What a great year it’s been so far. The energies are moving, guiding and, at times, pushing us toward our greatest potential. Some of us experience this as an exciting flow of events. Others perceive it as a difficult time to navigate. Our bodies are responding and our minds are trying to make sense of it all.

As opposed to the hype and drama that many place on current events (mercury retrograde, the year 2012, the leap year, solar flares, Spring Equinox and the New Moon), I would like to offer a different perspective.

Mercury Retrograde:

A week ago, one of my teachers, Alberto Villoldo, said about this Mecury Retrograde cycle: “We enter three weeks of a slow flow. Revisit, release, reflect, realign, and heal the past. This Mercury Retrograde holds an amazing energy for healing the heart, increasing clarity, and efficiency.”

Spring Equinox: 

Alberto Villoldo also said “The Equinox is a time when the light and the dark is in balance. The veils are thin, clarity is easily accessible, and reflection time is required.”

New Moon: 

We are also coming up on a New Moon this Thursday. New Moons are a great time to reflect on and call in what we would like to personally manifest in our lives.

Solar Flares: 

It has now been scientiffically proven that we can change our DNA by the way we think and feel, that our internal environment, to a large extent, determines what parts of our DNA get “activated”. We also know that we can tap into more than just 10% of our brains to manifest healing for ourselves, and the world. Therefore, in my opinions, the hype about radiation and solar flares is really not that big of a deal. You can change your DNA in a way that these rays are more helpful than harmful for you.

The End of Time and the Year 2012: 

Mayans and other indigenous cultures call this year the end of time, or the turning of time. I have written about this before, but it is important to remember that what they are talking about is the coming of the Light, where we as a species evolve from homo sapien into homo luminous. We are in midst of an evolutionary consciousness shift!

What does it all mean?

I am sharing these events and quotes here because these resonate with my inner being more than what I have heard many others say about the recent cycles of Mercury Retrograde, Leap Year, 2012, the Spring Equinox and the New Moon. These are all good reminders to stay out of the drama and instead tap into the universal flow of energy that is available for everyone at this time for personal healing and authentic manifestation work.

All the drama around is a great reminder to be mindful of what you expose your mind to, and to choose to use thepower you have within to tranform the energies that you are experiencing (as thoughts, feelings, patterns, relationships, situations and actions) into energies (thoughts, feelings, patterns, relationships, situations and actions) that you desire and seek, and that are helpful and healing for you and everyone around you.

In short, the next few weeks are a time of deep inner reflection that can provide great clarity, healing the heart and the past, and an opportunity to bring in what you would like to manifest this year. All it requires is the courage to retreat into the Self and the discipline to do your own personal work.

If you need help, you can find people who are willing to help. In today’s environment, there are many individuals who offer new and effective ways to help you discover your own inner strength and truth. I have provided some tips on how to choose a healer, mentor or life coach in my previous posts (click here for Part I and Part II). Feel free to check them out!

Luminous Warrior Community — Sanctuary and Oasis in the City

If you want to go beyond individual sessions, isolated approaches or reading books, join a community of support such as Luminous Warrior. Luminous Warrior is a place that can help you understand how the heart meets the practical, how the spiritual manifests in the physical, and increases your capacity and capability to effectively manage and integrate global energies and events into your personal life. I hope you join our classes, programs or events the next time you get a chance! And if you can’t join us, I hope you make a commitment this Spring to fuel, nurture and support your own journey, and surround yourself with a community who supports you too.

]]> http://luminouswarrior.com/uncategorized/a-different-perspective-on-current-global-events/feed 0 http://luminouswarrior.com/uncategorized/a-different-perspective-on-current-global-events 10 Tips for Finding a Healer, Teacher, or Life Coach-Part II http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/luminouswarriordc/~3/kzaNSlNGwgo/10-tips-for-finding-a-healer-teacher-or-life-coach-part-ii-2 http://luminouswarrior.com/blog/10-tips-for-finding-a-healer-teacher-or-life-coach-part-ii-2#comments Tue, 20 Mar 2012 15:24:17 +0000 Sara http://luminouswarrior.com/?p=6669 The last blog post, 10 Tips for Finding a Healer, Teacher, or Life Coach, covered the first 5 tips for finding a guide or healer that can assist you on your journey to your highest potential.  Here are the next 5 tips:

6. Stay away from anyone who uses guilt to get you [...]]]> The last blog post, 10 Tips for Finding a Healer, Teacher, or Life Coach, covered the first 5 tips for finding a guide or healer that can assist you on your journey to your highest potential.  Here are the next 5 tips:

6. Stay away from anyone who uses guilt to get you to do what they like.

“I have spent all this time on you so far and I really think that you have benefited a great deal…” Stay away from anyone who uses guilt, and pay attention to what makes you feel guilty! There may be a piece of healing that needs to be done on your end. Yet, if a coach or mentor has a way of making you feel guilty about things, I suggest you look for someone who knows how to express their disapproval without instilling guilt.

7. Stay away from those who create co-dependency.

Someone who makes you feel that you need him or her in order to heal is probably either unhealed or not consciously practicing the highest of intentions and ethics. Remember, you have the power to heal yourself. Miracles are possible, and the goal is to empower you to be able to do your own self-healing and empowerment. You have choices rather than a need.

8. Look for someone who can take honest feedback and rejection.

When you are on your healing path, there is no room for defensiveness, passive-aggressiveness, or otherwise hard feelings from your coach or mentor. Your agenda is your coach’s agenda, so if something doesn’t resonate with you, your coach has to be able to hear it.

9. Look for someone who is willing to refer you to others when your needs warrant it.

No one is an expert in everything. Knowing where you can help someone and where you cannot is a sign of an authentic coach, healer, or mentor. If someone refuses to refer you, or wrinkles their nose at the idea of you working with someone else, that is a red flag. Any authentic coach has to allow you to build a team around you that can support you on your path.

10. Be wary of people who are set in their ways and have set beliefs about people or the world.

Coaches who say “Well, it takes time to heal” or “People with your background have diabetes written all over them…” are poisonous for your soul. In truth, there is no “People like you”. You are entirely unique, and by projecting other people’s qualities onto you they are not making it easier for you to be your authentic self. If a statistic says that 98 percent of people with your cancer die, and your healer believes it too, then look for someone who sees the two percent that survive. Of course in this situation, this person cannot make many promises-there are no guarantees. But it is important to work with someone who sees possibilities, not probabilities.

So there you have it. I hope that my tips provide a bit more clarity when choosing your next healer, teacher, mentor, or life coach. As always, my goal is to be of service to you. So remember, above all, trust your gut. Nobody knows you better than you!

]]> http://luminouswarrior.com/blog/10-tips-for-finding-a-healer-teacher-or-life-coach-part-ii-2/feed 2 http://luminouswarrior.com/blog/10-tips-for-finding-a-healer-teacher-or-life-coach-part-ii-2