01/18/2026
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The most fighting you’ll do in the Dōjō will be not with your partner, but with yourself.
Development in the Dōjō even though you are with others, is a solitary pursuit. Buyu ( martial friends ) are persons on the tatami with you following the same stoney path. Together, you support each other through challenges in blood,sweat and tears that turn to laughter and heartfelt communication through a deepened acceptance and trust of each others lives.
I always say that as soon as you step onto the tatami, you are naked for everyone to see.
There is only so long that you can hide or disguise your weaknesses or shortcomings.
Budô is about having the Konjô ( guts/determination ) to work through these things that inhibit one’s progression to live a better life.
The more I practice, the more it reveals within me so much that I have to work on, both in Budô and my personal life. I sometimes feel quite melancholy in times of realisations, however, I cannot hide from my weaknesses. I allow myself to feel any emotions and accept them. I then do my best to keep going forward knowing that with this uncomfortable realisation, I have the ability to make changes. No matter how long it takes to work at things, I also acknowledge that I may never be completely able to fully address personal obstacles in one’s lifetime. I think it’s important to give one’s self enough slack to accept this possibility and not allow this knowing to destroy one’s life. This is where Budô and its philosophical lessons assist. Fudôshin becomes an integral concept that truly helps find a balance in the often difficult and chaotic lives we live both internally and externally.
Sôke would say “Keep going!” This is the secret to Budô and life. As simple as it sounds, the idea of enduring to the very end, requires much effort. It is the very essence of studying the art of Ninpô and understanding the kanji 忍.
南虎