True budo, real budo, is about being your authentic and true self. Those of us studying should keep sharp navigation and avoid repeated mistakes and furthering the mental diseases that prevent us from moving forward.

True budo is focused on proper conduct and mental energy. Real budo is not about feats of strength or displays of parlor tricks. The fastest sword draw is only that. The biggest pectoral muscle and ability to slam people to the mat is only that.

The biggest feat of strength being displayed in the most minuscule way is true budo. Those feats are myriad compared to the singular display of power and tricks. If you build your practice on a foundation of lies, even if you have good intentions, the core is rotten.

This is why real budō is difficult. Using a sword is easy. Learning how to use our minds is the hardest obstacle to overcome.
Real budo is about moving away from the bad mental states and purifying yourself in order to become a more wholesome person. It is not about reaching perfection or being perfect. It is about trying, even a little bit in the proper way each day.

©2019 S.F.Radzikowski

sword instructor shinkan ryu

ラジカスキー真照

館長

Saneteru Radzikowski is the head sword instructor of Shinkan-ryū Kenpō. He lives and teaches Iaijutsu and Kenjutsu from Nara, Japan.

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