
Tools, practices and methods
The world is full of amazing tools that may be perfectly suited to accelerate our journey, but often we only discover them through chance encounters, and can lose years being stuck in sub optimal loops.
Our endeavor is to catalog a growing list of tools and eventually match them to you based on your context.
Gatka
Gatka is a traditional martial art that originated in the Punjab region of India and is closely associated with the Sikh community. It involves the use of various weapons, primarily the sword (kirpan), but also includes sticks, daggers, and other traditional Sikh weapons. Gatka is not only a form of combat but also a spiritual practice, deeply intertwined with Sikhism and its teachings.
Thang Ta
Thang Ta, also known as Huyen langlon, is a traditional martial art originating from Manipur, a northeastern state of India. It combines armed and unarmed combat techniques, incorporating the use of swords, spears, shields, and empty-hand techniques. Thang Ta is deeply rooted in Manipuri culture and history, with its origins dating back to ancient times.
Mallakhamba
Mallakhamba is a traditional Indian sport that combines elements of gymnastics, yoga, and martial arts. It involves performing various acrobatic and gymnastic exercises on a vertical wooden pole or rope. The word "mallakhamba" is derived from the Sanskrit words "malla" (meaning wrestler) and "khamba" (meaning pole). Historically, it was practiced by wrestlers in India to enhance their strength, flexibility, and agility.
Silambam
Silambam is a traditional Indian martial art originating from the Tamil Nadu region of South India. It is characterized by the skilled use of a long bamboo staff, known as "Silambam." With a history dating back thousands of years, Silambam is not just a martial art but also a cultural heritage deeply intertwined with the Tamil people's history and identity.
Kalaripayattu
Kalaripayattu is a traditional Indian martial art that originated in the southern state of Kerala. It is believed to be one of the oldest martial arts in existence, with roots dating back over 3,000 years. Kalaripayattu encompasses a comprehensive system of physical training, combat techniques, self-defense, and healing methods. The name "Kalaripayattu" is derived from the Malayalam words "Kalari" (which means battlefield or combat arena) and "Payattu" (which means training or practice). Thus, it can be translated as "training in the combat arena."
Aikido
Aikido, founded by Morihei Ueshiba, is a Japanese martial art renowned for its philosophy of non-aggression and harmonizing with an opponent's energy rather than confronting it head-on. In the world of martial arts, Aikido stands apart for its emphasis on redirecting attacks with fluid, circular motions rather than meeting force with force. This core principle distinguishes Aikido from more combative martial arts like Karate or Taekwondo.
Judo
Judo is a modern martial art and combat sport that originated in Japan in the late 19th century. It was founded by Jigoro Kano, who synthesized techniques from various traditional Japanese jujutsu schools into a cohesive system. The word "Judo" translates to "gentle way," emphasizing the principle of using an opponent's strength and momentum against them rather than relying solely on brute force. In Judo, practitioners, known as judoka, utilize throwing techniques (nage-waza), joint locks (katame-waza), and pins (osaekomi-waza) to control opponents and win matches. Judo training also includes groundwork (ne-waza), which focuses on grappling techniques and submissions.
Karate
Karate is a martial art that originated in Okinawa, Japan. It is a system of self-defense techniques involving striking, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques. Karate practitioners, known as karateka, often train in forms (kata), which are choreographed sequences of movements simulating combat scenarios. These forms help practitioners to develop proper technique, balance, coordination, and focus.
The 5 Whys Technique
The 5 Whys is a problem-solving technique that involves asking "why" repeatedly to identify the root cause of an issue. It encourages a deeper exploration of the underlying factors contributing to a problem, aiming to address the root cause rather than just its symptoms. The 5 Whys is delves into the layers of causation behind a problem. It involves asking "why" five times, or as many times as necessary, to peel away the surface issues and reveal the core cause.
Iaido
Iaido, also known as "Battojutsu," is a traditional Japanese martial art that focuses on the quick and precise drawing of the katana (Japanese sword) from its scabbard, executing techniques against one or multiple imaginary opponents, and then re-sheathing the sword. The primary goal of Iaido is to develop the practitioner's ability to respond effectively to sudden attacks while maintaining a calm and focused mind.
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy(SFBT)
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) distinguishes itself from traditional psychotherapy by directing attention towards solutions rather than problems. This refined approach enables a concise yet impactful therapeutic dialogue, empowering clients to envision and pursue their desired futures. SFBT values brevity without sacrificing the depth of positive change, guided by collaborative principles and client expertise. Stepping into the realm of SFBT means entering a structured yet flexible space, where the emphasis shifts from dwelling on problems to weaving an exquisite tapestry of resolutions.
The Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI)
The Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI) is a widely used tool for assessing and understanding how individuals approach and handle conflicts. Developed by Kenneth W. Thomas and Ralph H. Kilmann, the TKI is based on the idea that people have different preferences when it comes to resolving conflicts. The instrument identifies five primary conflict resolution modes or styles, which are: Competing, Collaborating, Compromising, Avoiding and Accomodating
Conflict Coaching
Conflict coaching is a process in which a trained coach helps individuals navigate and manage conflicts more effectively. The primary aim is to empower individuals to develop their conflict resolution skills, enhance communication, and find constructive solutions to conflicts. Conflict coaching is often applied in various settings, such as personal relationships, workplaces, or organizational environments, to address interpersonal conflicts and improve overall conflict management abilities.
Narrative Therapy
Narrative therapy, developed by Michael White and David Epston in the 1980s, is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on the stories people tell about their lives. The central idea is that individuals shape their identities through the narratives they create, and the therapy aims to help them rewrite and reshape these stories in empowering ways aligned with their values.
The Gottman Method
The Gottman Method, developed by Dr. John Gottman and Dr. Julie Gottman, is a researched-based approach to couples therapy that focuses on strengthening relationships through enhancing friendship, managing conflicts, and creating shared meaning. The method is grounded in extensive scientific research and provides practical tools for couples to build and maintain a healthy connection.
Transactional Analysis (TA)
Transactional Analysis (TA) is a psychological framework that conceptualizes human interactions as dynamic exchanges within three ego states: Parent, Adult, and Child. This approach utilizes the metaphor of a mental playground to understand and analyze communication patterns, life positions, and decision-making processes.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a therapeutic approach designed to enhance psychological flexibility and promote meaningful behavior change. It is rooted in the principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy but places a strong emphasis on accepting one's thoughts and feelings, rather than trying to change or control them. The goal of ACT is to help individuals lead more fulfilling lives by fostering a greater understanding of their values and committing to actions that align with those values.
Imago Relationship Therapy
Imago Relationship Therapy, developed by Harville Hendrix and Helen LaKelly Hunt, is a form of couples therapy that aims to help individuals and couples create more fulfilling and conscious relationships. The therapy is based on the premise that individuals are drawn to partners who have qualities that resemble both the positive and negative traits of their primary caregivers. Imago therapy seeks to explore these patterns and promote healing and growth.
Journaling
Journaling is the practice of writing down one's thoughts, feelings, experiences, and reflections in a personal journal or diary. It is a form of self-expression and self-reflection that has been used for centuries as a means of documenting daily life, recording significant events, and exploring inner thoughts and emotions. The act of journaling involves putting thoughts into written words, providing individuals with a tangible record of their personal narratives.

Help us build this list, please suggest any tool / method or practice that you know.