“The Way of the Warrior has been misunderstood. It is not a means to kill and destroy others. Those who seek to compete and better one another are making a terrible mistake. To smash, injure, or destroy is the worst thing a human being can do. The real Way of a Warrior is to prevent such slaughter — it is the Art of Peace, the power of love.” - Morihei Ueshiba
We often think that the martial arts are for our own protection. Up to a certain level this is true, but as we become more developed, we realize that the study of budo is as much about protecting others as it is about protecting ourselves and this protection isn’t just physical. Training is supposed to teach us how to read our opponents. In reading our opponents, we ascertain things like what style they might be employing, if they have any injuries, or what their strengths and weaknesses might be. In the beginning, we use this information as a means to destroy others, but later it becomes a way to care for others. As O’Sensei stated, “The real Way of a Warrior is to prevent such slaughter.” When a martial artist sees something is amiss, they feel compelled to aidanitatsu (間に立つ) or “intervene.” Aidanitatsu literally means “to stand in between.” Someone once said, "If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.” Interestingly, we are starting to see O’Sensei’s philosophy starting to play out in athletic competitions. More and more people are starting to “speak up” when things are not right. When Colin Kaepernick takes a knee for social injustice, Naomi Osaka pulls out for her mental health or Simone Biles pulls out for her own safety, they may not realize it but they are helping others. O’Sensei wasn’t an advocate for competition because he believed it brought out the worst in people and judging from all the criticisms of Kaepernick, Osaka and Biles, he was right, but we can also see how certain aspects of competition are starting to benefit others. The question becomes, “What are we supposed to do when we see something is wrong?” The real Way of a Warrior is to prevent slaughter. Thus, the true warrior protects others. If a warrior sees something is amiss, they should have the fortitude to intervene.
Today’s goal: Be willing to stand up for others regardless if others think it is wrong or right.