The Quest for Power

Friday Knight News

“I became a martial artist in spite of my limitations.” Bruce Lee

Generally speaking martial artists are always on a quest for power. In the beginning of a martial artist's development they seek power by trying to develop one of the three following traits: Speed, strength, or technique. The selection is generally dictated by the philosophy of the style that they train in or sometimes it follows personal preference. It has been my observation that individuals pick the style that they train in because of its similarities to their personal strengths. However, this is not always the case, some individuals seek to raise their standing by developing their weaknesses.

The choice to turn a weakness into an asset is an admirable trait, as long as the individual does not ignore the development of their natural abilities in the process. We all have an Achilles heel, and it is a good idea to look to improve upon that weakness. The problem is many individuals become so focused on their imperfections and weaknesses that they neglect altogether the development of their best traits. When we are young, strong, and healthy we have a tendency to try to continually work on goals to increase our speed, strength and endurance. This pursuit is also admirable albeit shortsighted. No matter how young, strong, flexible, or full of stamina we are we will often find ourselves throughout life lacking these traits. Even the young become tired, stiff or sore, and injured. That is why a true quest for power must include knowledge on how to cope with these circumstances.

Whatever style or system of martial art training that you practice, work toward the goal of developing yourself as a well-rounded individual. We as human beings are our own worst critics and being well balanced in our society increases our support system with our peers. This is the act of developing a defense against the ravages of age, and loneliness that chips away at our health. So when you select a martial art system to train in, it is important to find one that seeks to instill health and healing in the curriculum. It is also important to find individuals that are able to make pragmatic application of the techniques in your system despite their age, health, strength or speed. It should still be pragmatic and systems that do not utilize balance generally do not have practitioners that continue their development as they age.

Everyone must choose the path that fits their needs, my duty is to state my observations on the path that I have taken to be of benefit to those that follow. I have found that body weight exercises and training has a tendency to be less hazardous. It is also my observation that styles and systems that operate on principle as a core component have the advantage on schools that rely on physical superiority. This is especially true when the practitioner finds themselves tired, hurt, or ill. It is during the times when a person is tired, hurt, or ill that they generally have to confront bullies and attackers that prey on the weak. When a martial artist has confidence in their skills and ability, they are more in control of themselves and their reactions to situations. It is my opinion this is the only real power anyone can develop, the power to control oneself.

“You will never learn anything new unless you are ready to accept yourself with your limitations,” Bruce Lee

My stories are about martial arts adventures that are intertwined with paranormal or supernatural events. The following links are to the Kindle version books from the "Dream Walker” series. Our adventurers find themselves on a quest where they are confronted with both conspiracy and mystery. Their challenge is to unite their mind and body skills together utilizing what they have learned in the martial arts with the transcendental power of dream mediation. They attempt to do this while they are trying to make a life for themselves and elude those that seek to use and control them.

Conversations with a Sage (Book 1 of the Dream-Walker)

Conversations with a Sage: This explores Xander Davidson's early encounters with the mysterious fog like Dream Walking martial art sages. He ponders if they are real or if they are only remnants of his dreams. He mainly keeps this secret world to himself as he tries to copes with abuse, growing up without support or guidance and the mystery of his family's past. 

Xander and the Assassins Gift (Book 2 of the Dream-Walker)

The Assassins Gift: Xander Davidson struggles with the conspiracy of his family and the group that is actively trying to manipulate him to join them or die. The young Dream Walkers learns an early lesson to be careful about whom they let into their circle.


Warriors of Perception (Book 3 of the Dream-Walker)

Warriors of Perception: Xander Davidson and his band of friends embark on a mission to free themselves from their oppressors. They bravely face the challenge all the while vying for the right moment to turn the tables.

Jace Lee The Shift (Book 4 of the Dream-Walker)

Jace Lee The Shift: We find a new apprentice, Adam, that is fighting for his life. He is struggling to understand the amazing skills of his mentor, Jace Lee; a younger man that has trained under Xander Davidson. All the while his mentor attempts to reconcile the fact that his skills do not match up with the other Dream Walkers.


Jace Lee No Agenda (Dream Walker Book 5)

Jace Lee No Agenda: Jace Lee attempts to find himself on a self-imposed vision quest of sorts. Instead he finds himself being stalked by the same group that had previously sought after his teacher, (Xander Davidson). Instead of mastering his odd Dream Walking skills he finds love and the potential loss of his powers.

Jace Lee and the Tutelage of Ming Wu: Dream Walker 6 

Jace Lee The Tutelage of Ming Wu: Jace Lee rejoins his teacher Xander Davidson as they cope with a possible combined threat (the mysterious), Ming Wu and the Council that has continuously monitored the Dream Walkers.