Martial Music

Music, especially 'jam sessions' have the quality of controlled chaos, which is very much at the heart of martial study--understanding and managing conflict. 

Everyone is always trying to get their 'notes' in. Sometimes one on top of the other. Sometimes in concert with another. Sometimes in complete contradiction or conflict with the other.

Jazz is the perfect example of martial music. A musical conversation that involves high speed changes of leading and following.

Then there are lyrics that speak to me as a student and teacher of martial arts. Especially lyrics where I can find a double entendre that pairs my passions of martial arts and philosophy.

For those who study with me, you might have already pick up the double entendres while watching the video. For those who haven't, you'll find some paranthetical notations next to the lyrics below in order to get you started. 

Go ahead and listen again and 'let go' of whatever Monday mania you might be engaged in.

Either way, enjoy the music and I hope you enjoy my musical musing.

Let Go (Frou Frou)

Drink up baby doll (infatuation of starting)

Are you in or are you out? (do or do not do)
Leave your things behind (ego, shoes, socks, baggage)
'Cause it's all going off without you (sweat/work it out)
Excuse me too busy you're writing your tragedy (feeling bad for yourself is a waste of energy)
These mishaps
You bubble-wrap
When you've no idea what you're like (don't let mistakes anchor you)

So, let go, let go
Jump in
Oh well, what you waiting for?
It's all right
'Cause there's beauty in the breakdown (rebuilding yourself)
So, let go, let go
Just get in
Oh, it's so amazing here (I'm a bit biased)
It's all right
'cause there's beauty in the breakdown

It gains the more it gives (relaxation is power)
And then it rises with the fall (drop your breath/stance)
So hand me that remote
Can't you see that all that stuff's a sideshow?
Such boundless pleasure
We've no time for later
Now you can't await
your own arrival
you've twenty seconds to comply (lol!)

So, let go, so let go
Jump in
Oh well, what you waiting for?
It's alright
'Cause there's beauty in the breakdown
So, let go, yeah let go
Just get in
Oh, it's so amazing here
It's all right
'Cause there's beauty in the breakdown

So, let go,
Jump in
Oh well, what you waiting for?
It's alright
'Cause there's beauty in the breakdown
So, let go, yeah let go
Just get in
Oh, it's so amazing here
It's all right
'Cause there's beauty in the breakdown

In the breakdown
'Cause there's beauty in the breakdown
The breakdown

So amazing here
'Cause there's beauty in the breakdown

#whitetigerdojodifference #martialmusic #musicalmusings #berkeleyheights #martialarts #music

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Who Teaches the Teacher?

As a teacher of martial arts, I want to build awareness. Awareness is the first key to de-selecting yourself from violence. You do not have to study or be interested in the reality of violence to become the target of violence.

Mr Douglas introduces himself and has the practitioners introduce themselves on day one.

As a human being and a teacher of martial arts, I strive to evolve. As the owner/operator of White Tiger Dojo, it is imperative that I continue to grow and evolve my teaching methods and skill sets.
​

After 30 years of study and entering my​ second decade of full-time teaching, one lesson remains constant -- I must never become complacent with my skills as a practitioner or a teacher.

In order to ​provide​ the best service I can to my student body, I am constantly challenging myself. Four years ago, I sought out a professional named Craig Douglas, of Shivworks, in order to test my own skills, hone new ones and discover what I did not know.

Mr Douglas explains and demonstrates the default position.

On the weekend of March 19th & 20th, 20 men and one of my female black belts could enter the altar of scrutiny that has been built by Craig Douglas' internationally recognized coursework -- Edged Weapons Overview (EWO). The coursework is 18 hours long and runs from 8AM-6PM each night with a one hour lunch break each day.

Other than myself and two of my black belts, the other 17 participants consisted of a large contingent of tri-state area law enforcement professionals, including Berkeley Heights Police Department, and a potpourri of civilian professionals.

Roberto Andrade, a black belt at the White Tiger Dojo and owner of Natural Integrated Medicine in Florham Park, assesses an attendee's prior injury before starting an exercise.

Although the age, location and background may have varied, the goals and the excitement over the coursework was unanimous. Awareness and safety for the sake of oneself and one's family was paramount and all agreed that this was coursework that was not readily available anywhere else.

A rare moment to breathe and socialize.

White Tiger Dojo was proud to partner with Berkeley Heights Police Department and Craig Douglas in order to provide such a great training module for so many people.

And what did law enforcement professionals get out of this coursework? Berkeley Heights Chief John DiPasquale had this to say:

Berkeley Heights Police Department was pleased that Craig Douglas could provide our agency with coursework that cannot be duplicated in terms of safety and awareness. Mr. Douglas is a humble instructor that provides his students with the tools to combat predatory violence.
The Berkeley Heights Police Department emphasizes the highest level of training in our effort to keep our community safe.
On behalf of our department, we would like to thank White Tiger Dojo owner, Darren DeMarco, for making this type of training possible and partnering with our community.

In the end, whether you are a civilian or law enforcement professional, when an attack occurs, it will take time for help to arrive, if someone even knows you're in trouble. Sometimes winning isn't an option and survival until the cavalry arrives may be your only hope. As Douglas says about his own coursework, "This is not coursework you win, this is coursework you experience."

Visit us at www.whitetigerdojo.com, on FB & G+!!