Hello All,
Ive been on a bit of a research/self-improvement path lately and Im noticing that there seems to be a common belief, among some who have lead the way in budo, that the secret of budo exists within the natural, peaceful selves of all of humanity, not just budoka. I started this path by researching translated works by Masaaki Hatsumi, then expanded on to translated versions of the Heiho Kadensho, the Art of Peace, the Memoirs of Morihei Ueshiba, and, finally, some general biographical writings about Gichin Funakoshi and Jigoro Kano. Ive yet to obtain materials written by Funakoshi and Kano but I have a feeling that therell be some pretty good reading there. Reading translated versions of Ueshiba-senseis writings after reading Hatsumi-senseis and Yagyu-senseis writings has really opened up some doors.
One of the things I love about Ueshiba-senseis ideas is the prevailing attitude that everyone has their own path, their own natural way, and should be encouraged to become their natural selves, fulfill their mission(s) in life, and, if necessary, to be protected to the extent necessary while theyre doing so. Its interesting to see how commonalities start to surface when researching budo seekers/masters of past and present. Ideas of budo being for everyone, budo being for peace (which is, apparently, also the secret to taijutsu), and budo being for the betterment, uniting, and furthering of humanity seem in stark contrast to some modern ideas regarding budo, the definition of what a "true" warrior is, and the role of budo in modern civilization.
Ive seen posts where people complain of watered down martial arts but, after reading what I've read, Im beginning to think that what may be happening is that some people may have strayed so far from the ideas and ideals of those who went before them, that they have, in fact, watered down the art by becoming what these teachings were trying to prevent. True budo doesn't require violent ways, means, and ideas to live, thrive, and grow. True budo is alive when humanity is growing, thriving, surviving, and is at peace with one another. For instance, both Hatsumi-sensei and Ueshiba-sensei have written that there is value in searching for the best in others, making the best of everything you find in life, and in learning from it, and in becoming as natural as possible throughout your life so that you can naturally do what you do best, fulfil your mission in life, and improve the world and the lives of those whom you come in contact with.
Is true budo disappearing due to budoka refusing to take to heart the teachings of those who went before them or is some kind of natural selection/weeding out going on? So many people seem to be obsessed with the idea that being more powerful, more deadly, more violent, and more intimidating than those around them is actually a good idea. If the secret of taijutsu/budo truly is peace, then doesnt it stand to reason that the alive fighter/killers are actually the ones destroying true budo instead of protecting, advancing, and preserving it? One of the reasons I refer to Hatsumi-senseis and Ueshiba-senseis writings so much is because both Takamatsu-sensei and Ueshiba-sensei lived through the last world war, had seen first-hand how damaging it is to the betterment, uniting, and advancement of humanity, and left something behind for future generations to help guide them away from such a self-destructive, unnatural existence.
If anyone out there has any knowledge or experience with any of these teachers, their teachings, writings, and ideas, and/or their thoughts about the future of budo, Id love to hear what your thoughts are regarding the similarities, and/or differences of these senseis. Also, if you have no idea what Im talking about but would like to share your thoughts on any of the above, Id love to hear from you too. Thanks in advance and have a great day/night all.
Respectfully,
Fu_Bag
Ive been on a bit of a research/self-improvement path lately and Im noticing that there seems to be a common belief, among some who have lead the way in budo, that the secret of budo exists within the natural, peaceful selves of all of humanity, not just budoka. I started this path by researching translated works by Masaaki Hatsumi, then expanded on to translated versions of the Heiho Kadensho, the Art of Peace, the Memoirs of Morihei Ueshiba, and, finally, some general biographical writings about Gichin Funakoshi and Jigoro Kano. Ive yet to obtain materials written by Funakoshi and Kano but I have a feeling that therell be some pretty good reading there. Reading translated versions of Ueshiba-senseis writings after reading Hatsumi-senseis and Yagyu-senseis writings has really opened up some doors.
One of the things I love about Ueshiba-senseis ideas is the prevailing attitude that everyone has their own path, their own natural way, and should be encouraged to become their natural selves, fulfill their mission(s) in life, and, if necessary, to be protected to the extent necessary while theyre doing so. Its interesting to see how commonalities start to surface when researching budo seekers/masters of past and present. Ideas of budo being for everyone, budo being for peace (which is, apparently, also the secret to taijutsu), and budo being for the betterment, uniting, and furthering of humanity seem in stark contrast to some modern ideas regarding budo, the definition of what a "true" warrior is, and the role of budo in modern civilization.
Ive seen posts where people complain of watered down martial arts but, after reading what I've read, Im beginning to think that what may be happening is that some people may have strayed so far from the ideas and ideals of those who went before them, that they have, in fact, watered down the art by becoming what these teachings were trying to prevent. True budo doesn't require violent ways, means, and ideas to live, thrive, and grow. True budo is alive when humanity is growing, thriving, surviving, and is at peace with one another. For instance, both Hatsumi-sensei and Ueshiba-sensei have written that there is value in searching for the best in others, making the best of everything you find in life, and in learning from it, and in becoming as natural as possible throughout your life so that you can naturally do what you do best, fulfil your mission in life, and improve the world and the lives of those whom you come in contact with.
Is true budo disappearing due to budoka refusing to take to heart the teachings of those who went before them or is some kind of natural selection/weeding out going on? So many people seem to be obsessed with the idea that being more powerful, more deadly, more violent, and more intimidating than those around them is actually a good idea. If the secret of taijutsu/budo truly is peace, then doesnt it stand to reason that the alive fighter/killers are actually the ones destroying true budo instead of protecting, advancing, and preserving it? One of the reasons I refer to Hatsumi-senseis and Ueshiba-senseis writings so much is because both Takamatsu-sensei and Ueshiba-sensei lived through the last world war, had seen first-hand how damaging it is to the betterment, uniting, and advancement of humanity, and left something behind for future generations to help guide them away from such a self-destructive, unnatural existence.
If anyone out there has any knowledge or experience with any of these teachers, their teachings, writings, and ideas, and/or their thoughts about the future of budo, Id love to hear what your thoughts are regarding the similarities, and/or differences of these senseis. Also, if you have no idea what Im talking about but would like to share your thoughts on any of the above, Id love to hear from you too. Thanks in advance and have a great day/night all.
Respectfully,
Fu_Bag