Make yourself into a hikigotae (弾き応え) or “worthy opponent.” We often think of our opponents negatively. After all, they are the people who are trying to defeat us and we in turn are trying to defeat them. However, defeating them doesn’t mean that we have to do it with contempt. Actually, those who oppose us should be looked at with a sense of honor and esteem. We should honor our opponents because we understand that what it takes for someone to get to the level to oppose us on the battlefield is not unlike our own journey of self-development and so we are, in a sense, siblings. In Japanese, taishu (対手) means “opponent in combat” but it directly translates as “opposite hand.” We also hold them in high esteem because a good opponent forces us to be better. In the 16th century during Japan’s Warring States period, generals Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin fought many bloody battles against one another and were bitter rivals. Upon hearing of Takeda Shingen's death, Uesugi Kenshin reportedly openly wept and said, “"I have lost my good rival. We won't have a hero like that again!” and reportedly vowed to never attack Takeda lands. The real reason we should hold our opponent in high esteem is because they are not really our opponent at all. In a sense, they are just the vehicle that drives us to become better. O’Sensei believed that the only real opponent was ourselves and that is why he advocated masakatsu agatsu (正勝吾勝) or that “the true victory is self victory.” In a dojo, the fastest way to make ourselves good is to make those around us good. It is the iron sharpens iron mentality. When we focus on making others good, it can’t help but force us to bring our A game as well. The best warriors are themselves the best opponents. Therefore, we should become a person worthy of being defeated.
I wish you all happiness, health, and wealth in 2022!
Today’s goal: This year, if nothing else, make yourself into a worthy opponent.
Watch this video to better understand being a worthy opponent.