SavageGeek

I usually run traditional Korean, Chinese, and Japanese music for my work-out background. Now that I think about it... once I get started, I'm not sure I really notice that it's there.

Semi off-topic, but since you said "being trained as a Samurai" ... thought I'd recommend Inazo Nitobe's Bushido: The Soul of Japan. It doesn't deal with meditation at all, but it probes pretty deeply into the subject of the Samurai code of ethics and its related behaviors and the thought behind it. Print copies are available and it's also online (it was published in 1905 so its in the public domain): http://www.sacred-texts.com/shi/bsd/index.htm

Hi all! I'm new (obviously!), having only recently discovered the site. Spent some time reading the posts before registering, and it looks like a great forum. I'm 47... live in (and am from) Tennessee. I'm an IT guy (developer) by day (the whole "savage geek" thing started as a joke about how the people in my department can devour food!) and I work for a branch of local government. I started with traditional TKD in my twenties. After receiving my black belt in that style I went on to explore bits and pieces of other styles, in some cases with instructors and in others via books and videos. I have a small dojo in my basement where I continue to train. At this point I'd say my style is kind of... eclectic. Always been a fan of eastern philosophy as well... mostly Taoism and Zen, though in more recent years I've studied Tantric philosophy quite a bit. Appreciate y'all letting me join your forum, and I look forward to many interesting discussions.