I suppose this is called maturity. Much of what will be said here could seem like common sense or even xenophobia to some. I assure you that if reality hasn’t yet set in for you, it soon will, or never will. Things that society says make us good are, in my opinion, in fact the very evil destroying us from the inside out. Later on, I’d like to give my testimony as a believer in God, as He, the Father, is who has guided me back to reality. For now, let’s discuss the outcomes.

Convenience Over Influence

Starting with many of the early friendships made while here, convenience superseded influence. While in my 20s, I’d been indoctrinated by my peer group as politically and socially liberal; that wasn’t my upbringing. 

When I arrived in Thailand, it wasn’t difficult to find people who resonated with those same beliefs or lack of morals. As it is now very apparent, this was self-serving self-righteousness. We found it so convenient to be in an echo chamber to justify our selfish, hedonistic lifestyles. 

As time passed, I found that I could no longer choke down lies or accept the rhetoric, for it simply wasn’t truth or what I was built upon. Becoming a father, getting sober, and facing the political oppression we all have felt for the last 10 years or so, has brought out my most conservative nature, bringing me back to the warmth of God and the light of truth. 

Back to the Dojo

Fast forward to getting back into coaching Karate. These last 3-4 years have been an eye-opener as to what residual effects had come of my delusions. 

I have been bestowed a line of men to coach, roughly in my age group, who deeply represent that nature of hedonistic, self-serving, self-righteousness I spoke of previously. While the majority of them weren’t inherently evil, primarily incapable, to be honest, they are enveloped in their ego. 

This is strong and risky to say, as I should most definitely disclaim my ego as well. By reflection of these men, my own [ego] has been exposed—a blessing from God to repent on and a perspective to gain on my past.

The Discipline They Lack

All this being the forefront of my discussion, would lead you to believe that I am intolerant or impatient, where I assure you that isn’t the case. 

See, when I accept a new prospective student, I tend to give all people the benefit of the doubt, regardless of background. As many red flags arise in the beginning, I still hold fast, as martial arts training has been the very thing to tame my inner beast and humble me. Bringing me to the point: Honor, discipline, respect, humility, courage, competence, and mental toughness are all great buzzwords to those who don’t truly feel the meaning of them in their heart. 

The men I speak of here believe solely in their own ego, and admittedly have no higher power, nor have they ever challenged themselves or been faced with being made or broken, sink or swim, with dire consequences. Immense pressure is what produces a diamond from raw carbon.

What I am hinting towards could be a metric by which we should judge the men we place around us. 

Where I believed these men meant to test their grit, it was simply too late, as being a shell of a human, with no moral scope or substance behind the words of righteousness, it would leave you without the ability to do so. How would this all manifest in a student? No respect for the coach’s knowledge and experience. 

You see, as I’ve likely disclosed in many other pieces, men have an inflated view of themselves and their combative competence. Where one would say, 

“I’m here to learn to defend myself and my loved ones,” it would in fact mean, 

“I want to test my might against a trained martial artist”. 

Very common is the question, 

“How long would it take ME to get a black belt?” 

They would show signs of insecurity wearing a white belt, displaying their techniques, or agreeing to put in the repetitive work that is required in skills acquisition. They would make statements like, 

“I know that if it came down to a real life-or-death situation, my adrenaline would take over, giving me superhuman strength”.

Asking to spar with no skills developed and no experience. Believing they understand the science of fighting better than a 30-year veteran in the arts, based off having watched the top 10 fighters on YouTube in any given combat sport. 

Once finally faced with some controlled sparring, they couldn’t make it through a round without quitting. Couldn’t accept defeat humbly, nor even give up one strike. They outwardly show frustration towards themselves because they truly believe in their ego and ideology without ever having been tested. These are very normal and understandable quirks, as we all experienced this in the beginning.

Now, here is what would set them apart. You see, having experienced this, bits of one’s ego would die little by little. This is where true character building takes place. However, this is seldom the case for the modern man. 

You see, if in every technique, or drill, or spar, or talk, or demo, a student must ask deep esoteric or irrelevant questions about how any of it works broadly around all of martial arts or fighting, it’s a sign of disbelief and insecurity. They refuse the hard road, seeking instant gratification and passing on practice and conditioning. Creating excuses about flexibility, time management, or family. Disregarding or disrespecting the etiquette of the dojo and the honor of wearing the uniform. Habitually showing up late and unprepared while blaming others. 

An example of a good student would be simple: 

They shut up, listen, do it again, and try again. 

Martial arts is, first and foremost, a discipline. A means of creating systems in the mind. It has become apparent to me that without having gone through it from a young age, starting at 20+ years old is too late. The brain is hard-wired and will not recover, at least not without divine intervention.

A Standard, Not a Service

Giving chances and guidance to those seeking self-gratification, as if martial arts training were like jerking off, has left me giving up too much of myself. Though, as mentioned, this is all a blessing from God. You see, it’s the lesson I needed, showing me that I’m too trusting, too accepting of bullshit for too long. I’m not selective enough and don’t stand firmly on what I believe because I know that the bar is set too high for 90% of men to follow, only to water myself down closer to their standards. 

Saying this here is a relief of the pressure. Now I must live up to my expectations. My intention for Rhino Ryu has been a lifestyle and a brotherhood, which breeds a support system and community of men who uplift and hold each other accountable. Not one-sided. I know now it’s not my responsibility to turn grown adults into men. Better yet, Rhino Ryu must only accept the elite few. We must be God-loving and fearing. Be tenacious and attack our goals. We live solidly by this code, protecting our beliefs with our lives. 

This dojo must be a place of refuge for true masculinity, leadership, and the counter-culture of modernity. Perhaps this could be what the future members of Rhino Ryu were waiting for. It is I who needs to stand 10 toes on business.

No Egos. No Lames. Nothing Soft.

As a brand, one could confidently know what and who we represent. The reality is, you can’t fake fighting or riding sport bikes. God will extinguish you for putting your ego in front of the truth. 

As a dojo, our followers, brothers, and family members would have

confidence in knowing the unwavering beliefs, standards, and solidarity that we represent. No egos, no lames, nothing soft, steadfast in our morals even in the face of Armageddon. Together we hold the line, strong and un-alone. It’s Rhino Ryu Karate Jutsu, Family, Sport Bikes, and Tuner Cars, with God standing in the center. Fuck off if you don’t come on deck equipped up front. 

Prospecting is the only way into our dojo, structured with the old-school methods combined with American Motorcycle Club culture.

Are you ready to be tested? 

Osu!