If you are not living on the edge, You're just not living!!!

I read somewhere, (and I am paraphrasing here) that For a Man to truly become a Man, he has to first kill his Father. WHAT! What kind of insane mumbo jumbo is this?!?!? Which philosopher stone (rock) was this guy smoking?

The notion almost made me sick to my stomach. Especially since I have a great Dad, Especially since I have always been surrounded by great men, who have left indelible marks - Road posts for greatness. In many ways they have been Fathers to me. Kill them? And what about those of us who grow up without a Father in their life? Are they doomed to perpetual boyhood, till they shank someones Father.

It was that night in class and shortly after reading this line, that in typical Malenga fashion he zeroed in on the essence of my dilemma and giving clarity to a perplexing situation, stated the line that is the title of this post. “If you are not living on the edge, You're just not living!!!” Damn! It is uncanny how he does that.

You see every culture, society, family unit, - and therefore person - has a unique way of seeing things and unique ways to express a feeling or sentiment. (So to indulge this brain fart a bit further.) Living on the edge is a practice we learn to embrace in TUF. Not the wild boy, mad dog “edge living” like Tom Cruise in Top Gun (although it is sometimes TUF(1) to tell the difference). No “edge” more like standing at the bow of a ship, certain of the destination but not necessarily the course, embracing the highs AND staying the course during the lows, seeing unexpected change as an opportunity to adjust the course.

What does this have to do with Killing ones Father?

Bing! Thought you’d never ask. Well first lets look at ones “Father”, Physical or not, it is that element in our life we lean on. That we look to for strength. The goto “guy” when we enter new situations (or difficult times) and don’t know what to do. Some of us have someone we could expect that type of support from, others find it in father figures, Strong Mothers; still others build callous resentment for either “not having a Father” (2) or not having one {fill in the blank} - (you like, you could depend on, or who fits the image of “Fatherness”). It is your response, when your tried and true routine is challenged by new circumstances. What do you do when all your calculations are correct and yet the expected result doesn’t occur? What/Who do you lean on for support (read comfort). Do you even try? Where do you turn? What do you do when that support, excuse/lie is abruptly removed, Think quick! - you’re at the edge.

The point is, there is something in life that we ascribe greater strength to. As a child it appears bigger than life. As a child thinketh. . . Fear it, love it,- Whatever qualities we ascribe this person, place or thing, it’s more than likely a drop of truth mixed in a sea of fantasy. As children we are allowed this one vice, we have to, it helps us navigate a world where just about everything is a new challenge. As adults . . . it is a bad chemical mix for destructive behavior, dependency and an unfulfilled life.

In many indigenous societies the expectation for one reaching adulthood - is to survive in the wilderness with little more than a stick, a stone or best intentions. What do you do when you are on your own? When "new challenges" are the terrain? SIMPLE, you live in the moment. You rely on your training, on the time tested principles you have practiced, on intuition, whatever you need to re-emerge from the challenge, mentally, physically and spiritually intact, etc. The alternative - curling up into a ball, etc. - is unacceptable.

“Killing Fathers” is a metaphor [keyword METAPHOR (albeit morbid)]to help us courageously face what awaits us at the edge. Remember a “Win is a Win” and “No one said it has to be pretty”

TUF!!!!

RAKS - “ELBOWS”

The 1st Graduating Class

1 Couldn't Resist

2. Biologically Impossible

What Is TUF?

Tactically Unbeatable Fighting System is the evolution of martial principles and movements designed to be applied in the modern world in any climate or environment in which we find ourselves. TUF is designed to provide the practitioner with the greatest ability to preserve his life and those he is responsible for despite the obstacles and challenges he may face whether the threat be mental, physical or spiritual.

TUF is designed to create a thorough awareness of yourself and your surroundings, as well as creating optimal physical and psychological conditioning. TUF is the most advanced personal combat system ever developed. It is based upon years of researching combat science and principles, as well as human psychology and anatomy. TUF System is a complete combat system that trains your mind and body to respond appropriately every time in a crisis situation. TUF System first teaches you how to gain the psychological edge needed to overcome your fear and capitalize on your adrenalin release. TUF System then teaches you the tactical awareness required to recognize a potential threat in order to avoid or overcome it. TUF System provides you with a thorough understanding of your opponent’s anatomy, and autonomic response to being struck. Thus, allowing you to easily defeat attackers twice your size. TUF System also teaches you how to properly use and defend against modern weapons.

TUF System utilizes a scientifically based, accelerated learning process to subconsciously train the body to act appropriately, without having to think, when facing a dangerous situation. Through the use of scenario based training and adrenalin stress conditioning, you do not waste time learning useless techniques in an unrealistic manner. TUF System techniques are far superior, in real life situations, to those taught in traditional martial arts, wrestling, and boxing. TUF System can be used against anybody, on any terrain, in any given situation; guaranteed!

Why train in the TUF System?

Ancient warriors and modern martial artists alike have worked to develop the body, mind and spirit in order to create not only a sense of invincibility in personal combat, but to overcome the natural flaws of man in an attempt to reach a higher state of being. We have often heard talk of “The Path to Enlightenment” or “The Way of the Warrior,” but rarely do we find a modern model and method to follow that will allow us to achieve such a state. By training the mind, body, and spirit, through the TUF System, you travel on the never ending road to personal perfection, continual expansion of awareness and freedom in the truest sense of the word.

By becoming a practitioner of TUF, the individual tempers his body, mind and spirit through intense challenges and trials that force him out of his comfort zone and regularly expose him to difficulties that stretch his limits. The success of meeting these constant challenges creates a sense of pride on being able to handle tough circumstances, without whining or feeling self-pity. Each success builds another layer of armor against life’s challenges while softening the heart to be open to experience all of life’s gifts.

By studying and applying the information covered on this blog, you will develop a natural and appropriate response to all of life’s challenges and no longer rely on learned techniques out of a box that do not really fit the circumstances we face outside of the training facilities. Your actions and reactions will become fluid and seem effortless even when confronting a situation you have never faced before where the odds seem against success and the normal person would fail. Whether you find yourself staring down death at the wrong end of a weapon, or you face the stress of social, economic, political or health threats, you will with economy of movement, the highest integrity and the greatest passion find yourself victorious.

Thought Interupts Movement...Stay Fluid

When we were in class two weeks ago, Heru reminded us that "Thought Interrupts Movement". Alot of times when we work on movements or scenarios, we get caught thinking of "our next move." Everytime we start thinking we freeze our moves. We end up being static instead of fluid. TUF system is principle based, so their really is not alot of "pre-packaged" moves. We're taught to adapt. To be fluid. We're taught that every situation is different, so we can't rely on pre-defined moves. We use principles to succeed in any situation. This way we can "defeat anybody on any terrain in any given situation"

Movement Begins & Continues With Breath

All TUF Moves begin with breathing. Any time we execute a move we're reminded to breath. TUF moves are natural and not predictable. If we hold our breath while we move, we aren't natural.

When a situation get's tense, the adrenalin starts to flow it's easy to forget about breathing.

To Master TUF requires mastery breathing. This takes a long time and plenty of practice.