“Boards don’t hit back.” 

Accompanied by a wagging finger and evident disdain, Bruce Lee’s classic line from Enter the Dragon is as prescient today as it was when originally uttered before his celluloid tangle with a showboating opponent.

The admonition was not mere gamesmanship, but a sweeping indictment of traditional martial arts indoctrination.  Grounded in, and to Lee’s way of thinking, chained by, rigid adherence to the unique forms and training patterns of a given fighting system, styles long defined fighters.  Karate, Kung (Gung) Fu, Jujutsu, Judo … the fighter himself was almost an afterthought.  Lee would contend that a fighter who blindly clung to any one discipline would never be complete.  Rather than evaluating personal weaknesses through true competition and honest assessment, the limited fighter keeps breaking boards and practicing the same forms, secure in the knowledge that his system is unassailably the system.

Bruce goes on to beat up the bad guys rather convincingly, and there is much rejoicing.  His concept of Jeet Kun Do (literally translated as “way of the intercepting fist”) would shortly thereafter explode upon the world.  At its core, the philosophy is simple.  No way is the way.  Take what works and discard what does not.  It sounds self evident in our results oriented world, but who doesn’t get bogged down in his or her own version of truth?  In how many facets of our lives do we feel pretty well squared away, with no need to seek alternative methods and new knowledge?

In 1993, I was a college kid transfixed by an event that would spawn a cultural phenomenon.  The Ultimate Fighting Championship, or UFC, exposed the world to a scrawny Brazilian by the name of Royce Gracie.  Fighting opponents who outweighed him by over a hundred muscular pounds in some instances, Gracie demonstrated a seemingly invincible fighting style called Brazilian Jiujitsu.  A punching and kicking kind of nation, we were shocked to see this submission fighter convince his menacing foes to essentially cry uncle by tapping out due to joint locks and chokes that left us both confused and intrigued. 

Red blooded Americans turned out in droves to learn this new unbeatable style, me included.  Eventually, though, the fight game caught on.  Whereas Gracie fought a Savat fighter, a boxer and a shootfighter in that inaugural event, the later cards would see the combatants morph into a new breed of killer.  Current participants in this most grueling of sports are no longer one dimensional robots.  There are no more puncher versus grappler or judoka versus muay thai matchups.  These guys today train in everything.  American wrestling, boxing, kickboxing, sambo, BJJ, muay thai, you name it.  They are true martial artists.

Somewhere, Bruce is smiling.

So as I sit here, discontent with the contentment that invades certain aspects of my life from time to time, I remember the importance of gloving up and throwing down in the quest for personal truth.  I do not know everything there is to know about selling houses.  Through trial and error, I have learned what works for me, but there are always new ideas to incorporate and old gimmicks to abandon.  Something that all who endeavor to sell a house, a car, an encyclopedia or a soul should bear in mind when signing up for the formulaic series of tapes or the hour of power seminar circuit designed to turn you into the bully of your market’s pulpit:  It’s a start, but you must find your own way.  And for God's sake, as you subject yourself to the harsh lessons of experience during the endeavor for greatness, remember to keep your hands up and your chin tucked.

Boards don’t hit back, but reality does.

 

 

 

Everybody Was Kung Fu Fighting

 

Paul Slaybaugh, Realty Executives

Choking out the competition since 1999

 

 

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Your source for Scottsdale Real Estate since the dawn of time ... or thereabouts.

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21 Comments on Boards Don't Hit Back

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

MAR
15
2009
329,973 Points 61 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

The Tao of Elaine Hanson.  I dig it :)
11:40am • #2
183,809 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog

  On Off

Paul - Your eloquence and cogency is astounding in this very valid and pithy post.  The first order of business for me as I read this was togo to one of my favorite websites to look up the word "prescient"(foreknowledge of events: a: divine omniscience b: human anticipation of the course of events : foresight - pre·scient Listen to the pronunciation of prescient \-sh(Ä“-)É™nt, -s(Ä“-)É™nt\ adjective)- .  I love words, thanks for teaching me a new one.

Your statement, "At its core, the philosophy is simple.  No way is the way." is the heart of it.  There are so many people clammoring for our attention daily.  Some say that blogging is a wast of time---imagine?  Others say, you must dial for dollars...well, you absolutely get it.  There is no one way, no silver bullet.  We must constantly strive to grow and learn how we can best serve our clients in an ever-changing world and an ever-changing economy.

Paul, I've become a real fan of yours of late in reading not only your posts, but also your hilarious comments on other blogs.  I can always count on you for comic relief with a great message tucked inside. 

BTW - I'm flagging ths post as it truly deserves to be featured.

All the best in your quest for excellence in both your personal and professional life.

Marlene
11:43am • #3
725,640 Points 63 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Paul... what a well written and thought provoking post.  I have to admit that I wasn't sure where you were going with this until nearly the end of the post, but it kept me reading until I found out.  Your analogy is very accurate.  I find that, after 5 years, I still spend time regualrly evaluating ideas and options and adapting the ones I wish to incorporate into my business so that they will work for me and how I choose to do business.  We most eveolve with our industry, to address what the public expects from us and what the economic environment dictates.  There is no single formulaic right way to be successful as a REALTOR®.  For that matter, there is not a hard definition for success... it is up to each of us to define success for ourselves and on our own terms!  Great Post!  Here's to your continued success... however YOU choose to define it for yourself! 
11:55am • #4
2 Featured Posts

I don't think anyone says it (whatever "it" may be) quite like you Paul. I have learned to rely on my clients to help my marketing and sales efforts. I have found that if I just ask they will answer very honestly even brutally at times. They help keep me on track.
12:13pm • #5
152,503 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router

All the tools are out there and there are so many,but  there is no one right or wrong way even though they might even come with directions and rules - it is all in the hands of the person using the tool and how they use it. Their "style" of the use of the tools are what will define their success or not. Even in our blogging we all have the ability and the tool but its effectiveness is in our personality and style and how WE use it determine our success. What's right for some is not necessarily going to work for all. What the rules say or the how to use it may not be complete without the users own little twist for each particular person.  We try to "follow" the rules and do as we are supposed to and we fight it and fight it until we finally realize just one slight different "style" or step of our OWN would make it successful. We are who we are and WE control our destiny ourselves and how we chose to fight, love hate, work, etc. Your posts are always thought provoking and interesting and quite absorbing - a great read for anyday but especially today - this Pacific NW SNOWY day...
12:42pm • #6
1,328,194 Points 188 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Paul, this post reminds me of this martial arts dude vs. a boxer. The martial arts dude is doing all his hand waving and feet swagging and the boxer guy just Kabooms in the face with a fist and knocks him out. Reality sucks sometime and people have to prepare for more than just cracking boards. I like the idea of the all round fighter. Gives you the most options (arrows in your quiver). I'm on a metaphorical roll lately.
2:07pm • #7
329,973 Points 61 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Thanks to all who have commented thus far.  Pretty hectic day, so no time to respond individually yet, but I will do so in due time.  Just wanted to offer a thanks in general for stopping by my blog on a Sunday.
2:51pm • #8
434,022 Points 32 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I think sometimes reality hits a little too hard, and most people pay no attention to the fact that reality itself doesn't have to play fair. It truly has no rules to play by and like it or not we play reality's game, it doesn't play ours. However, that being said, I require no help from motivational speakers in order to remain motivated I have a mortgage that does that for me, and I swing back at life every time I get the chance.
5:13pm • #9

You have to learn to bob and weave no matter what obstacles are thrown your way.  Otherwise you get smacked in the face without ever seeing it coming. 

I loved this post ~ I'm flagging it for a feature as well!
5:48pm • #10
329,973 Points 61 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Jeanie, very much appreciated, but I think I've already used up this month's feature quota.  A bit embarassed with the recent generosity from the guys in Bellvue to be honest ;)

JL, right you are.  Reality is a sucker punching, low blowing gonad smasher if there ever was one.  You have to get down in the gutter from time to time to stay frosty.  Everything we learn is academic unless put to effective use, boiled down to its street-level essence, thus distilling the practical and efficient from the superfluous and wasteful.

Gary, that is an pat comparison.  The prototypical boxer versus the martial artist of yesteryear matchup was one of actual combative experience versus theory and pontification.  Today's martial artist can box, tie you in knots as well as break out one of those pretty axe kicks to the collarbone that look so great on film when the opportunity presents itself.  I aspire to be such a mixed Real Estate martial artist. 

Valerie, I'm glad you tied the analogy into blogging.  When I talk to colleagues about blogging, I am quick to note that I probably break every rule there is in my habits.  I don't link as frequently as I should, I don't pay close enough attention to SEO, I shed the professional exterior from time to time to reveal more of my true self than may be advisable, but you know what?  It has proven successful for me.  I derive business from the methodology within the madness.  That said, it would be foolhardy to suggest that others adopt my style.  Not only is it a highly personalized one tailored to my strengths, but there are plenty of weaknesses that could be improved upon by utilizing other approaches.  We are all on a never ending quest for perfection.  Our roads all began at different points, so how can one path be tailored to all? 

Mandi, "Whatever it may be" just might be the appropriate phrase.  I often don't really know ;)

Steve, I had no idea what this post was going to be about until I was halfway done.  I just wanted to write about mixed martial arts ;)  Thanks for reading.

Marlene, and I've become quite a fan of the comments you leave for me.  If you couldn't tell, I'm a bit of a word geek, too.  Thanks for the continued encouragement, and for always catching my sometimes wayward drift.

 
7:24pm • #11
MAR
16
2009
4 Featured Posts

A 2 by 4 or a nunchuk is a greater pleasantry than the sheer reality of this current downturn.

I grew up in Torrance not far from the Gracie's original studio.....how enjoyable that was to watch those guys in the early days. I only dabbled in the origins of MMA. As always, you have an incredible way of tying such random things together. :)
12:57am • #12
514,006 Points 29 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Paul, this was, as usual, a wonderful post.  But I had to go back and start over when I got to the line where you were a college kid in 1993.  Talk about reality hitting back.  While you were a carefree college boy, I was married 9 years with an almost 4 year old!  Lol!  I have always been fascinated by the planning and thinking that goes into martial arts, as opposed to the brute force of boxing.  Using it as an analogy to real estate was pure genius.  I'm sure you are the Bruce Lee equivalent of a realtor in Scottsdale!  xxoo
6:24am • #13
329,973 Points 61 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Bill, I competed for a couple of years (just in the lowly white/blue belt divisions) and had the chance to visit their place in Torrance when I was in town for a tourney.  This was after they had already achieved great fame and fortune, so the joint was pretty incredible as a training center.  Got my picture taken with the late Helio Gracie.  Too cool.  Thanks for stopping by, amigo.  Always good to hear from the Naz.

Susan, boxing is actually every bit the science that traditional martial arts are.  The only difference, really, is the repetitive application that allows for greater efficiency and practical skill as opposed to the untested theory many MA practitioners trust.  Boxers are amazingly skilled with their hands, but limited in other components of fighting.  If they punch you in the face, game over, but pure boxers are generaly overwhelmed in such mixed competitions by grapplers and more well rounded fighters.  Boxing, wrestling, submission fighting, all are vital components to today's martial artist.  I stink at them all, but I know how to sell a house ;)

 
9:47am • #14
493,808 Points 75 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Slaybaugh - Well this just happens to be a shared interest.  I've dabbled in Judo, Combat Karate, & Pro-Wrestling.  I include the latter because there are many moves that are very real and effective if utilized for the desired result.  One time on a forum I pissed off one of Grazie's students so bad that he offered to fly me out to Cali.  I thought it a joke at first, yet Allan Goes turned out to be an actual fighter.  He would of displaced several important body parts had we actually met.

I'm a huge fan of Bruce Lee and his philosophies.  As you pointed out, that very philosophy can be very relevant to this line of work.  Now, if someone would just incorporate it into Politics... then we'd be talking.

Nicely done, bruiser;)
10:35am • #15
200,002 Points 16 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Paul - I am just glad to be on your good side:-)  "You can never step into the same river twice"  always made sense to me, but alas, so does knowing that most of us are wired to keep trying...
Great post! I missed reading your words:-)
6:28pm • #16
179,341 Points 14 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Mix in the old with the new and find what works for you then do lots of it. When folks try and sell you the latest "secret" run because there is no "secret" to our profession.

With all due respect to Gary a boxer has no chance with a MMA fighter. Go look at the tape of Royce Gracie getting his left forearm broken and complaining because the ref stopped the fight. Said he could have won with only his right arm and legs. Hmmmmmm
8:25pm • #17
MAR
18
2009
115,664 Points Localism Sponsor

Paul, that was such an irreverant statement about the selling of souls that I had to come back later to comment on this post, you crack me up man!  How your perspective on life itself never ceases to amaze me is not something I can put into words so I just thank you for your honest blogging!
12:13pm • #18
329,973 Points 61 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Sardi - LMAO!  Goes is a freaking killer!  I've seen the dude fight.  Most assuredly a good thing you didn't hop that flight unless you were packing more than that sardonic wit of yours.  Great story.  You've inspired me to go troll the MMA boards to see if I can't pick a fight with Georges St. Pierre.

Inna, good to see you :)  I've been remiss in not keeping up with my favorites around here lately.  Looking forward to reading your musings in very short order.

Cameron, you nailed it.  Boxers are excellent with their hands, but if lacking a ground game, they get eaten alive in MMA.  The boxers to watch out for are the ones with superior wrestling skills.  They have the takedown defense to keep the action standing, and the TNT in their hands to make that a very bad thing for the poor schmuck across the cage.  I like the art and technique in the submission game, but a perfectly placed right cross or knee from the clinch are things of beauty as well.

Steve, irreverent is kind of my calling card ;)  Thanks for taking a gander.
10:25pm • #19
MAR
20
2009
1 Featured Post Outside Blog

Hey Paul,

  This is a great post because it blends the lessons that one learns in athletics with sales, our industry and just life in general.  I also love the "choking out the competition since 1999" statement at the end of the post (lol).
8:04pm • #20
329,973 Points 61 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Thanks for giving it a read, Khash.  I actually surprised myself by having a point in this one ;)
10:44pm • #21

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Paul Slaybaugh, Scottsdale AZ Real Estate

Scottsdale, AZ

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Realty Executives

Address: 10607 N. Hayden Rd 100, Scottsdale, AZ, 85260

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