Blog Article/Post Caveat (Read First Please: Click the Link)
Recently, I read another wonderful philosophical article from the Shinseidokan Dojo blog written by Michael Clarke Sensei. As I have come to expect, his philosophy triggers many kinds of thought and tends to make my mind think, thinking about things in my practice of karate. Today, the day I read the article, two quotes are of special note for they put out a glaring line that often divides the disciplines called, “Martial Arts-n-Karate.”
It comes down for me to intent and distinctions in study, practice, training and experiences. It means to me that a karate-ka/martial artists must have a solid grasp on the intent and distinctions of what they practice, how they practice it and how the implement that discipline into their lives and not just for self-fense, competition or following a philosophical way or all the above.
Far too many get caught up in the business sides and far too many who have created a methodology that takes advantage of what I am starting to call stereotypical persuasive trigger features of that person or persons that influence and persuade them to sign up and follow the business martial way. Granted, as I have expressed before, this business model is great and I applaud those who have the business sense to run such a business and actually make a solid and good living off it BUT how they do that matters too and their distinctions and intent play a significant role. To slip, slide and use such trigger tricks to cause a person to fall prey to their ‘life short-cut situation tapes or procedural memories’ is just not right.
As one source stated, “We live in an extraordinarily complicated stimulus environment, easily the most rapidly moving and complex that has ever existed in human history. To deal with it, “We need shortcuts!” Humans cannot expect to recognize and analyze all aspect of each person, event and situation encountered in even one day. There isn’t enough time, energy or capacity for it. Humans must very often use stereotype, our rules of thumb, to classify things according to a few features (tapes; click, whirr) and then to respond mindlessly when on or the other of these trigger features is present.”
If honorable, those in business provide facts, truths and proper intent/distinctions as to why they sell this product, the intent and distinctions will not denigrate that business but become a driving force as to why people join up and stay, they feel honored and respected and that my friends seems to be a cornerstone to what a Sensei is and what they should provide be it business or dojo or profession or ‘The Way!’
“The common reality of course, is that the visiting teacher is on an ego-driven junket. They expect to be wined and dined, paid attention to, and have their picture taken with lots of eager disciples. Oh yes, and all too often, they expect to return home with an outrageous amount of cash that they didn't tell the tax man about.” - Shinseidokan Dojo Blog, When Your Master Comes to Call
“So...the next time your teacher comes to visit, check if they are traveling on the correct visa, ask if they are happy to share their knowledge without leaving the country with a bundle of cash, ask yourself why you invited them over in the first place, than ask yourself if the behavior of all involved was honest. Depending on the answers you get, you'll know if your 'thinking' is wrapped up in budo...or, like the majority of karate/kobu-do-ka these days.....business!” - Shinseidokan Dojo Blog, When Your Master Comes to Call
Hat tip (Ritsu-rei) to <Sensei Michael Clarke of Shinseidokan Dojo> as the inspiration for this post.
Bibliography (Click the link)
“In order for any life to matter, we all have to matter.” - Marcus Luttrell, Navy Seal (ret)
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