竹槍戦術
Takeyarisenjutsu
The sole reliance on simple determination when fighting an overwhelming foe
The warrior’s spirit is largely one of determination. I can tell you this because, today, I have been involved in Aikido for 31 years. I don’t write about this to boast or brag and I don’t think that I am particularly talented or skillful. What I do know is that one should just keep going regardless of the hardship or challenge. It is said that martial arts training is supposed to be transformative. In one way, teachers are supposed to take a student’s iji (意地) or “willfulness” and transform it into konjo (根性) or “fighting spirit.” The reason for this transformation is best illustrated by this quote by Basketball coach Tim Notke: “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard.” Instilling persistence and determination is important because there will come a time when each and everyone of us will face some seemingly overwhelming adversity. When that happens we won’t be able to rely on talent to overcome it and we will need a mindset that enables us to reach deeper and go farther than we have ever had to go before. A warrior must have takeyarisenjutsu or the ability to rely solely on determination. Through training we learn that the secret to success in any endeavor, which is not really a secret at all, is to just keep going. We can’t rely on talent because having skill doesn’t necessarily mean that we have the heart or the fighting spirit to keep going regardless of the odds or the obstacle. Talent and luck play a role in our success but they are nothing without the sticktoitiveness to just keep going, no matter what. Persistence pays off.
Today’s goal: What obstacles are you up against? Try this, put your head down and just keep going. Remember, persistence pays off.