Content, Are We?

I asked a simple question at the last seminar:

"How much has everyone improved in the year since we last got together?"

I've practiced the same basics everyday for decades.

Everyday Rain or shine. Summer, winter, spring and fall. Over and over and over.............................................

And I'm never satisfied. I'm not fast enough, I don't hit hard enough, my basic "technique" is NOT at all satisfactory.

I don't train a lot of "techniques". But, I train those "techniques" a lot.

Basic fundamental stuff. That's all I can handle.

Over and over and over and over and over................................

Know why?

Because I'm NEVER satisfied. I'm not fast enough, I don't hit hard enough, my basic "technique" is NOT at all satisfactory.

Nope! I'm NEVER happy.

It might be nice to "do" more advanced, complex, and exotic stuff.

But personally I can't justify it. I see far too much room for improvement in just the most basic fundamental stuff.

Because I'm never satisfied. I'm not fast enough, I don't hit hard enough, my basic "technique" is NOT at all satisfactory.

I guess the problem is that I don't have a clue as to when these basics become "good" enough. Seems to me I could spend the rest of my life constantly working at improving just a handful of solid basics and still NEVER be satisfied. Never be fast enough, never hit hard enough.

Damn. Consigned to an existence of fundamental basics. Well, I guess I'm just one of the unlucky few.

Copyright 2003 http://www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com ©

Carl Cestari began his study of the martial arts with judo at the age of 7 under the direction of Yoshisada Yonezuka. During the past forty plus years Carl has dedicated his life to studying the martial arts, hand to hand combat systems, history and religion. What makes Carl unique is his combination of martial arts, law enforcement, military and real world experience. Carl has been exposed to a multitude of people with a wide variety experience. The following is a list of some of Carl's ranks and honors.

Shinan (Founder) Tekkenryu jujutsu Ryokudan (6th degree) Koshinkai Karate under John Burrelle Godan (5th degree) Jujutsu under Clarke of the World Jujutsu Fedaration (now defunct) Sandan (3rd degree) Nippon Kempo under Narabu Sada Nidan (2nd degree) Judo under Masafumi Suzuki Shodan (1st degree) Judo under Yoshisada Yonezuka Shodan (1st degree) Shukokai Karate under Kimura, Kadachi and Yonezuka Shodan (1st degree) Daitoryu Aikijujutsu Instructors Certificate- Charles Nelson System of Self Defense under Charlie Nelson http://www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com

---

The Economics of Self Defense

The following is a recent email I received; I thought... Read More

Things to Know About Learning Tai Chi Chuan (Tai Chi Boxing)

For Easterners, particularly Chinese, this MAY not be an issue.... Read More

John Styers

Most people have only been exposed to John Styers work... Read More

5 Steps to Choosing the Right Martial Art for You

One of the questions I get asked most frequently, in... Read More

How to Become A Modern-Day Ninja Master

The ninja were a military order in Japan. Most people... Read More

Martial Arts and The Bible

As a Christian and a martial arts student, I have... Read More

Historical References to W.E. Fairbairn, E.A. Sykes AND Dermot Pat ONeill

FROM THE BOOK: "PIERCING THE REICH" AUTHOR: JOSEPH E. PERSICOThey... Read More

Im Soooo Confused...

I was going to write about the BASICS of "practical... Read More

Does It Hurt When I Do This?

Let me tell you something. I don't bruise too easily.... Read More

The Dojo

Just as an aside. For those who would "box" us... Read More

Expect the Unexpected Grass Hopper

The Myth perpetuated by Self Defense Oriented Martial ArtsI just... Read More

COMBATIVES A Rose by Any Other Name?....Part 2

The advent of World War One (the war to END... Read More

Martial Arts and The Zone

On the occasions you delivered the perfect strike; blocked without... Read More

Choosing a Self Defense / Martial Arts School: A Parents Guide

"Daddy, I want to take Karate!""Mommy, Jimmy on the bus... Read More

The Rebels Guide to Cultivating Vitality

Many Taoists recluses and Buddhists monks dwelled in mountains and... Read More

Martial Arts Sparring and Training Protective Equipment

The benefits of Martial Arts has always appealed its practitioners.... Read More

Grown Man Quits After 3 Mat Pulls!

A matt pull is the simple act of lying on... Read More

I Know Karate and Kung Fu and Lots of Other Foreign Words!

Martial arts have become incredibly popular in the US. Drive... Read More

Benefits of Martial Arts Training For Kids

Admit it. When the going gets tough at home, we've... Read More

The Plight of Industrialized Man

Living in the Pacific Northwest is a challenge for any... Read More

Basic Drills

We all have a good foundation in the basic blows... Read More

Nuts & Bolts of Self Defense

Fundamental "Nuts & Bolts" training for close combat should be... Read More

A Samurais Power Is In His Little Finger, Not His Samurai Sword

In the 12th Century the Shogunate was formed. The head... Read More

Martial Training as a Timeless Portal

Thanks to several centuries of enlightened teachings by extraordinary men... Read More

Elements of Unarmed Combat

Custom build your own personal "system":Useful areas of training and... Read More

Eight Simple Rules for Saving Your Life

Let's put the non-lethal fantasy to rest.1. Never trust your... Read More

Learning the Modern Dynamics of Judo

You may have the erroneous idea that force is not... Read More

The Shocking Truth About Stun Guns

If you are outside the world of law enforcement, chances... Read More

How To Defend Against A Knife - Dont Use The Stuff Taught In The Dojo!

Defences against Knife attacks, Firstly if at all possible get... Read More

Samurai Armor Part 1

The first prototype for Japanese samurai armor came about in... Read More

Its Not a Matter of Who is Right

"People here may belittle sports arts...."Who?Almost EVERY "combatives" man of... Read More

Strategy as Applied to Warrior-citizens

After years of study, I have come to a small... Read More

Interesting Facts on Samurai Sword Manufacture

A samurai's sword is his most sacred and prized possession.... Read More