#kendopath

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Godogeiko

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Kendo Hyperlapse

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Shuhari - Protect, Digress, Transcend

My Sensei came back for a visit, to observe my teaching and to talk to us for the first time after we have received YonDan. He said he was very proud of our growth and accomplishments.

He gave his advice for continuing the dojo. He mentioned that at Ito Dojo everyone is welcome. There cannot be any limitations to those that want to learn, we must accept and teach anyone wanting to learn - otherwise we cannot be Ito Dojo.

He mentioned that Ito Tsutomu had this motto, and if we were to call ourselves ITO DOJO, we need to educate anyone wanting to learn. We should be a friend to everyone, and remove ourselves from conflicts.

He then mentioned Shuhari.

Shu is to learn the fundamentals, to do as you are told, to obey and follow, to protect the ideas.

Ha is detach from the fundamentals and begin personal growth/path.

Ri is to transcend, leaving the rigid nature in the past and becoming more than what you were taught.

He told us with all of our dojo changes, our promotions and with everything that has occurred, he can now see we are developing HA. He mentioned to us that this was an important stage for our Kendo, as we need to remember our past but not be bound to it.

It is time to develop our own paths.

As I mentioned previously in past posts, I understand now that the development of my Kendo is no longer just a personal pursuit. I need to elevate and support the Kendo Community and help in the education of individuals I interact with.

We find our way, being lead, then leading.

Thinking deeply about this, this is very reason I called this blog -- Kendo Path.