Warrior spirit-what does this really mean?

[seasoned]

Originally Posted by Live True

What exactly is warrior spirit?

Originally Posted by Live True

but does it and should it also include a code of honor? or a personal code?

Originally Posted by Live True

Is the warrior mindset of two parts..one for peaceful times and one for conflict?

Originally Posted by Live True

So, I'm wondering if the development of a warrior mentality...whatever form that takes...is the separating line between the serious MAist and the dabbler?

I posted something a while back that asked the question, " Has the day of the warrior passed ". It was in the mid 80s, that my Sensei became disillusioned with the direction Martial Arts was headed, and he made a decision to bow out of formal training. My training started with him in the mid 60s, under a very strict code of tradition. He felt that a Karate person needed to demonstrate a certain quality that would set them aside from the norm. He felt that to be a true Karate ka, that it was a building process that involved mind, body and spirit. This process involved the building up of the body through harsh workouts, and a perfection of techniques. By working through the body, it built a conditioned mind that was focused, and in time the qualities that emerged were a strong sense of, commitment, honesty, integrity, and respect for yourself, your follow students and most important a respect for anyone that would harm you. During sparring it was taught that if you were afraid of getting hit that it would hinder your interaction with your opponent, so therefor, this was one of the first things to over come on our way to warrior hood. To dwell on fear, was the greatest hindrance to ones life, and through Martial Arts, we were able to recognize it, and deal with it. Fear comes in many faces, fear of failure, fear of ridicule, and last but not least the fear of the unknown and death. Over coming all of this is what I would consider a true warrior, and the only question I would now ask is, is this the way you perceive your training, and does it spill over into your everyday life. If the answer is yes, then, IMO my friend, you are, a warrior waiting to happen.

[seasoned]

Originally Posted by Bill Mattocks

Not to side-track the discussion, but just wanted to comment on your statement. I recently had the chance to meet up with an old, dear, friend, whom I had the privilege of serving with in the Marines. We had not seen each other in over 25 years, but it still seemed to us as if no time had passed, as if we had not changed. We both got out of the USMC, but he went on to become a Command Sergeant Major in the Oregon Army National Guard and recently came back safely from a tour in Iraq. His son has just graduated from Army boot camp and is beginning his first tour of duty. And it made me ponder on the course our lives take and the choices we make.



We are what we made of ourselves - Brothers in Arms. There is no relationship as intense, as enduring, and as based on mutual respect, understanding, and love between people not married to each other.

When you sweat and bleed together, it builds a bond that goes beyond words. Few have experienced it, but when you do it is a lovely thing.

[Live True]

Seasoned, thank you for that quietly passionate and wonderful reply! Personally, I find these worthy goals. I also believe my new teacher trains more in this fashion. As to attainment...too soon to tell.Thank you for sharing your journey and thoughts!