We all have influences in our past, and oftentimes the present, that have influenced our mindset and our operational mode. I have had several and am thankful in so many ways to them all. From Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi, Guro Dan Inosanto, and Punong Guro Edgar Sulite I experienced a multitude of martial techniques but only one underlying mental/psychological philosophy - train as if your life depended on it. Their collective insistence on mastering and reexamining the basic techniques and structures of their martial arts has molded my martial skill set over the years.
There is a book that I would think that any serious student of the warrior arts has read (entitled "On Combat" by Lt. Col. David Grossman) and then re-read again and again. Those of you who know me will see a lot of my martial and personal philosophy reflected in this outstanding book. If you have read it you should and once you've read it put it down and then read it again six months from now. It really is that important a book.
