The Protector Ethic: Morality, Virtue, and Ethics in the Martial Way

by James V. Morganelli

Discover how the martial way leads to a protector ethic That Worth Protecting is a deep dive exploring the principles and values that must anchor a modern warrior. The author is compelling, insightful, and not afraid of controversy. As the book begins, we are thrust into the true story of a robbery turned homicide. It happens midday on a train. The victim is twenty-four, and the murderer is eighteen. What unfolds is nothing short of horrific, yet the other passengers refuse to help. James V. Morganelli sees this as a symptom. When we are reluctant to defend ourselves, when we refuse to protect those around us, we become part of the disease. As a martial artist and ethicist, the author says martial arts are much more than technical exercises. They offer us a "physical philosophy"--one that allows us to understand ourselves, teaches us about others, and demonstrates the true meaning of justice. They help us make difficult moral decisions. Ultimately, isn't this why we train? Readers will -Understand natural law, protective instinct, and self-risk. -Examine the martial way of valuing, reasoning, judging, and acting. -Discover how moral relativism, political correctness, and contrived social-justice campaigns do not make people equal. They can actually dehumanize us. -Recognize what it means to be an ethical warrior. Only the great books address philosophy for the contemporary warrior, which is why such titles as Zen in the Martial Arts, Living the Martial Way, and Meditations on Violence have become modern classics. Those Worth Protecting is an indispensable contribution to this conversation. "Are you seeking ancient martial secrets?" Morganelli writes. "Here's one. You already know how to defend yourself. A qualified instructor can run you through the basics, but that should take about ten minutes. After that, the serious work begins." The martial way only lives when we treat it as something that can die.

Genres: Martial Arts

208 pages, Paperback

Published February 1, 2018

Reviews

[Fred Leland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much has been lost when it comes to the martial way in the name of physical skills development only. Yes, these skills are important but standing alone they are only a piece of the equation to the skills sets needed. this book is fantastically written and gets to the meat of understading what it truly means to live the martial way and this includes an understanding and developing of those physical skills sets , but the all important mental and moral dimensions as well. Placing ethics first, ahead of physical, tactical concerns, isn’t simply more difficult because it requires more training, more study, and skill. It’s more life threatening because it forces us to risk our lives for ourselves and others and thereby requires greater fortitude of will for the courage to act." ― from "The Protector Ethic: Morality, Virtue, and Ethics in the Martial Way"

This quote, speaks to what I believe is the often forgotten or perhaps I should say overlooked attribute of moral courage, which is a key component to strength of character. Strength of character is the bedrock of which an ethos is built upon and connects the philosophical beliefs we must hold true with the physical and tactical skills necessary to influence the physical, mental and moral categories of conflict. Leaders in policing (my field) must ensure they not only develop an officers physical skills, they must as well develop the mental conditioning to decide under pressure and the moral dimension that our ethos is built upon.

The police are protectors and guardians. What connects them is a common ethos. Ethos, is a Greek word meaning "character" that is used to describe the guiding beliefs or ideals that characterize a community, nation, ideology or a police force. We must address the realities of policing that include conflict and violence, and the use of persuasion and force and the physical, mental and moral conditioning necessary to not only prevail in a fight but to win in the yes of the people we serve. In policing a free society the strategies and tactics we use must be seen as legitimate. This is a complex and emotional topic but my goal is to attempt to bridge the warrior verses guardian gap that has created so much turmoil throughout society. My premise is that policing and those we police must understand peacekeeping requires both the warrior spirit that is rooted in the protector and guardian ethos that makes up the American way of life.

Building on the symbols and traditions of the force, the policing indoctrinates its ethos into recruits during basic training. A "police academy" certainly challenges men and women fresh from high school or college, and brings them, firmly and quickly, into the police culture. But does this indoctrination into police culture actually build both the ethical framework , those value and traits (strength of character, courage (moral and physical), respect, honor, integrity, trust, justice, dependability, discipline, selfless service, etc.) to tie in with the physical and tactical skills necessary to carry out police duties effectively while at the same time building trust throughout our communities?

This great book teaches you how. I highly recommend you read it.

[Michael Idzikowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author examines the fundamentally paradoxical question at the heart of all martial arts training. Why study principles of violence and war in an effort to promote peace and harmony in the world? This book begs the reader to ask the question, "why do I train?" and provides a thoughtful and detailed description of the fundamental ethical motivations behind all martial arts study. One quality of truthful wisdom is that it often feels "obvious" when we hear it. We read a passage that rings true in our spirit and think "well, of course, that's obvious." The fact is, however, that these truths often aren't obvious at all, until they are brought to our attention. In a world where these fundamental truths are lacking, and the human race seems polarized, individualized, and constantly afraid of one another, Morganelli's work is all the more important, because it seems obviously true. If more of us would ask ourselves "why" we feel compelled to practice protective principles, the world would be a better place, indeed.

[Sunflower · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me awhile to read this book, only because it was so thought provoking. The author really makes you think about your own principles and values. The examples of human action are excellent. It asks the question, "How would you react in certain situations, both physically, morally and ethically?" This book is not just for martial artists, it's for all human kind.

[Ed · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent case for basing martial arts in virtue, particularly the protection of self and others as the highest ideal.

[Doug Zimmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a world inundated with noise, Mr. Morganelli’s book provides his readers with the ability to retreat from the whirlwind we are daily bombarded with and be pensive about the most precious thing we all possess (i.e. life). Refreshingly, The Protector Ethic is neither a vapid self-help text nor a shameless sales pitch for his particular brand. The author seems to genuinely care about the value of human life and provides thoughtful, hard-fought for ideas about how the martial way physically manifests the good life. The book seamlessly combines ancient wisdom from the east and west with modern situations we all could face at any single moment. The result is a pleasurable meditation on both how and why to protect oneself and others, and if possible, even your attackers. If you can think of a better reason to train, good luck. This book raises the bar on what we can expect from either a philosophical meandering or any martial arts tome, in that it gives us something to think about in addition to something to do. Most texts it seems accomplish one at best, and all too often accomplish neither, but The Protector Ethic is of a different breed. I enthusiastically endorse this work and hope many people will honestly give this book a shot regardless of whether it gels with their current ideology. Mr. Morganelli’s voice is perhaps most needed now, and it is my hope that it will continue to be heard for a long time. At worst, it will have you productively thinking about some very hard questions. At best, it will inspire you to go out and do something in order to make the world a better and safer place.

[Stan Skrabut · Rating 5 out of 5]

About a month ago, I was asked to review a book for a fellow martial artist. This book is The Protector Ethic: Morality, Virtue, and Ethics in the Martial Way by James Morganelli. I was very happy to do so for a number of reasons. Morganelli and I train under the same instructor, Jack Hoban. I have also read many of the very insightful blog posts that Morganelli has written, and I am a fan. Also, the topic of his book is one that resonated with me. I couldn't wait to read it. Read more;