Karate and your 1st mind. The Google algorithm started my day by kicking up a video to view and I diligently followed the lead provided by our overload’s recommendation. The title of the video is, “The Soft White Underbelly.”

The Soft White Underbelly

The Soft White Underbelly is a video project started by photographer Mark Laita. I love documentaries and these are small videos. The videos rarely exceeding an hour, usually less.  But they are powerful. Drug addicts, drug users, prostitutes, sex offenders, pimps, gang members, all are getting their moment in front of Laita’s lens.

Laita is not only a great photographer, but he is also a great interviewer, never crossing the line, never playing, “Got cha’” and being respectful of the humanity that is in front of his camera.

The 1st Mind

The 1st Mind was a point of interest concerning the people being interviewed. Their words may not have been eloquent, the sentence structure imperfect but the message did not lack clarity or emotional punch. They spoke from the heart and from experience no human being should have to earn.

So, when these folks speak, I listen and the 1st Mind jumped out at me. Wisdom from a prostitute. When asked, how do you know when to get in the car (to turn a trick) and when not to get in the car. The young woman listed off a few triggers she looks for but defaulted to, “I use my 1st mind.”

This seems like a stretch but is a very short bridge to build from prostitution on Figueroa Street. Figueroa Street is a major north-south street running about 25 miles in Los Angeles. The street is well known for all forms of illegal activity. The two most prominent illegal activities being prostitution and drug dealing.

The 1st Mind is Telling You

The use of the clarity of the 1st Mind needs heeding. The words of a prostitute are as real as real gets. Her accidents, oversights, or poor choices can result in death. Our accidents happening during our karate practice do not carry the same impact or risk. We have a do-over, she gets none. Head her words and here idea that we should use our 1st mind are significant. By using the 1st mind, we find ourselves inflow, and isn’t that what we seek? The talk of flow is everyplace, work, sports, life in general.

And here is another point. When it comes to your karate, it is unlikely you were taught incorrectly. Your first is likely the good choice. Go with your nature, go with your 1st Mind. The risks are not as disastrous as those that a prostitute from Figueroa St. faces. So what is the risk you face in the dojo other than to do what you were taught? Make an error, do it again. But getting in flow and using your karate 1st mind is increasing your success.

Here is more information you may enjoy.

Simple 1st PrincipalMind ClutterRory Miller – Violence Dynamics

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KRIS WILDER

Kris Wilder is a martial artist based in Seattle Washington. He has authored many martial art books, including the classic, The Way of Kata. Making no apologies for his obsession of Football he can be found telling any who will listen about the nuances of the Canadian Footba...