Brody and I took our belt tests a month or so ago, and I am happy to say that we both passed! I also took another test a couple of weeks ago, as I'm seeking certification in both Tang Soo Do and Kenpo. The official results aren't in yet, but I have indications that I passed that one, as well. I tell you what: it's tough starting from scratch after many years of not doing any real training except the bouncer stuff (which I gave up upon turning 40), which mainly consists of three goals: a) de-escalate and defuse; b) come home after your shift with all your blood and teeth where they were when you left home; and, c) if all else fails, take the "you stick it out, I break it off and beat you to death with it" approach, which helps ensure goal "b" above, though DA's aren't too fond of the strategy. In any event, it's both easier and harder this time around. Easier, because I haven't forgotten all of the skills I learned years ago and because of a more mature mindset these days. Harder, because----well, because I'm mere days away from turning 45 and my body just doesn't move like it used to. But this part isn't about me---it's about Brody. I've seen much personal growth in him in the short time he's been doing this, and I couldn't be prouder. Neither could he. Wish I could get the picture to post properly.
On to the real reason for writing today.
Long before I re-entered the martial arts world, I was struggling with the typical middle-age man questions: Who am I REALLY? Am I a good person? What have I accomplished with my life? How can I live my life better?
This next part may offend some readers, so if you are insecure feel free to skip the next paragraph.
Yes, I call myself a Christian man, though I must confess that most of the time I'm not a very good one. That's why I generally don't go around advertising my faith---I'm a lousy poster boy for Christianity. I have a Master's degree in Christian Ministry, so you'd think I would have my spiritual ducks in a row and be a halfway decent advertisement for the grace of God through Jesus. However, I am not. I have searched through the Bible for specific instructions on how to be a "good Christian," however, I didn't really come up with much. There are general guidelines, but as far as behavior in any specific modern situation I struggled. Oh sure, there's the whole "What Would Jesus Do" phrase that gets tossed around like a beach ball at a Jimmy Buffett concert. Maybe I'm being cynical or splitting hairs, but in most situations I found that to be the wrong question. What would Jesus do? Well, considering he IS God in human form, I figured that he would use his God powers to rectify whatever situation it was. I'm not being irreverent, just cutting through the bull and getting right to the point. Obviously, I am NOT Jesus and have no such powers; therefore, I have to figure out an approach to problems and situations in the modern world that align with Biblical principles.
I looked around at many self-help theories, and found them all sadly lacking. I looked at the musings and opinions of the philosophers of old, and found them either too "pie in the sky" or too vague. At some point, I stumbled upon the Bushido Code. "Bushido" is the Japanese word for "Way of the Warrior," and it's the code that the samurai lived and died by. In studying Bushido and how the samurai applied it to their lives, I found something that worked for me. Now, some of you are getting kind of pissed off right now, right? "How can some dang Eastern philosophy incorporated by a warrior class possibly align with Christianity?" That's the nice version of the questions I'm imagining. Before you write me off as a pagan or infidel, take a look at it. The Seven Codes of Bushido are as follows: Justice. Courage. Benevolence. Respect. Honesty. Loyalty. Honor.
So tell me: which of those principles is not in line with the teachings of Jesus? Because they come from Japan rather than Israel, does that make them any less Truth? Is it inconceivable that the Holy Spirit could have influenced the Asian culture as an inroad to future salvation? No, I'm not a budding Buddhist. No, I'm not a tentative Taoist. But Truth is Truth, wherever it is found. Studying how the samurai lived these codes out in their lives went a long way to aiding my understanding of how we are to live out the Scriptures.
Anyway, I felt like I was onto something that would help me along my goal of personal excellence. Around that time, I encountered a man that is something of an expert on the topic. He has written a number of books and articles on the subject, all of which are essentially indisputable. From this mentor-turned-friend, I began learning ways that I could supplement and aid my understanding of God's desires for how we are to live. It was sort of like how I teach in my classroom: Provide a concept, then show several concepts that accurately provide examples of that concept.
If that is something that you feel could be of use to you, I have provided the gentleman's website below. In addition, he is currently offering a "buy one, get one free" type of offer. The book that I've referred to is the one I would recommend starting with: Modern Bushido: Living a Life of Excellence. Whether into martial arts or not, whether a man or woman--this book is a great read. I cannot think of a single type of person who would not benefit from reading this work. Unless, of course, it's a person who has absolutely no desire for self-improvement at all. But I highly doubt that a person like that would have any interest in what I have to say anyway.
Website: www.thewisdomwarrior.com
Here's his offer, but it's only for a day!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=459479537480763&set=a.218152474946805.46807.132019980226722&type=1&theater
If you're not on FB, it essentially says that if you order a copy of Modern Bushido on Saturday, June 29th, he will send along another book (there's two to choose from) for free.
