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| A Word About Heart Many times in the history of a dojo people sign up with no idea about martial arts. They are looking to be Bruce Lee in 6 easy lessons. Some join because of pre-conceived ideas about the "Mystery of the Orient." Remember the TV show Kung Fu? Did not Master Po know EVERYTHING? How could he? But that is another discusssion. Also, they have seen any of the myriad of martial art films ranging from Hong Kong "chop socky" Kung Fu flicks to American made ones to Samurai movies from Japan. The beginning (hopefully) of the learning process for the new student involves realizing the error of the mental picture of the "romance of being a Samurai". We read all the time on the internet about how the Japanese soldiers were raised from birth to die (and kill) for their superior. Sounds ideal until you think it through. Who in their right mind, and especially of modern human kind, would do that? I wouldn't. It goes against our way, as Americans, of freedom of thought. Can I order anyone in our dojo to conduct dojo business in a way I want it done and go against their morals? Against the law? Will you kill someone for me? Collect bad checks? beat up an ex student who is teaching in an un-licensed dojo? How far will you take it? I, for one, can appreciate the descipline it takes to be ready at all times for orders from your superior. Why? Because that is the furthest thing from my mind. I do not "live my life" for anyone nor the idea of staying in constant top physical shape as in Triatheletes, professional atheletes and the sort. So naturally, since I am not that way, I admire the dedication. But just as in the way some people want to "be Samurai" they wouldn't if they could. I'd love to be a marathon runner, but am not willing to do what it takes. So, therefore, I admire what I am not. Since I don't train for/like that, I have no idea, at least in my "heart", of what it is like. I "know" in my head, but unless you know in your "heart", and translate that as "having the experience". So the new student, and even many long time ones, never "see" what they are looking at. If they (and I am including myself in this group) stay with it long enough, and believe me it takes TIME, they may glimpse the truth behind the facade/surface. But just as you are known for what you have, in the end, isn't it about what you gave up that made you? That is heart Bob Elder |
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