After doing the myriad things I need to do daily, I have been reading a book about Mitamoto Musashi when there is time.  Those who have studied Japanese marital arts, particularly any that deal with the sword will have likely heard of Musashi. 

He was a legendary swordsman and developed a method of using two swords in duels at a time when only one sword was used by most samurai of the time.The book in question was written by someone who practices Kendo and thus writes from a practitioners point of view as opposed to the typical scholarly viewpoint.

The author writes about how Musashi developed his skill with the sword beyond the utilitarian act of killing.  In the duels he participated in toward the end of his life, he was able to be victorious over his opponent without dealing them a single blow.  He was able to overcome this opponent through energy of will alone.

He was not a typical brawler who are always out looking for a fight, though he did win all his fights - some 60 in all.  In his youth, the duels were usually to the death.  Mid way through his life, he developed introspection into his life and his abilities.  He sought out perfection.  It was later in his life when he learned it was not necessary to deal a death blow to be victorious.

Musashi's avenue of perfection was through the sword.  Mine is through Aikido.  It has not only helped my self confidence, it also directly and indirectly has helped me work though various issues and develop certain qualities  such as patience.  There are a lot of dysfunctional behaviors I need to work through and discard.  Aikido is helping with that.

It is funny though not surprising I had many people ask me "What are you going to do now that you have your black belt?"  It seems there are some who think having a black belt means you're a master of a particular art.  As one of my teachers said "If you want a black belt, you can go get one from the store for $3.95 and then you'll have your black belt."  However, if you want something more that penetrates the depths of your being, train in a martial art, a way that befits you beyond black belt.

Gaining a black belt does not mean the end of a journey - rather it really is only the beginning.  Acquiring a black belt through years of practice only signifies an understanding of basics of the techniques.  Training continues forever; there are more depths to discover; there are more fears to overcome;  there are more battles to be won, especially over one's ego.

There are some interesting battles being fought in Blog Land - some, I feel are worthwhile - such as exposing the fallacies of AGP and HSTS - while other battles are a waste of everyone's time.  I have made my share of mistakes in some of these battles and even have chosen to participate in ones I now see were a waste of time.  Mistakes were pointed out and through introspection, I see where and why I made them and endeavor to not make them again. 

There are some that see engaging in any battle a waste of time period - though I do not see it that way.  The battles I have participated in has given me food for thought - and through introspection - I am able to refine more of what I expect of myself and what I want to offer the world.

Aikido has given me the tools that help me through my transition and also tools to develop into a quality human that can contribute in a meaningful way to the world.  I still have a long way to go.