I received my first and most significant lesson in martial arts from my father. This lesson had to do with correct behavior. He taught me respect for myself, my country and people. He also taught me how to be fair, even handed and yet at the same time not to put up with any foolishness. When I was a child I learned how to box, how to sweep somebody’s leg and I began my studies in martial arts which progressed to Judo, Hapkido, boxing, Jujutsu, Arnis,
Rock Garden In Japan
As I became older I also studied (in a correct and safe way) how to work with weapons including guns. However, an increase in power is always accompanied by an increase in responsibility. The correct role of a martial arts teacher or (system of study) is to function as a mentor to a student. This is not dissimilar from the role a parent would take with a child, which is one of great dedication and protection. I cannot imagine any parent either hurting or teaching their children to hurt others and yet unfortunately many students today are injured as a result of incorrect training.
Imagine, if you will, what it must have been like in feudal Japan for a Great Master to train a Young Samurai. The Master would spend years training and guiding his student, in such a way that the student would one day be able to carry on the lineage he was learning. It was understood that a Samurai could die in battle or for the person he was protecting – but never from foolishness, or because they engaged in childish quarrels. Today, the martial arts we study at this school are very much the same in style and they should also be applied the same way towards ourselves and others. Our skills and knowledge are there to help and protect people and not to hurt or subjugate others.
Please keep that in mind as you advance in your training, as others have done before you for many centuries.
