This post is an attempt to point out the distinctions between what is 'the way' and what is actually not the way or might even be compromising the way.
There is a difference between...
...sport and martial arts.
Sport is solely a physical activity. Sport involves certain skills, fitness, knowledge and understanding, but lacks true martial skill and understanding of the martial mind.
...a hobby and a way of life.
A person with a vague interest that only trains once or twice a week sees Budo as a hobby. There's nothing innately wrong with this, but a person with dedication, who applies the way of Budo to WHO they are all day every day sees Budo as a way of life.
...business and a way of life.
A person who's priority is to gain more students and make money is in it for the 'business'.
A person who won't compromise the standards of the system or their values and integrity is a true Bujin.
...techniques that look good and effective techniques.
Just because a technique 'looks' sharp and it 'looks' like it might be effective, isn't proof that it actually is effective. Convincing others that your technique 'could' work doesn't mean it really will when you need it to.
...needing to be better than others and just needing to be better.
Forget the opinions of others, whether people think you're good or bad isn't really important (or relevant). The way is found in focusing on being the best that you can be and holding yourself to your own standards.
...needing admiration of others and wanting to teach others.
If you're teaching Budo because you like the feeling of being in charge and having people look up to you, then you're doing it for the wrong reasons. It's all about the progression and development of the students. Get over the need to be "Super-Important-Head-Honcho". Teaching others isn't about you.
...a fighter and a Budoka.
A fighter aims to build up certain skills and abilities to be able to physically overcome an opponent.
Being a Budoka is more than being able to hurt another person until they can't hurt you. WHO you are is more important that what you can do.
...an athlete and a Budoka.
An Athlete trains to be at the peak of physical fitness.
Being a Budoka is more than being able to do certain physical things in a certain way.
Mental development is also a vital part of it.
...arrogance and confidence in ability.
It is essential for a Budoka to be confident, especially in their martial ability. Without confidence in their abilities they probably wouldn't be very successful at using those abilities. But 'over-confidence' can become arrogance, this is an ugly character trait and below the virtue of a true Budoka. To be humble is also essential for a Budoka.
...a grade level and progress of ability.
Actual progress of ability is absolute, you have either progressed to a certain point or not. A Grade or rank is subjective - it's all based on the opinion of one person (or maybe a small group of people). Grade level appears to reflect ability, but actually isn't synonymous with real ability level.
...knowledge and wisdom.
Knowledge is just information rattling around in our minds. It doesn't realty mean anything unless we apply that information to who we are. When we learn from the knowledge and apply it to improve our thoughts & actions, then this path will lead to wisdom.
There's more where this came from.
So keep an eye out for 'Part II'
Comment below to share any thoughts or opinions you might have. J
Thanks for reading.
Derm
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Derm
