BUDO & GRIT: The Fight for Self-Improvement
What is the driver for growth in your career?
What impels you to wake up in the morning, stare at the mirror and say to yourself, “I am ready to do better”?
Different people are inspired by different things. Things that stir up a fire in your gut. You know when you’ve found that one thing that will change you for the better. It fosters the desire to keep persevering even when things get tough. It is the constant battle within yourself to surpass yourself from the day before. The focus and motivation that spawns from it devours you until you’ve achieved your goals.
As I look back and reflect on past experiences and the internal battles that had to be overcome in order to achieve self-improvement and discipline, I keep thinking, “What is it that drives me to do better? At what point did I allow myself to overcome fear and embrace change?”
A symbol called “Kankū” which is unfamiliar to many, materializes in my mind. It is the Japanese symbol associated with Kyokushin Karate, a form of martial arts that I revere the most and try to practise till this day. “Kankū”, the word itself originates from the Japanese characters “Kan” 観 (which means view) and “Kū” 空 (which means sky or void). In order to understand why this holds any philosophical significance in this context, let’s explore what this really stands for. The symbol can be made by raising both hands above the head with the fingers meeting to create an opening through which one gazes at the universe and rising sun. This signifies that no matter what problems are faced, each day is new and the universe is waiting. Nothing is so terrible that it affects the basic reality of existence. “Kankū” encapsulates power (to drive change in one’s life); infinite depth (presenting limitless opportunities for development); continuity (the continuous pursuit of growth and happiness).
So why is this ideology important for my development and how does this relate to you?
Ever since I stepped into a Kyokushin Karate Dojo, I was able to abandon the trepidations that would hold me back: the fear of trying new things; fear of getting out of my comfort zone; fear of failure. Trepidations that we all battle with daily.
Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that I have completely conquered my apprehension of trying new things, but through continuous training, I have learned to become more disciplined in mastering my emotions which has helped me become less apprehensive.
Now that we’ve gotten a reasonable grasp of “Kankū”, let’s explore how this relates to Budō.
Budō is a philosophy and a way of life that utilizes Martial Arts (Bujutsu) as a means of self-improvement. The principles of Karate are inspired by Budō. And I’ve known since the day I allowed myself to get immersed into its philosophies and principles, that Budō is my path to discipline and development.
Budō encourages one to look within and face the turmoil. It molds the mind to turn chaos into harmony; finding meaning behind each failure, and learning from it. This is where self-discipline kicks in to prevent oneself from repeating the same mistakes.
A strong mind is ingrained in self-discipline and possesses the ability to identify one’s strengths as well as weaknesses. It is one’s innate capacity to master one’s emotions at the face of adversity, and channel that aggression towards conquering the challenges ahead.
In a way, we all exercise Budō in some shape or form without knowing it. The perception is different, but the principles are familiar. The only question is whether one possesses the grit to execute a task through intense resistance, and drive it to fruition. This is where the training becomes valuable. One who is guided by Budō, perseveres and triumphs, no matter the failures. While others may get discouraged and give up prematurely.
While one may assume that it is easy to exercise Budō as long as you know the guiding principles, it is a wrong notion. To begin with, you must have an experienced Sensei who exemplifies the “Martial Way” not only through his teachings, but also through his physical and technical prowess. Too many times have I seen students struggle to uphold the philosophies of Budō, not of their own omissions, but due to the lack of a proficient Sensei. I was unfortunately not able to obtain my Shodan due to other career pursuits, but till this day I take the philosophies encompassing self-sustenance, perseverance, and growth to heart, and strive to exercise Budō every day. What really bothers me is when I walk into a dojo and observe Senseis struggling to maintain equilibrium during Kihon demonstrations. It becomes apparent that those “Senseis” should not be imparting knowledge to students. It’s better to not learn something than learn it the wrong way.
I was lucky to have a Sensei who had trained under Mas Oyama, the founder of Kyokushin Karate. When you know that someone has trained with the likes of Shokei Matsui (Current President of IKO) and Kenji Midori, both former Kyokushin Karate World Champions, it simply attests to his credibility as a Sensei.
The challenges that teach us the most profound lessons in life are the hardest to overcome. This is why it is important to learn and interpret these philosophies with the utmost clarity, so we can exercise all the tools in our disposal to be effective and successful. Only a true Sensei will be able to equip his students with the tools needed to uphold the philosophies of “Budō” with confidence.
So, how does Budō really apply to real life?
We all go through challenges on a regular basis: personal, professional, technical, adaptive. We view these challenges as daily battles or struggles. Budō encourages you to not only look within, but also look around and remain aware and vigilant. Contemplating and planning your next steps every day, week, month, and year, you learn to be prudent and pro-active. Adopting a meditative state to think and act quickly, and with precision, like a warrior. That is what Budō is about.
Do I think myself to be a warrior?
Absolutely not.
However, it is in the sense of having a warrior mindset, to not be a victim of your inactions; learning to act first, so you don’t have to react. It is about taking ownership of your existence, and being mindful of your responsibilities at work and home, and striving to be the best you can be at every role you play in life: father, son, husband, brother, employee, leader, team-player. And knowing that if any of those aspects within your sphere are threatened, you will fight to your last breath, and only go down kicking, punching, biting, tearing and ripping. Just like a warrior would. In doing so, you will garner a deeper understanding of your limits, identify your weaknesses, and get back to work on improving.
Today, I am an avid practitioner of Kyokushin without a dojo or a Sensei (hopefully that will change someday). Being a part of the “Martial Way” for several years, you acknowledge that Karate cannot survive without Budō.
Sosai Mas Oyama said it best:
“Karate that has discarded Budō has no substance. It is nothing more than a barbaric method of fighting or a promotional tool for the purpose of profit. No matter how popular it becomes, it is meaningless.”
Therefore, without Budō, practitioners of Karate can become very effective bullies. I have previously emphasized that Budō encourages action, but also discourages it if it means compromising your humility and composure.
“To look gentle but to be tough inside is the soul of Kyokushin” (I remember this philosophy from my days of training, but can’t recall if it was part of the Kyokushin Dojo Kun).
The perfect epitome of this philosophy is George St. Pierre, “the nicest violent man you’ll ever meet”. He also happens to be my favorite UFC athlete. A prolific UFC welterweight champion and a living legend in the combat sports world, George St. Pierre began training in a Kyokushin Dojo at age 7 and obtained his 2nd Dan (Black Belt) at age 12. He is still an avid Kyokushin practitioner and follower of Budō.
“There is a difference between a fighter and a martial artist. A fighter is training for a purpose: He has a fight. I'm a martial artist. I don't train for a fight. I train for myself. I'm training all the time. My goal is perfection. But I will never reach perfection.” – George St. Pierre
The appeal of Budō is not merely the enthralling aspect of bare-knuckle kumite; or the die-hard fighting spirit that emanates through every Kyokushin Dojo as karatekas battle-cry “Kiai!” in unison. It is more than that. I practise Budō since it makes me feel rejuvenated, and makes me appreciate life.
It builds character and encourages you to strive for perfection.
I will never stop practising Budō.
It is my lifestyle.
So, what makes you want to improve and take on life with renewed vigor?