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Striking a Balance: Navigating Self-Preservation and Self-Perfection

Writer's picture: Sifu Jeramiah GiehlSifu Jeramiah Giehl

In the pursuit of martial mastery, one often encounters the dichotomy between self-preservation and self-perfection. These two realms, distinct yet interconnected, form the crux of effective combat training. This exploration divides the knowledge into two facets: Self-Preservation and Self-Perfection.


Self-Preservation: At its core, self-preservation encompasses the indispensable knowledge required to emerge victorious in a fight. Stripping away the embellishments, it delves into the essence of hardcore street fighting—the type taught in Navy Seal programs and shared with agencies worldwide seeking rapid defense skills. From extensive training hours, a condensed one-hour information package emerges, drawing from three arts: Kina Mutay (the art of biting and eye gouging), Jeet Kune Do (Bruce Lee's conglomeration of fighting), and Brazilian Jujitsu. These three arts, when combined strategically, form a formidable arsenal for street-level combat.


The first section of the Teaching Guide focuses on Self-Preservation, covering weaponry (de-fanging the snake), stand-up techniques (R.A.T), ground fighting (Kina Mutay), and addressing mass attacks. It is the epitome of gritty street fighting, akin to the unrefined tactics employed by mixed martial artists—a realm sometimes referred to as Filthy MMA or Contemporary Jeet Kune Do.


Self-Perfection: On the contrasting end, self-perfection represents the artistry, beauty, and spirituality within martial disciplines. The second half of the Teaching Guide transcends the immediacy of street combat, offering techniques that resonate through a lifetime. Self-perfection amalgamates various arts into a holistic approach.


The second section of the Teaching Guide is a journey into the realm of art and spirituality. It explores the flow from Tai Chi to Wing Chun, incorporating foot sweeps and arm locks. Understanding the intricacies of the Kung Fu game, delving into the essence of Chi, and embracing spirituality—all these aspects find their place in the Self-Perfection domain.


In the pursuit of martial expertise, the distinction between self-preservation and self-perfection offers a balanced approach. Mastering the art of street fighting ensures immediate defense, while delving into the spiritual and artistic facets of martial disciplines provides a lifelong journey of self-improvement. This dual exploration encourages practitioners to navigate both realms, striking a harmonious balance between the raw efficacy of self-preservation and the enduring beauty of self-perfection.

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