THE DISCIPLINED LIFE

 by Phillip Starr

The revered “father of Japanese karate”. Funakoshi Gichin, never left his apartment without first combing his hair, washing his face and generally grooming himself, and dressing appropriately. He refused to call underwear and a few other personal items by name; when his grandchildren would leave them tossed somewhere in their rooms, he would reprimand them and tell them to put “those things” away. One grandson delighted in doing his best to prod his grandfather into calling such items by name but Funakoshi never did... Funakoshi believed in being a true gentleman at all times.

Another well-known master who had to be at his workplace (a great many – in fact, most - martial arts “masters” still have to work for a living...) by 0700. So he would rise at 0500 at the latest so that he'd have enough time to get in his morning training. He rarely missed doing this. Other respected masters made it a point to practice in the evening (not during the late morning or afternoons, which are terrifically hot and humid in Okinawa).

I believe that one of the main reasons we no longer see such masters is because so many martial arts devotees (including teachers) are distracted by other things and fail to train properly outside of class. To do so regularly requires a lot of self-discipline, which my teacher said was the only “real” discipline. Daily practice is essential for maintaining one's level of skill (at the very least) and improving one's skill. But few are those who are willing to do it.

Now, I've heard some martial arts students as well as instructors say that their art requires that they train with a partner (this is sometimes true of martial arts such as judo and aikido). How can they possibly practice solo? That's easy...simply do the movements “dry-run” (without a partner). No, you don't have the same “feel” for some of the more subtle aspects but the actual movements (that involve much more than you might think until you try it) become ingrained in your body-mind and you can further sharpen and polish them...

Do you strive to be a gentleman ( as Funakoshi did) or a proper lady at all times? Even when you're alone? If you do it only in public, then it amounts to little more than an act. It isn't really in your heart, a part of your being. Aim to polish your heart and spirit as well as your technique.