There are no bystanders in Budo. A bystander is “a person who is present at an event or incident but does not take part.” Bystanders are people of inaction. Martial artists are kodoka (行動家) or “people of action.” Martial arts skill is not something that we miraculously get over night. There are no shortcuts or programs to download which will help us learn a martial art faster. The tried-and-true method of getting good at a martial art, or anything for that matter, is to simply put in the work. Putting in the work is one of those things that is hard because it is so simple. In order to put in the work, we must be a willing participant or in other words, we must choose to do the work. The Japanese say, “zaisan wo kuitsubusu” (財産を食いつぶす) which means “you will go broke in idleness.” The same thinking happens in the martial arts. Martial arts skill is ephemeral. If we do not keep up our skill, it will perish. John Quincy Adams said, “Idleness is sweet, and its consequences are cruel.” So true indeed! The two greatest opponents in training are laziness and complacency. That is why Furuya Sensei used to say, “Hold your sword every day so that your body doesn’t forget.” In a dojo, it is the same thing. If we allow inaction to enter the dojo, the dojo will fall into disrepair. Most things that make a dojo work go unseen. Every dojo has a small group of people who make the dojo run smoothly. They are the organizers, the facilitators, and the repair people - they are the doers. A doer is one of those people who can’t let things go idly by. If they see a piece of paper on the ground, they pick it up. If they see someone struggling, they help. There is a cruelty in watching someone suffer. That is why the best swordsman trains to kill with one merciful stroke. If nothing else, a martial artist is nenire (念入れ) or “conscientious” which means they are “a person who wishes to do what is right, especially to do their work or duty well and thoroughly.” What holds us back from being conscientious? Most likely fear. Dale Carnegie said, “Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home, and think about it. Go out and get busy.” There are no bystanders in Budo and that is why a true martial artist is a person of action.
Today’s goal: What can you do to be more conscientious?
Watch this video to better understand the bystander effect