Let me start by pointing out that this thread is based on over a year of watching and reading all the various threads on this board. This is not about who is right or who is wrong, nor is it that EPAK is or isnt better than any other martial art. Finally it is also not an attack on any individual or organization. So regardless of what you the reader decide to try and take offense from or categorize the following points into. Know that this is nothing more then an observation and is posted here because I am student of Kenpo and will use that in reference more then not.
The phrase perception is reality is more often then not how many people today form their truths and beliefs. For example many people have the belief that there is no ground fighting in Kenpo and that Kenpo has holes in the system. For these people that perceive this, that becomes something they believe and thus a reality to them. Now why they perceive that, or if it is true or not is not the point. The point is that this leads them to believe and take it as the truth and thus in their minds the truth must be told.
Now people, again in most cases, believe things are true for three main reasons.
Something is proven to be factually true (by either cause and effect or by some scientific or mathematical proof) Ex: 3+3=6
They are afraid that something is true (Ex: That just because you are wearing a black belt does not mean that you earned it)
They are afraid that something is not true (Ex: that what they have learned in their martial arts training would protect them)
Accepting the fact, that higher levels of scientific and mathematical proof is based on assumption we can move forward and hopefully all agree that truth based on cause and effect is usually a simple truth based on a past event and simple circumstances.
The second two points both go toward the principle that many people base their truths and beliefs on decisions reached thru fear. They are so afraid that their Kenpo has holes and that they must learn something else or that 90% of all fights go to the ground, that they accept what is told to them and form a belief that becomes a reality for them. Even if it is only based on the written or spoken word and nothing more they form their reality and do nothing to find out if it is valid or not. Thus adding to the point that they are afraid to find out one way or another if there is some truth in their belief or not.
So reality to some may seem like a large concept we all agree upon; when it is in fact more a truly individual thing we all make on our own and base our own truths out of. On things like hear-say and the written word or things we can take as fact. Thus reality and truth are very different for everybody.
Having said all of this leads to truth, what is the truth or how do we accept truth. Sadly as we are all aware the truth hurts, people are afraid to be wrong or to have their ego hurt so instead of an open mind they attack with you are wrong or that is not true. Pushing what they believe to be true or right and not taking a moment to step away and look at themselves. For example look at the various stories on the history of Kenpo and the arguments it has caused. Who was there, who deserves what rank, what happened with said person and the extra he said she said stuff.
Finally I write all of this not to prove that I am better than anyone, as I have had the fact proven to me many times in life that there is always someone that knows more or is more talented etc.. Nor do I write this to preach or be on a soap box. I write this out of disgust for much of the garbage I see spewed over the internet from both Kenpo practitioners and other martial artists alike. I write this out of joy for so many martial artists who are trying to better themselves and their world thru the study of there style or system. I write out of personal insight that none of us are promised tomorrow, and the hope that none of the people reading this fall into the above categories. That we as a community can help those we meet in life that may not have an open mind or a chance to study. I write out of hope you never take for granted that you can learn from anyone you meet in life, martial artist or not. Also with the belief that even if you do not believe in it or happen to call it something else there is such a thing as Karma and what goes around does come around.
To summarize if you wish to respond please do so, but please address the observations in this post not the examples used to make points. For they are just that, examples only and should not be discussed any further except as an example. I did my best to keep this post from having nothing more then example and observation and very little opinion. I am sure that some will read in it what they will, so I close with something that is truly an opinion of mine. Life is too short to not love what you do and what you study, and the written word is a horrible medium from which to judge others by. So it is at the end of every day that you must look yourself in the eye and decide if you like what you see.
Be safe and happy in all your worlds,
Ginsu
The phrase perception is reality is more often then not how many people today form their truths and beliefs. For example many people have the belief that there is no ground fighting in Kenpo and that Kenpo has holes in the system. For these people that perceive this, that becomes something they believe and thus a reality to them. Now why they perceive that, or if it is true or not is not the point. The point is that this leads them to believe and take it as the truth and thus in their minds the truth must be told.
Now people, again in most cases, believe things are true for three main reasons.
Something is proven to be factually true (by either cause and effect or by some scientific or mathematical proof) Ex: 3+3=6
They are afraid that something is true (Ex: That just because you are wearing a black belt does not mean that you earned it)
They are afraid that something is not true (Ex: that what they have learned in their martial arts training would protect them)
Accepting the fact, that higher levels of scientific and mathematical proof is based on assumption we can move forward and hopefully all agree that truth based on cause and effect is usually a simple truth based on a past event and simple circumstances.
The second two points both go toward the principle that many people base their truths and beliefs on decisions reached thru fear. They are so afraid that their Kenpo has holes and that they must learn something else or that 90% of all fights go to the ground, that they accept what is told to them and form a belief that becomes a reality for them. Even if it is only based on the written or spoken word and nothing more they form their reality and do nothing to find out if it is valid or not. Thus adding to the point that they are afraid to find out one way or another if there is some truth in their belief or not.
So reality to some may seem like a large concept we all agree upon; when it is in fact more a truly individual thing we all make on our own and base our own truths out of. On things like hear-say and the written word or things we can take as fact. Thus reality and truth are very different for everybody.
Having said all of this leads to truth, what is the truth or how do we accept truth. Sadly as we are all aware the truth hurts, people are afraid to be wrong or to have their ego hurt so instead of an open mind they attack with you are wrong or that is not true. Pushing what they believe to be true or right and not taking a moment to step away and look at themselves. For example look at the various stories on the history of Kenpo and the arguments it has caused. Who was there, who deserves what rank, what happened with said person and the extra he said she said stuff.
Finally I write all of this not to prove that I am better than anyone, as I have had the fact proven to me many times in life that there is always someone that knows more or is more talented etc.. Nor do I write this to preach or be on a soap box. I write this out of disgust for much of the garbage I see spewed over the internet from both Kenpo practitioners and other martial artists alike. I write this out of joy for so many martial artists who are trying to better themselves and their world thru the study of there style or system. I write out of personal insight that none of us are promised tomorrow, and the hope that none of the people reading this fall into the above categories. That we as a community can help those we meet in life that may not have an open mind or a chance to study. I write out of hope you never take for granted that you can learn from anyone you meet in life, martial artist or not. Also with the belief that even if you do not believe in it or happen to call it something else there is such a thing as Karma and what goes around does come around.
To summarize if you wish to respond please do so, but please address the observations in this post not the examples used to make points. For they are just that, examples only and should not be discussed any further except as an example. I did my best to keep this post from having nothing more then example and observation and very little opinion. I am sure that some will read in it what they will, so I close with something that is truly an opinion of mine. Life is too short to not love what you do and what you study, and the written word is a horrible medium from which to judge others by. So it is at the end of every day that you must look yourself in the eye and decide if you like what you see.
Be safe and happy in all your worlds,
Ginsu
