This first fallacy we look at is known as anecdotal. Often referred to as "anecdotal evidence" we find this fallacy all through the martial arts world and is often at the heart of our martial arts delusions. 

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Image Credit: Unknown

We spend a lot of time talking about physical self-defense. However, what can we do to protect our minds from being led astray or manipulated? Today we lay the ground for a new series on how to recognize and protect yourself from bad thinking.

Bad thinking leads to bad conclusions, which leads to bad training and ultimately to bad outcomes. The martial arts and self-defense worlds of today are rife with bad thinking.

To sign up for new episode notifications and to receive the "Very Brief Introduction to Philosophy for Martial Artists" PDF as well as a full translation of Chapter 51 of the Budoushoshinshu about disciplined martial arts training... go to: walkingtengu.wix.com/tengu and scroll to the bottom to enter your email.

Image Credit: Unknown

What does one do when the warrior ethos calls someone to do something to express loyalty and gratitude... but the laws of the nation prohibit it? 

Daidouji has some thoughts in the final chapter of the Budoushoshinshu. In many ways this is the capstone to Daidouji's thoughts on what a warrior should do when there are no wars to be fought. 

Also, ghosts.

To sign up for new episode notifications and to receive the "Very Brief Introduction to Philosophy for Martial Artists" PDF as well as a full translation of Chapter 51 of the Budoushoshinshu about disciplined martial arts training... go to: walkingtengu.wix.com/tengu and scroll to the bottom to enter your email.

Image: Toyokuni "Ghost of Koheiji"

What happens when we give strategic advice and it goes bad?

What does this have to do with Victorian era sea-captains?

Why did Daidouji think Yamamoto Kansuke was a good example and why do I disagree?

Daidouji has some thoughts for his young charges and I interpret through the lens of a modern reader.

To sign up for new episode notifications and to receive the "Very Brief Introduction to Philosophy for Martial Artists" PDF as well as a full translation of Chapter  51 of the Budoushoshinshu about disciplined martial arts training... go to: walkingtengu.wix.com/tengu and scroll to the bottom to enter your email.

Image: "Kanesuke Yamamoto dies in the battle of Kawanakajima" by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (19th century)

How do we handle unlikely events that can have negative outcomes we are unwilling to accept?

What should we think about when we want to keep those important to us safe in one of these events?

What will you do when you lord decides to kill one of your coworkers and you need to chase him down so he doesn't escape? 

What do we do when we deserve some recognition, reward, or rank... but we do not receive it?

Daidouji has some thoughts for his young charges and I interpret through the lens of a modern reader.

To sign up for new episode notifications and to receive the "Very Brief Introduction to Philosophy for Martial Artists" PDF as well as a full translation of Chapter  51 of the Budoushoshinshu about disciplined martial arts training... go to: walkingtengu.wix.com/tengu and scroll to the bottom to enter your email.

Daidouji speaks directly to the idea of training in the martial arts in this episode. What kind of person looks like a martial artist?

Who should train the martial arts?

When does miso stink too much of miso?

As well as some thoughts on people who only train partially and lead others astray in their ignorance.

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If you would like to download a PDF of this chapter translation you can receive a link to the download it with an additional more literal translation and Japanese vocabulary when you sign up for new episode notifications as well.

Art: Katsushika Hokusai

We get some discussion on budgeting for samurai armor, how to equip your servants, and considerations to prepare for when your head is cut off by the enemy. It may not sound like it, but we then relate these topics to how they can apply to you today, in our modern times.

To sign up for new episode notifications and to receive the "Very Brief Introduction to Philosophy for Martial Artists" PDF go to: walkingtengu.wix.com/tengu and scroll to the bottom to enter your email.

Daidouji Yuuzan gives us some thoughts on situational awareness when traveling. There are a lot of reasons why a samurai might be traveling with his lord. Sankin-koutai 参勤交代 "alternate attendance" might be one, though there certainly were other reasons.

Likewise, we discuss a few ways this can be applied to modern travel.

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Image: Tokuriki Tomikichiro

Daidouji has a number of chapters that are basically tips for samurai who are traveling. I've combined a few of these into a short episode with some attempts to relate them to our martial training. Turns out I think I am on the right track as at the end of one of these chapters Daidouji Yuuzan makes the point himself that the principles in these chapters are also for the training of the martial arts. 

To sign up for new episode notifications and to receive the "Very Brief Introduction to Philosophy for Martial Artists" PDF go to: walkingtengu.wix.com/tengu and scroll to the bottom to enter your email. 

Image: Utagawa Hiroshige

Today we hear a story from the Keicho era (1596-1615) about a warrior named Tsukuda Mataemon and a misperception about his spear. We then look at how this story is an important lesson in how to be considerate to others. 

To sign up for new episode notifications and to receive the "Very Brief Introduction to Philosophy for Martial Artists" PDF go to: walkingtengu.wix.com/tengu and scroll to the bottom to enter your email.

Image: Utagawa Kunikazu