Hero's and Mentor's

Hero's and mentor's are necessary to learn. Hero's and mentor's are those we as individuals look toward to guidance in life. We tend to see our hero's and mentor's as having some trait we feel is good and then we wish to have that same trait so we may emulate that person, that person's behavior, etc.

Ichi: That we emulate is a good thing. This is similar to emulation of kata, etc. in karate, i.e. emulating that which has come directly from those who lead the way in the martial arts. We will, initially, perform those things exactly. This is good. This is how we learn and then pass down such things. Sometimes others may feel that this is mimicking our hero's and mentor's - the masters of yesteryear in karate.

Ni: To mimic is a high form of praise and thus conveys to the hero or mentor our personal belief that they have something of great value for us that we wish to mimic them for the learning process. Think of it like those who impersonate famous persons. It is an honor that one would find another of such stature they would want to impersonate them and the fact that others viewing this impersonation would recognize either the person or the traits of that person is also praise of the person impersonated. When you emulate those that are considered hero's or mentor's you do them honor.

San: Yet, it is important to be your own person. You can emulate to learn yet you must allow yourself to absorb those traits of your hero or mentor into something very unique to you. You must make it your own and by such absorption remove the apparent connection to your hero and mentor so that you become more than they - another form of high praise. When you do this then you may become a mentor/hero or Sensei/instructor/teacher and thus inspire others to follow your way to find their own way.

All this means that you use your hero's and mentor's to provide you more learning, more knowledge, and more inspiration to achieve much more in your life and with your efforts. This seems to me as a path, a way, a road or "Do" in karate-do, Iaido, Ken-do, Ju-do, or any other endeavor that provides the same benefits. Look for your hero's and mentor's and learn; then become your own hero and mentor.