Welcome to another issue of the Craft of a Warrior. With all the chaos going on around us I felt that we should discuss a very important concept. Many of us focus on training, we want to be strong, to be able to kick butt, etc. We forget the one thing that is most important of all…the mind. Knowing how to game a situation, to be aware of our surroundings. Awareness is key, so let us dive in…
Topic Of The Week: Strategy, Game Theory And Awareness
For a warrior, strategy is everything.
Without strategy, there is no winning. Blindly entering into a situation and odds are you will lose,unless you are one of those blessed with blind luck. I’m Irish so I get that a lot. I have a knack of landing on my feet in the worst of situation. That doesn’t mean I count on that luck. A game plan is needed.
Its important to think or plan and always be a couple steps ahead.
Look to the Chinese for the “Art of War – by Sun Tzu” or the Japanese “The Book of Five Rings – by Miyamoto Musashi“. These are classic strategy books that apply to today’s world. Playing games is a great way to train your mind to think ahead. If you look back in history all the way to the present you will find that game theory was and still is used by commanders of armies. But, its is also used at the personal level to succeed in combat and life. Games such as chess or GO can help train the mind to see a few moves ahead.
The Scenario:
Two guys walk into a bar… wait, okay, this is not a lead up to a joke 
So, let’s try that again.
Two groups of friends walk into a bar.
-> Group 1: They are out to have fun. Laughing, joking. Not really paying attention they grab the first table they can. They face each other at the table ordering drinks and just having a grand ol time. Not aware of anything but their friends.
-> Group 2: They are out to have fun but they are self-aware. They pay attention. They see the exits, where the bouncers are, what type of people are in the bar. They will probably pick a table with easy access to an exit. At least one or two of them will sit with there backs to the wall so as to pay attention to what going on. So we have two groups of people who are treating the same situation very differently. Everyone is having fun and nothing bad ever happens, right? Well, it does and it has. Anything from being caught up in a bar fight to some random crazy with a gun. Sounds like a movie doesn’t it? I mean what can go wrong?Bad things do happen to good people.
Stay aware, be actively engaged: Some people take this concept for granted, particularly martial art types or trained soldiers. They do it naturally. Others, not so much. It is essential to be aware of those around you. Look at their faces and body language. Sometimes people just have that look, meaning that they are looking for trouble. It could be the one loner at the end of the bar or the group of bikers or roughnecks. Trusts your instincts as well. If something feels wrong, it probably is.
Gaming the situation: When I say gaming, I’m talking being strategic. Things like being aware of the exits, where security is. Simple things like picking a table off to the side where you can observe. Always think a few moves ahead. You don’t want to be jumped from behind. If something is happening elsewhere in the room, not particularly to you, you should know ahead of time before it does pull you in. You want to know about it so either you can help or get out of the room if the situation isn’t tenable.
In Conclusion: The goal is not to be paranoid or even to look paranoid. Just looking paranoid can bring you a world of hurt. The goal is to train yourself to do all this naturally without thinking. The difference between the newbie and a pro is obvious and the more you practice the better, obviously.Keep in mind, only one scenario was shown. Anywhere you happen to be can turn into a situation, the mall, movie theater, store, walking down the street…
Spy Craft:
Are you being followed? While driving pay attention to the cars around you. While walking, be aware of others around you. Is it paranoia to ensure nobody is following you? I don’t think so. It could be a private detective hired by your spouse or someone looking to jack your car or worse, maybe following you home for who knows what but it can’t be good. Stay aware, stay tuned in.
Gear Box:
New gear I’m playing with: I’m seeing a lot of multi-tools being advertised but when I saw this one made by the company SOG, I had to get it. I’ve always been a fan of SOG backpacks, axes, etc so I was not let down at all with this multi-tool. Combine a knife, flashlight, screwdriver and bottle opener and you have a great addition to your day bag, emergency kit, etc. Check out the SOG Multitool EDC Pen Light – Baton Q2 LED Flashlight with EDC Knife and Screwdriver Multi Tool with Pocket Clip. You won’t regret it.
I am currently reading: Game Frame: Using Games as a Strategy for Success where Aaron Dignan shows that games produce peak learning conditions and accelerated achievement. I’m really into this book and how it relates to warrior training as well as all areas of my life. READ IT
Books On Strategy And Game Theory That Relates:
“Art of War – by Sun Tzu”
“The Book of Five Rings – by Miyamoto Musashi“
That’s it for this week! Keep on crafting your art. Remember, being a warrior is a personal thing as each of us is unique. Pick and choose what makes you who you are, discard the rest as not everything is for everyone.– Collin
Training Resources That I Recommend:
Combat shooting program – Discover the simplest and most effective shooting system out there! It is so good that you will narrow your grouping of rounds from the size of a basketball to the width of a NICKEL in less than 20 minutes! Developed by an active-duty special operations soldier, this shooter system has been tested and refined so that it’s even more effective, more accurate, and easier to learn. Once you master this simple shooting system you will actually find it hard to miss your target even if you tried… no matter how much chaos storms around you! LEARN MORE
Hack the Flow – The flow state is the optimal performance state of mind, which is also known as the zone. Achieve a superhuman level of performance, fitness enthusiasts will unleash untapped potential, and even if you’re just training to manage your health, well this simple technique will give you the ability to overcome the obstacles in your way to a more healthy vibrant life. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
