Author: Paul Sharp

It took me a long time to figure out there was nothing wrong with me. I was just spending time around the wrong people. I’m not saying I didn’t make mistakes or do things the wrong way. I am saying that once I began to spend time around people that accepted me, and were in fact a lot like me, life got exponentially better!!

I remember talking to a friend about a shooting drill. I said I spent almost 6 hours dry firing and then another 3 hours live fire on that drill. It wasn’t intentional, I just lost track of time chasing that performance dragon. My friend said, “that’s not a bad way to spend the day.” See, he knew! That was one 9 hour day of work, not 9 hours of work spread out over a week or so. He knew because he’s done similar things chasing performance. Once I started spending time around people obsessed with improving themselves I was no longer the odd one. I was just another one doing what we all are doing to be better at all the things that matter to us.

I have the honor and privilege of coaching at the upcoming Guardian Conference in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on September 15th through the 17th! This event is presented by my friends at CCW Safe, the premier legal protection team for capable citizens!

I will be teaching practical Jiujitsu and knife defense strategies in four 2 hour blocks. This is going to change the way folks look at Jiujitsu and how to apply it to their everyday life. I also hope to spark a fire of curiosity in those that don’t train, causing them to want to find a Jiujitsu academy when they return to their home! How cool would that be?!

Also, if you are interested in signing up here is an affiliate link: https://mrm.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=26&aff_id=1462

Get signed up and I’ll see you there! LET’S GO!!!!

Amor Fati, a Latin phrase meaning “love of fate,” is a philosophical concept that encourages individuals to embrace and accept their lives’ circumstances, whether positive or negative, with love and gratitude. This idea has its roots in Stoicism, a school of philosophy that flourished in ancient Greece and Rome. While Amor Fati may appear paradoxical at first glance, as it suggests finding love in the face of adversity, it holds profound wisdom and offers a powerful approach to living a fulfilled and meaningful life.

The Stoics believed in living in harmony with nature and adhered to the principle of acceptance and tranquility. They recognized that life is unpredictable and filled with both joys and sorrows. Instead of resisting or resenting the hardships and challenges that life presents, they advocated for embracing them with equanimity and an open heart.

At the core of Amor Fati is the recognition that we have limited control over external events and circumstances. We might not be able to control the things that happen to us or around us. We can, however, control our attitudes and responses to these events. By accepting fate with love, we free ourselves from the burden of constant worry and frustration. This does not imply a passive surrender to life’s challenges, but rather an active choice to face them with courage and grace.

The Stoic philosopher Epictetus famously said, “Do not seek for things to happen the way you want them to; rather, wish that what happens happen the way it happens: then you will be happy.” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of Amor Fati. Happiness, according to the Stoics, lies not in attempting to control external events but in cultivating an inner state of contentment and serenity, regardless of the circumstances.

Moreover, the concept of Amor Fati urges individuals to view every event in their lives, whether favorable or unfavorable, as an opportunity for growth and learning. Challenges and setbacks, instead of being seen as obstacles, become stepping stones on the path to self-improvement and personal development. Friedrich Nietzsche, the German philosopher, was a proponent of Amor Fati and saw it as the key to achieving greatness. He famously proclaimed, “My formula for greatness in a human being is amor fati: that one wants nothing to be different, not forward, not backward, not in all eternity. Not merely bear what is necessary, still less conceal it—all idealism is mendacity in the face of what is necessary—but love it.”

Embracing Amor Fati requires a shift in mindset, away from a victim mentality to one of empowerment. Instead of blaming external factors for our struggles, we take responsibility for our reactions and attitudes. It is an ongoing practice that demands self-awareness, resilience, and a commitment to personal growth. The Stoics advised the use of meditation and self-reflection to strengthen one’s ability to accept fate with love.

The wisdom of Amor Fati has resonated with many notable figures throughout history. Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher, wrote extensively about the importance of embracing fate. He emphasized that life is transient and that the acceptance of fate leads to greater inner peace. Additionally, the German-American philosopher Albert Schweitzer expressed the sentiment of Amor Fati when he said, “In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.”

Amor Fati is a profound philosophical concept that encourages individuals to love and embrace their destinies, regardless of the circumstances. By accepting fate with love and gratitude, we can find inner peace, resilience, and a sense of purpose in the face of life’s challenges. Amor Fati is a transformative practice that empowers us to cultivate a positive mindset, take responsibility for our attitudes, and appreciate the richness of life’s experiences. By integrating Amor Fati into our lives, we can unlock the potential for growth and wisdom, leading to a more fulfilled and meaningful existence.

In modern parlance a Misogi is an endeavor we are not sure we can complete. There is a 50% chance we will fail. It is meant to challenge us mentally, physically, and spiritually. I’ve embarked on quite a few Misogi’s in my life and while I have completed quite a few, I have also failed quite a few. Usually I fail the first attempt, maybe even the second attempt, but I will complete it on the third attempt. For me that is not a win since successfully completing the first attempt is the point of a Misogi like test.

While these tests primarily involve physical adversity, the goal is to build a “roadmap” of our mind and spirit. What are we made of? Where are my breaking points? At what point do I transcend the physical and mental discomfort, pain, and even injury? That is the information I am searching for.

Historically Misogi was a Shinto purification practice. However, the practice of Misogi is not limited to Shintoism; it has also influenced other Japanese spiritual traditions and has been adapted into modern spiritual and self-improvement practices. The concept of purification and cleansing remains central to the idea of Misogi, where individuals seek to rid themselves of negative energies or attachments that hinder their personal growth and spiritual development.

For our purposes, as multidisciplinary athletes, a Misogi can take many forms. I encourage you to pick an event, a task, something you are not quite sure you can do, and then go all in. Do it or die trying. Commit, even if it means a monk like life for a few days, weeks, or months. Put everything else on hold until after you complete your Misogi. You might be surprised how this endeavor will transform you.

Once you are within arms length, and contact is imminent there are 4 rules I consistently stress to the folks that train with me;

1) Control the hands

2) Control the space

3) Gain dominant position

4) End the fight with submission or tool acquisition

These apply whether it’s a self-defense or sport situation. Make sure you’re putting in plenty of rounds hand fighting, pummeling for position, and understanding how to control the position so you can setup submissions and/or acquisition.

Training hard to be an Asset, not a liability to our people is not fear based. It’s the highest form of love and service. We are sacrificing our own selfish pursuits to prepare ourselves for a day when we might have to serve in our highest capacity.

1. Training to be an Asset, not a Liability: This means actively working on oneself, gaining knowledge, skills, and abilities that can be of use to others. By becoming an asset, individuals aim to contribute positively to their communities, organizations, or society as a whole. It’s about being proactive and seeking opportunities to make a difference.
2. Highest Form of Love and Service: The motivation behind this approach is not rooted in fear but rather in love and service. It’s about caring deeply for others and wanting to be in a position to help and support them when needed. This selfless mindset comes from a place of compassion and empathy.
3. Sacrificing Selfish Pursuits: This highlights the willingness to forgo personal desires and interests for the greater good. It could mean dedicating time, effort, or resources towards self-improvement and skill development instead of focusing solely on individual gains.
4. Preparing for Serving in Highest Capacity: The emphasis here is on being prepared to step up when the situation demands it. This could mean being ready to take on leadership roles or being equipped to handle challenges and crises effectively. The ultimate goal is to be of maximum service to others in times of need.
5. Not Promoting Violence: This approach is not about promoting violence or causing harm to others. It emphasizes preservation, saving lives, and promoting life in all aspects. It suggests a focus on nurturing and protecting life rather than engaging in destructive behaviors.
6. Concepts of Self-Protection and Preparedness: While some people may associate self-protection and preparedness with a more defensive or combative mindset, the approach described here centers around using those skills and preparedness to safeguard and support others. It’s about being a force for good and promoting safety and well-being.

It’s not about taking life, fighting, or violence. It’s about preserving, saving, and giving life. At all levels. This might not be how some approach the concepts of self protection, and preparedness but it is how I approach it and teach it to others.