25/06/2013
...people who wish to become my students come to see me for a variety of reasons, some are frail and cowardly so they desire to become strong, some are intellectuals and wish to make their spirit strong, and some just want to be strong in fighting ability. Their reasons vary, but they all say they want to learn and seem to have a longing for budô.
I tell these people honestly, “If you want to forge your spirit, then just believe in religion. Budô means learning the best techniques with which to kill people. If you want to make your body stronger, then go for walks, lift weights, and eat plenty of vegetables. What good would be accomplished by becoming strong in budô? In true budô, you can't win any trophies or make your riches. - Masaaki Hatsumi, Ninpô: Wisdom for Life