F*** You Buddy, So Long Sucker or Prisoners Dilemma
These are the different names given to a game invented by John Nash based on ‘Game Theory’ strategies when he was a mathematician working at the Rand corporation in the 1950’s. Game Theory was applied by the Rand strategists, who included leading mathematicians, as a military strategy to maintain the balance of power between the USA and the […]
“The World Wonders”
“The world wonders” was the message inadvertently sent in an encrypted transmission from US Admiral Chester Nimitz to Admiral William Halsey, Jr. on October 25, 1944 during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Admiral Halsey, was commanding Task Force 34 when he made the decision to pursue a Japanese decoy fleet and leave the landing beaches […]
Do not intend to Wound, but to Kill!
Its a frightening concept which seems to epitomise the worst of warfare. The saying is attributed to Miyamoto Musashi, regarded as one of the greatest Japanese sword masters and warriors, a survivor of over 60 duels (some famously recorded) and author of the Go no Rin Sho (the Book of 5 Rings) a popularised book […]
Just Imagine
Jean Claude Kille and the mogols – Arnold Swarzenger and the Mr Universe constest
Finding a place of peace within the turmoil
The practice of Aikido is not to overcome an attacker nor to try to avoid them. Rather it is to find that point of connection where the attacker cannot affect you. Zen Story#2 A man travelling across a field encountered a tiger. He fled, the tiger chasing after him. Coming to a precipice, he caught hold […]
React or Respond … opens the Gates of Heaven or Hell!
Zen Story#1 A samurai visited the Zen monk Hakuin for instruction and asked: “Is there really a heaven and a hell?” “Who are you?” inquired Hakuin. “I am a samurai”, the warrior replied. “You, a soldier!” sneered Hakuin, “What kind of ruler would have you as his guard? You look like a beggar”. The samurai immediately became […]
Having the power … of Acceptance
Aikido practitioner and dispute resolution author, Tom Crum, tells this charming story of the power of acceptance in his book, “The Magic of Conflict“: My wife and I once had our early morning mediations punctuated daily by the sound of an automobile horn announcing to our neighbour that his ride to work had arrived. I […]
Aikido and the Way of Harmony
Can a fighting art defeat an opponent without fighting?
Now it is proven! Draw last, draw fast.
Warriors throughout history have duelled for survival. Often evenly matched with the same sword or gun, yet one survived and one died. Which was better, to draw first or last? To get the advantage of reaching for the gun, or drawing the sword first? The “first strike” capability. Or to stay relaxed (but alert) and […]
