‘The true path of the way applies at any time and in any situation.’- Miyamoto Musashi, Japanese sword-saint
CLIMATE
The movements of the martial arts come from nature. What better cause to defend than the earth where we come from? At our school, I am involved in several activities:
- Education on the importance of protecting the earth and its beings, especially the oceans, and those that protect it (whales, sharks, dolphins)
- Collection of donations for those in need, e.g, typhoon and earthquake victims
- Organisation of fundraisers for groups such as Sea Shepherd, Blue Voice, Plan
Self-defence extends to planet-defence, and our duty cannot be replaced by any trophy won at a competition designed to be better than another instead of being a better human being.
Last December 2009, I went to Copenhagen and participated in the events centred on the COP15. Students from the school signed the banner, which I carried with me on the December 12 march, and with it I carried positive intent for the future. Although many consider the COP15 a flop, we are just getting started, and we keep on going. That is the martial way.
ENERGY
The universe consists of energy, which we all work with: ours, another’s, our environment. Martial artists become more aware and more responsible of this energy through training.
I connect with the earth’s energy through martial arts. I train in the ocean, forests, and mountains to draw upon and root myself in the earth, and then send positive energy back.
Working with children has also taught me a lot about energy. By centring my own, I can positively influence them. Instruction occurs not only physically through the techniques, but also energetically through positive intent. Positive energy towards children is crucial because one day they will influence the world.
I also work for the Big Wave Camp, a creative, outdoor summer camp, which is a complementary education (learning how to live) to regimented schooling (learning how to make a living). We help kids reconnect with the earth by interacting with its elements, therefore learning about themselves through the earth, and how to protect it. With the technology, concrete, and plastic that bombard young people, the camp helps them discover the world beyond video games and television.
HUMAN SECURITY
As humans, we have physical, mental, and spiritual aspects. Physical security is important, but often neglected are mental and spiritual security—our minds and souls have rights, too!
We have the right to think freely and be given correct information. We are constantly bombarded by the mental pollution of negative thoughts and economic stresses that we forget who we are and why we do what we do. In the martial arts, meditation resets the mind by silencing all these influences. The mind becomes like water and reflects its true nature. We pause and question our actions to make better choices.
The security of the human soul has never been in such peril. Being spiritual beings, we strive for a higher purpose to existence: there must be more to life than work and retirement! Through martial arts training, I learn to get up after getting knocked down, of my strengths and weaknesses, and to stay on my path. I strive to be an example, not as a symbol of perfection, but as a human being who makes mistakes and struggles to be a good person. The art helps me master myself, and by helping others along the path, we move ‘together in forward motion.’
Martial arts begins and ends with courtesy and respect for oneself and others, including other beings and the planet.
