One of the best things about having this dojo is watching people grow and change. Even for those considered by society to be “finished” in their development (who have their own children and even grandchildren), it’s a beautiful thing and a privilege to see them opening up, taking in new ideas and different paths for the journey.
The Japanese say “Keep going!” and it is ever true with the Bujinkan. Even if you can’t get to class every week, there is something about the Bujinkan that drives people to personal growth that is hard to define. It’s not just the inspiration we receive from Soke and our wonderful teachers, it’s not just the family aspect of the dojo, it’s not just the physical processes, but it is all these things and more, I think.
Accepting that there is no such thing as a fixed destiny, that you can change your life at any point — it’s incredibly liberating. It helps us journey towards our truest and best selves, at the same time acknowledging that there’s no such thing as perfection, only doing our best.
It might sound pretentious if you haven’t experienced these things, but I want to let you know it really is out there. I’m a pragmatic type, not drawn to the mystical, but to me, this is more than just a martial art. My own experiences and those I’ve observed tell me it is so.
On the other hand, if you want to just train for the sake of fitness and self-defence, that’s an option too. It’s your choice, to make at any point.
Gambatte kudasai.
Humbly, Beth 🙏
