02/09/2016
The dojo is not a place of democracy. It is neither a consumer mentality of "give and take" with the teacher. The dojo and learning environment exists to develop deeper relationships beyond the realm of monetary transactions.
"Isshin Denshin" is the direct and personal transmission of knowledge between the teacher and student. It is individual, and will be unique to each person who courageously enters the dojo commencing Shugyou.
The consumer mentality has no place in the dojo. It is not a community center, or gymnasium. It is neither a sports team, nor a club. The dojo is a place where the spirit and body is challenged in often chaotic ways to develop a greater understanding of the self.
The teacher is not always a friend. He is often "cruel to be kind" to address what is required for growth, following the laws of nature. The training may feel unfair or inhospitable. But, this is life. Budo is life. It is not an art instructed to shelter people from life's harshness, it is rather a place to increase fortitude and resilience in order to survive and overcome obstacles. Those that truly do not want to delve deeper to the soul, will not last in the dojo. Even if they do stay, their growth may only go skin deep. The dojo is not a place that everyone can accept. There will be blood,sweat and tears, boring, and times of trial. The concept of "Buyu" allows these times to be made bearable with laughter and friendships developed from a brotherhood of shared spirits and bodies. The tatami mats look soft, yet they are really a stoney floor/path that requires guts to keep walking and falling on,no matter how painful,challenging,or difficult.
Budo teaches how to persevere and endure hardship better in our lives. This intern opens the mind and heart to experiencing and appreciating true happiness and love. Through hard training we see the fragility of ourselves
and others, eventually developing a balanced sense of compassion in our lives.
毎日頑張て下さい!
"Keep persevering and trying your best every day!"
南虎
武神館タスマニア
徳武流水道場
(Duncan Stewart)
Bujinkan Tasmania Dojo