I’ve been involved in MA in one form or another for the last 26 years. Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately) I moved a lot which allowed me to experience a wide variety of arts. I’ve always had an affinity for MA and trained wherever and whenever I could. Many times I didn’t have a choice as to what I trained in, as there just wasn’t much available where I was at the time so I trained where training was available…
My first introduction to Martial Arts was in Kendo and Judo when I was six years old. Since then I’ve been around the block training in a TKD, boxing, Kyokushinkai, Traditional Jujutsu, Kempo, Neijia , JKD, BJJ and tried a few other arts… so yes, I’m a dabbler. Some of these arts I trained in for several years (none of the ones listed have I trained in for any less than 1.5 years).
In the beginning I trained because my friends did and it was just “fun”. Being a kid that’s all I cared about. .
During my teens and early twenties getting rank became a little more important and the vigorousness and the physicality of training (that is how much physical exertion was required for the workouts) was what I looked for, hence my Kyokushin and Kempo training (believe it or not my Kempo was really harsh training). Training to fight (or learning how to “fight”) was still not an issue. I figured it was a by-product of good hard training. When I got involved with Neijia (which was sort of by accident) I got intrigued with learning proper body mechanics, relaxation, and some of the health aspects. Since then I’ve kept my interest in body mechanics, principles of movement etc. My buddies, who were all into various “functional” martial arts, got me started in BJJ and JKD/C. This type of training opened my eyes as to what is a “workable” technique… however it’s not really my cup of tea. I neglected to mention my training in Jujutsu, which occurred while I was part of an exchange program to Japan (I also trained Kyokushin while there). This gave me my first taste into traditional JMA training, which created an on-going affinity with these arts.
Since my initial experiences with a traditional Japanese art / dojo I have wanted to continue my studies in these arts (and never had the opportunity to do so until the past year and a half). Applicability in self-defense at this stage of my life is of minor concern. What I am concerned about is training in something that can be practiced regardless of age. An aspect that is important for me is that the chosen art has good biomechanics with sound principles with efficiency in technique. Learning an art that has had few changes over time and being able to continue the lineage in an accurate manner offers great value to me as well.
I also feel that the study of budo (or other martial arts for that matter) is more than the study and memorization of physical techniques, but rather the study and preservation of a cultural “treasure” (art). This study should include language, etiquette, culture, history (at least as it relates to the art you study), and of course technical application of your art. I say these things because to not educate oneself about the culture and etiquette from your arts country of origin limits ones ability to properly interpret the original intent and meaning of ones chosen art, imho. I guess a large portion of my interest revolves around the subject of Hoplology - the study of the evolution and development of human combative behavior.
Another interesting aspect of training for me is what the Japanese call "Ningen Keisei", character building. The main principle of this being ‘perseverance’, i.e. never giving up even when discouraged. So in essence, your training is about unceasing training... How you practice the art rather than what one practices, is the primary purpose of training. Obviously in this instance what I practice is of some consequence.
And finally, the training has to be enjoyable! This particular part of training has never changed.
Luckily I’ve found a place where I respect the teachers and the fellow students. The camaraderie in our dojo is awesome. It is a sogo bujutsu (a comprehensive martial curriculum consisting of unarmed and armed techniques) and I hope to be studying this for a very long time…
Sorry for the long post guys.
KG
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