Sunday, February 12, 2012 by C. Michial Jones
Life is a series of intersections. We often find ourselves standing at the proverbial “fork in the road”—not just once, but multiple times, and often for different reasons. Whether at work, with family, or deep within our training, these moments demand a choice that defines our future.
I have stood at these forks many times: deciding whether to pursue college, choosing between career paths, or weighing the risks of moving to a new city. Sometimes the choice leads to success; sometimes it leads to a dead end. Such is life. But I have found that regardless of the path, the journey is always made better when you have someone to share it with.
The Weight of Giri
In the martial arts, these forks are often the most painful to navigate. Many practitioners find themselves torn between a sense of Giri (duty/obligation) to their teacher and the realization of what is actually right for their own growth.
Unfortunately, we sometimes join an association or follow a leader only to discover, too late, that the fit is wrong. Having the courage to make a change when things “just aren’t right” is one of the hardest tests of a martial artist’s character. While a student must cherish and respect their Sensei, that respect must be mutual. A Sensei may be stern and the training may be grueling, but the relationship must always be rooted in common decency and kindness.
The Passing of a Master
Recently, I found myself at this fork again. With the passing of one of my teachers, I am forced to decide: What comes next?
This is not a choice to be made overnight. I am faced with several options:
- Return to Okinawa to seek a new direction.
- Remain with the current association.
- Align with one of the many splinter groups that inevitably form after a master’s passing.
However, after 35 years on the mat, a different question has begun to surface: Do I even need a “teacher” at this stage? Perhaps it is time to stop lining the pockets of distant organizations and simply “keep on keeping on.” Perhaps the years of fortunate learning are enough to sustain the rest of my journey.
Training to Train
There is always more to learn, but the context of that learning is changing for me. Between writing books, teaching, family, and the increasing intensity of my professional life in law enforcement, my time has become a precious commodity.
I have decided that, for now, I will focus on what I need and what I want out of my Karate. I will enjoy the journey for the sake of the journey itself. Time will eventually reveal where I am supposed to end up, but I no longer feel the need to rush toward a destination defined by someone else.
I am going back to the basics of the spirit. I am simply going to train to train.
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