International Ryukyu Karate Research Society
My blogs
| Gender | Male |
|---|---|
| Industry | Education |
| Occupation | Enjoying Life |
| Location | Uruma, Okinawa, Japan |
| Links | Audio Clip |
| Introduction | I'm a Canadian-born Aussie who resides in Japan ... On the topic of tradition: I love tradition and believe that it's an essential tool for progression. I am passionate about traditional fighting arts but much prefer functionality over empty ritual. I think Matsuo Bashō summed up tradition nicely when he wrote, "Seek not to [blindly] follow in the footsteps of the men of old but rather continue to seek out what they sought." This timeless concept says so much about keeping tradition alive, rather than blindly adhering to, "exactly how the master did it 75 years ago!" Paraphrasing the wisdom of Jean Janses, "Tradition doesn't mean preserving someone's ashes in a box but rather keeping its flame alight." In the words of George Bernard Shaw, "Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything." |
| Interests | Okinawan Karate, Ryūkyū Kobudō, Japanese Swordsmanship, Historical Research & Writing, etc. |
| Favorite movies | The kind that take you on a journey, compels you to question "things, " think outside the box and make you laugh ... especially at yourself! |
| Favorite music | The kind of music that moves, smooths and inspires you even when you're not feeling well... |
| Favorite books | The kind that teach you things, take you places and bring you in touch with the wonder of being alive... |