Faith – The Power Of Belief

“What a man believes upon grossly insufficient evidence is an index into his desires — desires of which he himself is often unconscious.

If a man is offered a fact, which goes against his instincts, he will scrutinize it closely, and unless the evidence is overwhelming, he will refuse to believe it.

If, on the other hand, he is offered something, which affords a reason for acting in accordance to his instincts, he will accept it even on the slightest evidence. The origin of myths is explained in this way.”

Bertrand Russell (05/18/1872 – 02/02/1970)
British philosopher, logician, and advocate for social reform.

My last few essays regarding No-Touch Knockouts (here, here, and here) have clearly conveyed my opinion. I don’t believe in any shape way or form that no-touch knockouts exist.

Fortunately, my opinion is clearly in the majority, and most people immediately dismiss this claim when they hear about it.

However, for whatever reason, there are many others who do believe such mystical—what certainly can only be considered fictional—things can occur.

The real question shouldn’t be whether no-touch knockouts exist; the question should be why do some individuals have the need to believe in such mystical things? What motivates them to believe?

Furthermore, why do these believers so vehemently argue about the validity of no-touch knockouts when faced with such overwhelming facts to the contrary?

The answer is all about, “FAITH.”

It’s their faith, their desire to believe in something, such as a higher power, that inspires them.

The American Heritage Dictionary defines the word faith as:

faith (f³th) n. 1. Confident belief in the truth, value, or trustworthiness of a person, an idea, or a thing. 2. Belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence. 3. Loyalty to a person or thing; allegiance. 4. Often Faith. Theology. The theological virtue defined as secure belief in God and a trusting acceptance of God's will. 5. The body of dogma of a religion. 6. A set of principles or beliefs. --idiom. in faith. Indeed; truly.

Clearly those that believe in no-touch knockout are confident this phenomenon exists.

They also see the potential value of such a technique for life-protection, as do I—if it were a reality.

Lastly, they also trust and admire, in almost cult like devotion, those who claim to have such powers and skills.

However, anyone approaching this topic logically would see there is no merit it to it, since there is absolutely on material evidence to support its existence.

That however, is not what faith/belief is all about. In most case faith/belief is often based on intangibles, and people who have faith in something, believe in something strongly, proof is not necessary.

For example, religion is based on faith. There is absolutely no proof of any deity, heaven or hell, after life, or reincarnation, yet people strongly believe. People claim to have experiences where they have communicated with the divine, seen the light, were touched by an angel, or been tempted by demonic forces. Furthermore, most religions of the world were founded and propagated by charismatic individuals who sought out others searching for a greater meaning to their life, and would be willing to embrace their message. Even at times, die for their message.

While I have no desire to discuss theology there are parallels to those that truly believe in mystical martial arts myths.

For starters these individuals are searching for something. Something on a higher level than the average person can attain. They want to rise above normality, and obtain a higher power. While most people are content with becoming warriors they want to become a Jedi.

They seek out like-minded individuals who exchange these ideals, and talk about amazing techniques they’ve personally witnessed or that a friend of a friend has witnessed. How cool would it be to know how to do that!?

Lastly, they seek out someone who has allegedly achieved these abilities. Someone who is willing to teach these skills, especially if you afford him the proper, respect, loyalty, and devotion someone in his position deserves. Someone who has the personality, magnetism, and mastery to further instill that these beliefs are actually fact not fiction. In other words, someone who is a guru.

The funny think about the power of faith and belief is that even when such a “guru” says something that debunks the myth, his followers and others who believe the same thing seldom get the message. Or they refute what was said; normally blaming others for misinterpreting what was actually meant.

This is apparent if one watches the YouTube.com video clip titled “Dillman Explains Chi KO Nullification.”

In this interview Mr. Dillman explains why a no-touch knockout attempted by his associate Leon Jay didn’t work. In this interview he clearly states that the technique failed because the subject was a “skeptic,” and was a “total non-believer.”

I’m sorry, but if a technique is viable, skepticism shouldn’t be a negating factor. I mean who would go to a fight counting on something like that, especially if the counter is just disbelief.

My interpretation of what Mr. Dillman is saying clearly indicates that no-touch knockouts don’t work.

Another proponent of no-touch knockouts, Harry Thomas “The Human Stun Gun” Cameron states that no-touch knockouts only work on 40% of the population and that “natural athletes are the toughest.”

First of all, I wouldn’t bet on something if it only had a 40% chance of winning. I certainly wouldn’t waste years and years trying to master such a thing, when there are so many other viable options to choose from.

Secondly, aren’t most soldiers akin to “trained athletes?” Isn’t that why soldiers spend so much time enduring physical fitness exercises during basic training? Does this also imply that if one should happen to fight a professional soccer player, a definite example of an athlete, a no-touch knockout may not work?

These are nothing more than excuses that come out when frauds are exposed. I see it, the majority of people who see these clips see it, but the faithful some how miss it.

Of course all of the blame shouldn’t be directed towards George Dillman, Harry Cameron, Yanagi Ryuken, and others like them. Their followers—the “true believers,” the guys who fall down when attacked, and claim to have felt “something”—are just as guilty, if not more so, of conning the unsuspecting public.

These individuals are the salesmen for such fraudulent claims. These are the individuals who unwittingly (hopefully) fool others into believing that such things are real.

These are the individuals who stroke the egos of the con-man, until he reaches a point where he even deludes himself into believing he has the actual power, the gift. Just look at the case of Yanagi Ryuken (see previous post).

Of course, accusing the “believer” of fraud isn’t fair. After all, he truly believes that such things exist. His belief, his need to believe, has been preyed on and manipulated.

The problem with faith and belief is that you can’t fight it with logic or reason. Because of this, there will always be those who will perpetuate and try to achieve the power of the supernatural. There will always be those who will prey upon such believers.

Furthermore, there will always be those who will vigorously and even fiercely defend what they believe to be true.

This means that debates like this will continue on, and lines will be crossed in the sand. For the most part, it’s really not worth all the anger and energy, not to mention time, both sides spend debating the topic.

The only true solution to the debate is to agree to disagree. After all, the believers can have faith and feel confident that one day the truth will be known by all.