10/03/2024
Wise words, Sensei
It may sound like a matter of course, but during your training you will undergo various social and personal experiences. Not all of them will be fun. On the contrary, trying, sad, aggravating, or boring things are more common. That is exactly why Soke is preaching a method whereby anyone can learn together and urge each other on enjoyably, without forgetting the most important point, the soul of the martial arts. No matter how often you tell them, those who are stubborn, who lack a cooperative nature, who want to be No. 1, or who have too strong a desire to maintain their egos, will not be able to understand this martial art.
The "nin" of ninjutsu can also be interpreted as the "nin" of ninshiki (awareness). Soke says that true courage is being aware of everything, and then going beyond this. If this is lacking, then no matter how many techniques you know you will make mistaken decisions. If you just try and think things out yourself, there'll often be mistakes. This applies even more to those still undergoing training. Making mistakes is unavoidable. If you think you are mistaken, then correct it. If you practice again correctly, then that's all you need. This also needs courage. It takes time, natural time until you can understand budo. And those who can't endure the many years are no different from those who don't understand culture, art, and human nature.
Toshiro Nagato (Moko)
