INTRODUCTION: Why I Walk This Path
My martial art journey began later than I would have wanted. I was 26 year old when I officially started Kendo. At the time, I thought I was too old, but now that I’m older, 26 year old seems very, very young. Unconsciously, I think I always wanted to be a martial artist. And to be honest, I didn’t start martial arts with any real serious life changing goal. The only thing I wanted was to have something to pursue lifelong. My Karate sensei in college mentioned that. He spoke about Karate which such fervor and passion. It’s something he will continued to his grave he said. There’s something idealistic and romantic about that way of thinking. I was around 25 at the time, and having something that you’ve continually work on was a neat idea to me. The closest thing that I pursued for a longer period of time, if we don’t count gaming, was photography. But even then, I stopped pursuing the art when I started working. My Karate Sensei, at the time, had practiced martial arts more years than I lived. It was a mind trip. So one reason for martial arts was to have a craft, skill or art that would I continue until I’m dead.
The me prior to martial arts was, at least in my mind, unruly, juvenile, and so ignorant. Though discipline, training and a whole lot of humble pie, I started to grow and shed off the parts of me that were not useful (self-centeredness, pettiness, well all the traits relating to the ego) and became more calm, peaceful and compassionate. I’ve always found it contradicting that the nicest people I know are all killers. I guess there’s some sort of revelation in understanding the power you’ve attained with martial arts. “Kung Fu without honor is just fighting.” That was a deep quote from “The Paper Tigers.” What makes something a martial arts as opposed to a combat sport?
I have never been religious but the closest to religion that I have found was during my 12 years training in Kendo. I trained kendo as if I was a monk in medieval times, diligently copying the word of God for the benefit of the masses. I think martial arts is a good religion to have. I’ve learn much about life and myself in my martial journey. Some of it even helped in the workplace. But now, as a new father, I am faced with a newfound joy and also worry. I write to share my experiences not just with you, but also for my son. Some lessons can only be learned by making the mistake ourself, but I hope that I can share the other lessons where he would not need to “touch the pot” so to say. If you’re a seasoned martial artist, I’m sure you’ll find similarity in my stories. If you’re still hesitating to start, just know it’s never too late to start.
My Musha Shugyo - 私の武者修行 