We approach the empty cup.
I have been speaking of Budo -- the martial way. There is a danger in speaking of Budo to fall into the lofty language of a philosopher. As a lifelong pursuit, Budo aims at the mastery of self and perfection of character. But the true Budoka recognizes that when it comes to the essence of martial arts: we are talking about fighting. In the words of Motobu Choki, "Nothing is more harmful to the world than a martial art that is not effective in actual self-defense."
I pour tea into your cup.
We must reject the false dichotomy between Budo, or "martial way," and Bujutsu, or "martial technique." There are too many who believe Budo is merely philosophy made physically manifest, and Bujutsu is the real and practical combat method. Rubbish.
The ultimate practice of Budo is intended to focus the practitioner on longer term goals than mere survival, but a true Budoka recognizes that his practice began with learning to fight. He will spend the rest of his life honing his skills. If a Budoka cannot act appropriately to survive when danger exists, then all other goals for which the Budoka strives are moot. Therefore, those who seek true Budo must be mindful of the effectiveness of their Bujutsu.
But what is true Bujutsu? In former times, the Bujutsu were divided into many disciplines. Warriors spoke of the Bugei Juhappan, or "eighteen martial arts." No two lists of the Bugei Juhappan matched, but usually included: jujutsu, kenjutsu, iaijutsu, naginatajutsu, kyujutsu, sojutsu, shurikenjutsu, bajutsu, and even the much maligned ninjutsu. The purpose of the Bugei Juhappan was to stress that the fighter must be multi-dimensional.
In this current age, the surviving ryuha of Bujutsu, and the newer forms of Budo, tend to limit themselves to specific -- even archaic -- skills. Yet, danger does not only threaten with sowrds and spears, but guns, bombs, and... worse. My Budo is true Budo, and knows no limits. We may appeal to traditional forms and practices, but we are not bound to them. We acknowledge that there is much to be learned from the skills of the past, but I encourage my students to explore whatever aspects of Budo suit them.
Real Budo includes all Bujutsu and the philosophy to know how best to use your formidable skills to live a virtuous life.
Your cup is full, perhaps even overflowing. Empty it carefully before we proceed.
I have been speaking of Budo -- the martial way. There is a danger in speaking of Budo to fall into the lofty language of a philosopher. As a lifelong pursuit, Budo aims at the mastery of self and perfection of character. But the true Budoka recognizes that when it comes to the essence of martial arts: we are talking about fighting. In the words of Motobu Choki, "Nothing is more harmful to the world than a martial art that is not effective in actual self-defense."
I pour tea into your cup.
We must reject the false dichotomy between Budo, or "martial way," and Bujutsu, or "martial technique." There are too many who believe Budo is merely philosophy made physically manifest, and Bujutsu is the real and practical combat method. Rubbish.
The ultimate practice of Budo is intended to focus the practitioner on longer term goals than mere survival, but a true Budoka recognizes that his practice began with learning to fight. He will spend the rest of his life honing his skills. If a Budoka cannot act appropriately to survive when danger exists, then all other goals for which the Budoka strives are moot. Therefore, those who seek true Budo must be mindful of the effectiveness of their Bujutsu.
But what is true Bujutsu? In former times, the Bujutsu were divided into many disciplines. Warriors spoke of the Bugei Juhappan, or "eighteen martial arts." No two lists of the Bugei Juhappan matched, but usually included: jujutsu, kenjutsu, iaijutsu, naginatajutsu, kyujutsu, sojutsu, shurikenjutsu, bajutsu, and even the much maligned ninjutsu. The purpose of the Bugei Juhappan was to stress that the fighter must be multi-dimensional.
In this current age, the surviving ryuha of Bujutsu, and the newer forms of Budo, tend to limit themselves to specific -- even archaic -- skills. Yet, danger does not only threaten with sowrds and spears, but guns, bombs, and... worse. My Budo is true Budo, and knows no limits. We may appeal to traditional forms and practices, but we are not bound to them. We acknowledge that there is much to be learned from the skills of the past, but I encourage my students to explore whatever aspects of Budo suit them.
Real Budo includes all Bujutsu and the philosophy to know how best to use your formidable skills to live a virtuous life.
Your cup is full, perhaps even overflowing. Empty it carefully before we proceed.
No comments:
Post a Comment