This conversation is with Tu Lam. Tu is a modern day warrior, respected by his peers to have a very special understanding of elite war fighting. Tu shares how he was raised as a warrior.

This conversation will challenge you — as his world view, his spiritual framework and his warrior craft are beautifully complicated and nuanced.

I have an incredibly high regard for those who dedicate their life to noble purposes. There are many ways to live with conviction — ranging from pacifism to warfighting. This conversation will hopefully help you become more clear on your approach to human rights and freedom.

And I’d like to revisit the importance on having clarity on your personal philosophy — to be able to articulate the framework and filter that helps to align your thoughts, words and actions.

Tu has served and fought amongst the most elite units within the United States Military for 22.9 yrs.

Tu recently retired, and is now the Founder, CEO of Ronin Tactics, Inc. where he teaches and develop tactical equipment for our military, Law Enforcement and civilians.

“I believe everything comes full circle. That’s why I chose the path to serve humanity.”

In This Episode:

Insight on the purpose of warfare

His tough upbringing, born in Saigon in the fall of 1974, right as the US pulled out of the Vietnam War

The early tragedy he faced: his family murdered on the streets of Communist Vietnam

Fleeing Vietnam on a small, overcrowded boat and watching countless people perish along the way

The moment that made him believe a higher calling exists

How his mom being a “fighter” rubbed off on him

His path to becoming a green beret

Why having an open mindset allowed to him to endure prevalent racism & bullying

The reason our current western culture has become soft

The difference between fighting in sport and fighting for life

Coping with boredom and PTSD post-military life

Unpacking which types of violence he condones

The most effective way to learn

His method for refueling his mind

Quotables:

“Warfare has no boundaries. It has no defined lines. As a student of war, I study philosophy, the history, the demographics of certain countries, the human interactions- what led them to war and the acts of war.”

“You can talk about war but until you actually see it and smell and see what it can do to your teammates, you have a different respect to it.”

“The world in general is becoming softer as a generation.”

On going into countries where people are oppressed: “My motivation is to give people hope when there is no hope.”

“In life we need to share information. We need to take our learnings and share with others. That’s how the world gets better.”

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References:

The Killing Fields – Movie on Vietnam War

Mushin – is a mental state into which trained martial artists are said to enter during combat