How extremely relevant are MacArthur’s words, not just for a post WWII America, but for a 2018 America? In their own way, Thomas Jefferson, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan and others have vocalized the same sentient concern regarding the destructive potential of negative internal forces. Internal forces often exceed external forces in their destructive aspect. As powerfully as MacArthur’s words ring true in a national sense, do they not also ring true for each of us in a personal sense?

It is a simple truth but often overlooked, mostly by dudes who think too little and run their mouths too much. Great fighters are great thinkers. Non-thinkers are the defeated. All Karate Institute of America students, especially Black Belts, understand the critical nature of being an intelligent fighter. Yes, one must be tough mentally and strong physically, but the provenance of all great fighters and generals is their intelligence, i.e., their ability to think and execute.

Life throws us all kinds of curve balls. Problems pop up out of no where unexpectedly. Challenges erupt at the least opportune moment, and conflicts explode out of a clear blue sky. Such uninvited tribulations test our mettle, resolve, and will to remain calm, balanced, centered, to succeed, even survive. In managing such events, we summon various strategies, techniques, and mechanisms to solve the issue(s) at hand. We may have family members and/or friends, perhaps even a stranger, offer to help us.

The Karate Institute of America and Kiado-Ryu Martial Arts subscribe to President George Washington’s admonition that, To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace. George Washington Is this not one of the fundamental reasons why we study martial arts? Yes, the bullies of the world study martial arts, too, but they use it for aggression and subjugation of others who are neither strong enough nor capable enough to resist or repel their wicked intentions.

Alexander the Great. Photo courtesy of the British Museum. Alexander the Great was Ruler of Macedon in the third century B.C. Never defeated in battle, he is one of the most vaunted military leaders in world history. The following quote from Alexander speaks directly to, and underscores, his understanding of leadership. I am not afraid of an army of lions led by sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion.

We never know when we’ll need to use our self-defense skills to protect ourselves, our families or other people. In this FOX News story, a homeless man armed with a nail-embedded two-by-four attacked an innocent man on the streets of Los Angeles. As fate would have it, before the assailant could do further damage, a local Good Samaritan came to the rescue, executing a flying side kick on the perpetrator, neutralizing the situation, which resulted with the attacker being put in jail.

Kiado-Ryu Principle #12 From The Black Belt Book of Life: Secrets of a Martial Arts Master. Action and reaction; Cause and consequence. It is no mystery that Competence Creates Confidence. Reason’s whole pleasure, all the joys of sense, Lie in three words—Health, Peace, and Competence. Alexander Pope Essay on Man Nothing creates confidence more than competence. Telling someone they’re good at something, giving them pats on the back, kisses on the cheek, big hugs and positive words of how great they are don’t, nor can’t, build true confidence.

From The Black Belt Book of Life, Secrets of a Martial Arts Master As the greatest gift exacts the greatest price, the greatest accomplishment exacts the greatest sacrifice. Spiritual development requires great sacrifice. Saint Sawan Singh Sacrifice, which is the passion of great souls, has never been the law of societies. Henri Frédéric Amiel Great achievement is usually born of great sacrifice, and is never the result of selfishness. Napoleon Hill Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Kiado-Ryu Principle #30 From The Black Belt Book of Life: Secrets of a Martial Arts Master. In the day-to-day battles of life, we can weep or laugh or cry, but the indefensible truth is that we either Adapt or Die. The wise adapt themselves to circumstances, as water molds itself to the pitcher. Chinese Proverb Fixed fortifications are monuments to man’s stupidity. General George Patton, Jr. The nature of war is ceaseless change … It is one of the most important tasks of command to effect timely and proper change of tactics.