07/03/2026
Always be prepared to continue regardless of who comes and goes. Your ability to continue is a test of your deep convictions and personal resolve. Many start but will not stay.
Budô is a solitary path.
“The first twenty years are spent in learning the omote of life (the surface, obvious or "frontal" aspects). These are years for training in the concepts of honor, respect for superiors and parents, guidance of your juniors, diligence and discipline in the training, and the strengths of justice, honesty, and forthrightness. The vast majority of martial arts systems stop at this level.
The second twenty years of your life are then spent in exploring the ura realm (the inner, hidden, not obvious or readily seen aspects), better known as the shadow side of human nature. These are years for training yourself in the ways that honor, respect, and love can be twisted out of shape and used against you, and for looking at realities in which true justice and benevolence are given appearances that confuse the masses who lack the enlightenment of perspective. Weaker souls are quick to label such wisdom as "evil" or "pessimistic".
Do not fear the strength you gain.
The forty years bring you full circle, having taken you through the full realm of human growth and awareness. You begin with the freshness of innocence, gather the stains of worldliness, and return with the wisdom of innocence. You begin empty, fill up along the way, and return empty.”
By 宗家Hatsumi
