Today I read a post on a discussion board started by Gary Engels of Martial Arts Wisdom

The theme was:

"Applying the Lessons"

The question was:

So I'm sure you've had a chance, through training, to experience some key lessons that stuck with you.

How have you applied those lessons to other areas of you life? Business, relationships, fitness.... etc."

One of the replies was thought provoking enough for me to e-mail the author, Saiko Shihan Shidosha Jayron D. Robinson and ask permission to copy it and share it with all of you on my blog... I have recieved permission, so here is his reply:

This a a reply to all, those here and those yet to come:

I have been fighting since the day I was born as I was born a cripple: double-club footed; toes almost touching my heels and feet turned so I basically stood on my ankles. The doctors said that surgery was the only way to partially correct this and that I would end up wearing braces the rest of my life. My parents did not accept this and said they would find another way. The doctors said there was no other way, well, my parents found one. Thirteen years later, no surgery, no scars, no braces I walked liked everyone else. I was picked on because of my big ugly shoes and was never selected for any sports or school activities. When people would pick on me and go too far I would go off on them and beat them into the ground...I had no choice. A person can only take so much. I fought a lot. Then I got into boxing and that taught me how to control and discipline my attitude, temper and my fists. Then I entered the martial arts in the early sixties during a time when few people in the United States knew what it was...of course, neither did I. My first teacher told me that he would teach me how to fight so I wouldn't have to. At that time this made no sense to me but after the years had passed it became very clear. I entered the military and learned there that fighting was a real waste of time and energy and that in combat there are no rules but one: Survive. Anything that took longer than 3 seconds was fighting. I was in the USAF Combat Security Police. In this position I never had to use my physical skills to enforce my authority because we were trained to take more abuse than anyone could dish out always knowing that if we had to get physical it would be over very quickly and someone was going to get hurt. We always treated everyone with respect and were disciplined to always present ourselves and act in an honorable manner no matter the situation. Yes, I had the unfortunate opportunity to experience the ugly face of combat, or war if you will; yes, I had to kill people. No, I did not enjoy what I had to do and I would never want to have to do it again or wish it on anyone. For those of you who have never had to kill anyone let me say this: once you have your entire attitude about life completely changes along with the way you do things and the way you perceive and treat people. Once out of the service and continuing in the arts I began to notice that something had changed in the way I did things and the way I taught them...it took awhile to figure out...but it was "method". The whole way everything was taught from the youngest to the oldest student. I also learned that it was my students who taught me this. To this day the method has not changed, it has become the very root of my martial art life and is in everything I do. I do not separate myself from my art; it is with me all the time...all the time. One of the most important things I share with my students is this: Anyone can learn how to punch, block, kick, grapple, do forms and manipulate weapons and a variety of offensive and defensive techniques, but, to master any of these one must dedicate themselves with healing. It's easy to beat people up...it is masterful to heal them. I have not had to use my skills in any violent situation because the number one thing I have learned is that people only get mad and violent when everyone else quits listening or refuses to understand. I do not stereotype anyone for any reason. The human species is made up of many different races, colors, religious beliefs, educational backgrounds, political beliefs or theories, languages, sizes, weights, ages and abilities and I accept everyone as equal, as one, as human-beings in search of the answers that plague our inner-being and very existence. Therefore, when confronted with an unfortunate situation, I watch them, I listen to what they are saying and how and then I talk to them so they will talk to me. I do everything I possibly can to bring them towards me as a potential friend and most of all I remain calm and unthreatening. When there is fire in their eyes let them see water in yours - and I do not mean tears of fear or sorrow, but calm. Through the study and practice of any of the martial arts we should venture to recognize, identify and learn the animal that exists in all of us...then we can learn to be more human. There are many old lessons that we must carry with us at all times and into the future, i.e., 'Never consider the self as so much of an expert that you fail to cooperate with others." - "Even the Masters have Masters." The above is only skimming the surface of what the martial arts have done for me and how I have found a way to share it with others through the things I do and who I have become. I live what I believe and believe in what I live. Remember, your students are always watching you - do not faulter - "Example is the best teacher." Thus, always set a good example in the way you do things and in everything you do. Be true in your words. Never blame or cause shame when a mistake is made...mistakes are just another tool of learning. "To make a mistake and do nothing to correct it is to make another mistake." The powers that be know full well that I have made my full share of mistakes...and I pray that I have corrected many of them. I will be sixty years old next year but most people who know me have placed me in my thirties. Thank you. None-the-less, my physical condition is good along with my endurance, strength and speed (when needed.) I do not eat red meat of any kind, fast foods, junk foods, drink or do any kind of drugs - including over-the-counter or prescription medications short of an occasional Excedrin for that once in awhile headache. I sleep between 5 & 6 hours per day and I always do my breathing exercises and stretching everyday, sometimes several times a day. I do eat fish, chicken and turkey but mostly fruits, vegetables and grains. My main downfalls would most likely be cookies, coffee and yes I smoke. So if you want to pick on me about the latter go ahead...my students do all the time. Perhaps one of these days I will quit. Thus if that be my vice so be it - we all have at least one. For now there you have it...what the arts have done for me...and I hope that you will find something useful herein. Peace and Love to you all...now go out and make a difference. Osu