Tuesday, July 2, 2013 by C. Michial Jones
Recently, I received an email chastising me for the company I keep. The sender took issue with who I appeared within photographs, suggesting I had “turned my back” on others. I find the entire concept laughable.
When I host an event or invite a guest instructor to the Yushikan, the doors are open. No one with a sincere heart has ever been turned away. My opinions and personal philosophies may be controversial to some, but they are mine. If my Sensei believes I have stepped out of line, that is a private matter between him and me. To everyone else: my dojo is not a democracy, and my associations are not up for public debate.
The Traditionalist Manifesto
I am a traditionalist. I make no apologies for that. My “controversial” beliefs are actually the bedrock of our art:
- The Kata is Sacred: I believe kata should be performed as close as humanly possible to how the founder intended. It is not a canvas for personal “creativity.”
- The Work is Mandatory: I believe in Junbi-Undo, Hojo-Undo, and hitting the Makiwara. If you aren’t sweating outside of class, you aren’t training.
- Etiquette is Non-Negotiable: I believe in addressing people by their surnames, honoring your parents, respecting your elders, and living with a moral conscience.
The Definition of Sensei
There is a profound difference between a teacher, a mentor, and a Sensei. In my forty years, I have trained with dozens of world-class instructors. I have studied seriously under great masters. But the list of people I call “Sensei” is very small. To me, a Sensei is someone with whom I have a deep, personal, and enduring relationship. They are the only ones whose opinions on my character truly carry weight.
The Open Mat
I will share the mat with anyone who has a sincere desire to learn Budo. I do not care about your style, your association, or your political “tribe.” If you come to the Yushikan to sweat and learn, you are welcome.
I will train with whomever I wish. To those who want to dictate how I live my life or how I run my dojo: keep your opinions. I didn’t ask for them, and I don’t need them.
My advice to the critics is simple: Go to the dojo and train. Stop worrying about who I am standing next to in a photograph and start worrying about your own hand-speed, your own stance, and your own character. While you are busy typing emails, I am in the dojo. I am training.
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