So the Japanese dropped Yan (love) and put Chung (loyalty) in their agenda

in building their country

No wonder

we could pick nothing up from kendo class

to build a likewise character

It's not in our collective genes

And this Bushido spirit

this complete obedience

only exists in the kendo dojo

this vigour in training

only lasts for two to three hours

Before you step in the dojo

The ritual to tame your behaviour

has already begun:

You put on your uniform

according to a set of rules

You take off your shoes

at the threshold

It intensifies across

You bow to a fixed direction

signifying a diety of the kendo spirit

It further intensifies

as you Muksuk (meditate)

Shomen (bow to deity)

Rei (bow)

to the teacher

in unison

in complete quietness

in wakeful silence

There after

if you make any unwelcoming move or sound

play any tricks

you are prepared to receive slashes from your sansei's unrelenting stick