I got a nice mention in Chuck Pruitt‘s blog, recently:
I’ve been reading various blogs and giving some thought to the actual philosophies they seem to hold as part of their ‘worldview.’
While my main focus (focuses? foci?) is to relate my creating a life aligned with simplicity, minimalism, as well as regaining my health and rebuilding an athlete’s physique from my younger years, I also have to be aware of how I live that same life.
I am a bit of a contradiction in some eyes because as a Christian, I constantly run across people who seem to equate my belief system as being opposed to my desire to be martialist in my everyday living.
For those not familiar with the term martialist, rather than martial artist, I would refer you to Phil Elmore’s website http://www.themartialist.com for some great reading, explanations, and commentary.
A martial artist is someone who trains in a particular “art” or style of combative discipline for health, education, skill development, a desire for that sense of well being and an attitude of ‘I can take care of myself.’ They may study Judo, Karate, TaeKwondo, or several other major or minor known “arts” – but they will also have a sense of fairness and fair play embedded in what they do.
A martialist trains for survival. The main goal is to not get injured or killed; to protect one’s self from an attacker – using an means necessary, and, yes, that often means to fight unfairly. To be a martialist means to be committed to fighting unfairly – seeking every possible advantage through preparation, training, and the possession of equalizing tools, be they pepper spray, a pocket stick, a knife or a gun. (Yes, let’s be sure to obey and observe all legal requirements; but unfortunately, we do live in a world of violence, as much as we may wish it otherwise, and remaining safe and able to pursue our own goals means being prepared to deal with those who would unlawfully deny us these pursuits.)
Phil tells of one man who is older, has a bit of a belly on him, and does not look like a hard target. This man’s attitude is one of ‘wait until the mugger or local hard-case tries to confront him. He knows because of his training and attitude as a martialist, he not only will survive such an encounter, he will probably inflict some serious pain and damage on his attacker.” He does not intend to be a victim.
To quote Phil Elmore, “Self-defense is the inalienable right of all human beings. You are born with the natural right to your person. Your self is the one thing you can always and truly be said to own, for if you don’t own you, who does? You are not a slave. You are, therefore, entitled to defend yourself from violations of the property that is you. You have the right to fight back in order to stop others from harming you. You have the right to defend yourself from initiated violence, from violent crime. More importantly, you therefore incur the responsibility to prepare yourself for this undertaking.”
He does not favor any ideology nor does he subscribe to a specific school of thought. Phil’s philosophy of martialism is not interested in the political bickering that takes place among varying martial arts camps, save to keep you informed of the options available. He has succeeded on his website and in his philosophy of martialism because he remains objective, reasonable, rational, and direct – promulgating the concept of martialism and dynamic, assertive living.
So it has become part of own personal code to adopt this particular ‘Way of the Warrior’ – to be a peaceful warrior, but a warrior nonetheless. To prepare myself physically, emotionally, and spiritually to deal with situations that might be a threat to my own personal well being, as well as that of my wife and children.
Of course the goal of accomplishing this is made more interesting by how I can incorporate the martialist philosophy into my life in such a way that it is congruent with my other stated goals of simplicity, minimalism, and regaining the health, vigor, physical strengths and rebuilt body of the athlete I was and will be again.
Today’s post is a result of web-surfing on various topics of interest to me; this subject has been one of them. This post will not have any info on my diet, my training, or how much more I’ve thinned out my wardrobe. That will come in a day or two.
But I felt it was important to let you know more of my personal philosophy and where I stand on some issues. As you get to know me better, you may decide you want to follow me and my progress; or as you get to know me, you may decide that I’m not the person you initially thought me to be and will no longer follow my writings and musings. That’s okay. Follow your own heart and mind. Go where it takes you, even if we are no longer making the journey together.
Thanks, Chuck. It’s always nice when somebody grasps what we’re trying to do at The Martialist. I appreciate your kind words.